APPLICATION CLOSING DATE:  2 December 2025

Human Technopole (HT) is an interdisciplinary life science research institute, created and supported by the Italian Government, with the aim of developing innovative strategies to improve human health. HT is composed of five Centers: Neurogenomics, Computational Biology, Structural Biology, Genomics, and Health Data Science. The Centers work together to enable interdisciplinary research and to create an open, collaborative environment that will help promote life science research both nationally and internationally.

About the lab

The Pigino Lab works right at the interface between structural and molecular cell biology, combining the latest methodologies from the respective fields, but always with a strong emphasis on cryo-electron microscopy, correlative light and electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and 3D image processing. We study the structure the function and the assembly process of cilia, ubiquitous eukaryotic organelles with fundamental motility, signalling and sensing functions. We study motile and primary cilia structure, composition, function and disfunction in disease. We use a variety of model systems, from unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to mammalian cell lines, organoids and tissues from ciliated organs.

See previous work on the research topics of this call

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher, reporting to Gaia Pigino, to join our multidisciplinary team studying the structural and molecular mechanisms of primary cilia specialization in health and disease. The successful candidate will contribute to projects investigating cilia diversity, signaling, and dysfunction in ciliopathies, using state-of-the-art cellular and molecular tools.

Our lab has recently characterized the ultrastructural organization and cellular connectivity of primary cilia in pancreatic β cells, revealing their deep embedding within ciliary pockets, extensive interactions with neighboring endocrine and endothelial cells, and the formation of axo-ciliary synapses with cholinergic nerve fibers (Müller et al., Nat. Commun., 2024). Building on this work, the proposed postdoctoral project will investigate the structure (by cryo-electron tomography), molecular composition (by spatial proteomics), and functional specialization of primary cilia across the different pancreatic cell types — including β cells — to elucidate how ciliary diversity supports organ function and signaling integration.

Müller, A., Klena, N., Pang, S. et al. Structure, interaction and nervous connectivity of beta cell primary cilia. Nat Commun 15, 9168 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-53348-5

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Develop and apply advanced cellular, molecular and structural biology techniques to study ciliary structure and function.
• Work with organoid systems and complex tissue models to explore cilia-related pathophysiology.
• Optimize or develop methods/protocols to achieve the project goals.
• Design and perform experiments integrating imaging, omics, and genetic perturbations (e.g., CRISPR, siRNA).
• Collaborate within a highly interdisciplinary consortium combining structural, proteomic, and functional approaches.
• Contribute to data analysis, manuscript preparation, and mentoring of junior researchers.
• Generate, document, and analyze high-quality experimental data for publications and grants.
• Contribute to scientific dissemination through papers, figures, and conference presentations.
• Mentor students and junior staff, providing internal training and technical guidance.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external experts to share knowledge and support project development.
• Design and manage research plans and experiments in coordination with Group Leaders and colleagues.

Job requirements

• A strong interest in and knowledge of in cilia biology and ciliopathies.
• Previous research experience on primary cilia and ciliopathies.
• PhD (or near completion) in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field.
• Proven experience with cell culture systems, ideally 3D organoids or stem-cell–derived models.

Preferred requirements

• Experience with retinal or epithelial models, or other ciliated cell systems.
• Familiarity with advanced imaging (confocal, expansion, or electron microscopy).

Organisational and social skills

• Mentoring capabilities.
• Strong technical expertise in facility operations and IT integration.
• Excellent organizational and strategic planning skills.
• Outstanding communication and networking abilities.

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, high motivation, and scientific rigor.
• Ability to work independently while integrating in collaborative research projects.

Application Instructions

To apply, please send the following:

• a CV.
• a motivation letter in English relating your track record to the specifics of the call.
• names and contacts of 2 referees.

Why Human Technopole

HT seeks scientific excellence, we recruit the best scientific talents through international, open calls.

Our working environment is international, friendly and inclusive. Our scientists work together across disciplines on research topics of biomedical relevance, leveraging synergies between their diverse skillsets and methodological approaches.

We believe that highly diverse teams yield the best and most innovative results.

We engage in outward-facing scientific activities aimed at benefiting the national and international research community. Training is also at the heart of our activity, with initiatives and opportunities for our staff, including scientific courses, conferences and workshops.

Main benefits

• Welfare plans.
• Meal delivery service.
• Work-life balance provisions.
• Italian language training for foreigners.
• Parental leave up to 1 year and other support for new parents.
• Flexible working hours.
• Remote working policy.
• Support for relocation.
• Researchers coming to Italy for the first time, or returning after residing abroad, benefit from very attractive income tax benefits.

Special consideration will be given to candidates who are part of the protected categories list, according to L. 68/99.

Number of positions offered: 1

Contract offered: CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, Fixed-term 4 years - employee Level
Tax benefits where applicable.

The position is based in Milan.