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 Centres: Neurogenomics, Computational Biology, Structural Biology, Genomics, and Health Data Science. The Centres work together to enable interdisciplinary research and to create an open, collaborative environment that will help promote life science research both nationally and internationally.
The Giustacchini group , based within the Population and Medical Genomics Centre at Human Technopole (HT), is searching for a postdoctoral fellow to investigate the molecular mechanisms of leukemogenesis in paediatric age.
This project focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular pathways driving leukemic transformation during haematopoietic development.
The successful candidate will use in vitro differentiation systems (ESC/iPSC) to model normal and malignant haematopoiesis, exploring how developmental cues intersect with genetic lesions to initiate leukaemia. Key methodologies will include CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, high-end flow cytometry, and single-cell multiomics, aiming to identify critical factors driving leukaemia initiation and progression in paediatric contexts.
The research will provide insights into the mechanisms underlying paediatric leukaemia and contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
The successful candidate will work closely with a dynamic team of researchers and computational biologists within the Population and Medical Genomics Centre. Clinical collaborations with teams at UCL and Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù will ensure translational relevance. The role will also benefit from access to HT’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the National Facilities for Genome Engineering and Disease Modelling, Genomics and Light Imaging.
Key tasks and responsibilities:
Apply ESC/iPSC differentiation protocols and perturbation screenings to model leukemogenesis.
Use CRISPR/Cas9-based genetic engineering to introduce and study the effects of leukaemia-associated mutations on hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell function.
Conduct high-end flow cytometry for immunophenotyping, cell sorting, and functional characterization of hematopoietic and leukemic cell populations.
Perform functional assays and integrate data from single-cell multiomics technologies to uncover molecular and cellular mechanisms of leukemic transformation.
Collaborate with computational scientists to analyse high-dimensional data and generate mechanistic insights.
Maintain accurate records of experimental results and actively contribute to manuscript preparation, publications, and presentations at international conferences.
Participate in lab discussions, mentor junior team members, and contribute to collaborative projects.
Essential requirements:
- PhD in stem cell biology, haematology, molecular biology, or related disciplines.
- Extensive experience in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell biology and developmental haematopoiesis.
- Proficiency in molecular biology
- Expertise in CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing and molecular biology techniques.
- Hands-on experience with high-end flow cytometry for immunophenotyping and cell sorting.
- Fluency in English, with strong verbal and written communication skills.
Preferential requirements:
- Familiarity with single-cell multiomics technologies and analysis pipelines.
- Experience with 3D culture systems or organoid models to replicate hematopoietic microenvironments.
- Knowledge of clonal tracking methods to study cell fate and leukemic evolution.
Organizational and social skills
- Deep scientific curiosity and a commitment to understanding the mechanisms underlying leukemogenesis.
- Strong collaborative and communication skills, with the ability to contribute effectively to a multidisciplinary team.
- Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Proven ability to design and conduct complex experiments with a focus on reproducibility and scientific rigor.
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.
Canteen service.
Work-life balance provisions.
Italian language training for foreigners.
Parental leave up to 1 year and other support for new parents.
Counselling.
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
Salary: 40k euros
Contract offered: CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, Fixed-term 4 years - employee level.
The position is based in Milan.
The Foundation reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to extend, suspend, modify, revoke, or cancel this job posting without giving rise to any rights or claims whatsoever in favour of the candidates; the Foundation reserves, however, the right not to proceed with the awarding of the above-described assignment due to the effect of supervening regulatory provisions and/or obstructive circumstances.