Postdoc | Human Technopole, Milan

Build the science that shapes the future of human health.

Application closing date: 28.02.2026

Join a place where ambitious science thrives

Human Technopole (Milan) is a rapidly expanding life science institute where international researchers and cutting-edge technologies converge to accelerate biomedical discovery. Our mission is to transform bold scientific ideas into advances that improve human health.

Within this mission, the Erdmann Group is part of the Structural Biology Center and develops next-generation cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) sample preparation workflows, with a strong emphasis on automation and reproducibility for biologically and medically relevant samples tissue samples and organoids. As part of our Scientific AI Flagship Research Program (FRP), we are seeking an ambitious Postdoctoral Researcher to develop automated cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) lift-out workflows based on SOLIST, in close collaboration with DELMIC, who are developing the next generation correlative plasma FIB instrumentation optimized for biological cryo-ET.

This position is software- and automation-driven, with direct interaction with advanced hardware and real experimental systems.

Your mission

You will design, implement, and validate automation strategies for cryo-FIB lift-out, with the goal of transforming expert-only procedures into robust, programmable, and reproducible workflows.

Specifically, you will:

• Develop software and control frameworks for automated SOLIST cryo-FIB lift-out
• Implement adaptive, feedback-driven workflows to improve robustness and throughput
• Interface automation software with advanced in-situ cryo-fluorescence and next-generation lift-out hardware developed by DELMIC
• Independently run cryo-FIB experiments to test, benchmark, and stress-test automation on real cryogenic samples
• Collaborate with other FRP members, microscopists, engineers, and biologists within the Structural Biology Center and beyond
• Contribute to scientific publications, technical documentation, and reusable software tools, and where appropriate to grant proposals and training activities

Grow your skills

• You will enhance your scientific and professional skills by working with:
• State-of-the-art cryo-FIB and cryo-EM infrastructure
• Pre-commercial and prototype lift-out instrumentation
• Advanced instrument control, automation, and scientific software development
• An interdisciplinary research environment spanning physics, engineering, and life sciences
• Industrial partners at the forefront of microscopy innovation

Human Technopole supports career development through training, mentoring, and dedicated learning opportunities.

What you'll bring

Essential

• PhD in physics, engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, materials science, or a closely related field (or to be obtained within the next 4 months)

• Strong programming skills (e.g. Python, C++, or similar)
• Experience with automation, robotics, instrument control, or complex experimental systems

• Knowledge of machine learning /machine vision principles

• Fluency in spoken and written English

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment

Preferred

• Wet lab experience
• Understanding of structural biology principles

• Experience with cryo-FIB/SEM, FIB/SEM automation, or advanced microscopy instrumentation

• Familiarity with hardware control APIs, real-time control, or scripting for scientific instruments
• Experience with computer vision or image-based feedback

Organisational and social skills

• Ability to independently design and execute experiments to validate software and workflows

At HT, your discoveries contribute to a global effort to improve human health.

Why Human Technopole

HT offers an international and dynamic workplace, competitive welfare provisions, flexible working policies and relocation support. Researchers moving to Italy may benefit from attractive tax benefits. We promote work–life balance and provide parental support initiatives.

How to apply

Submit:
• CV

• Motivation letter (English)

• Contact details of two referees

This is a 3-yeart contract offered under CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, Level B2

Salary: up to € 40K depending on the candidate’ seniority.

The position is based in Milan, Italy, within our vibrant international campus.

We strongly encourage applications from candidates belonging to protected categories (L. 68/99).