Ricercatore/Ricercatrice Post-Doc in modelli neuronali umani innovativi der

at  Eurac Research

Bozen/Bolzano
Institute for Biomedicine
Eurac Research offers 2 post-doctoral positions in iPSC-derived human neuronal disease modelling and development of high-throughput molecular assays. The researchers will work within the CELLMED project, which has recently been funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
The Institute for Biomedicine, located at Bolzano’s NOI Techpark, is a key component of Eurac Research, dedicated to improving health through precision prevention research. This interdisciplinary effort seeks to predict, slow or preempt illness progression by understanding genetic, biological, environmental, and lifestyle factors. With a focus on neurological, cardiovascular, and metabolic health, the team employs state-of-the-art labs and innovative management to span the full translational research cycle, from data generation to functional characterisation of molecular disease mechanisms, with the aim of translating research findings into clinical and industrial applications.
The laboratory uses induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to model neurological and cardiac diseases. Building on this approach, we are expanding our focus to include advanced neuronal 3D cultures and organ-on-chip systems and to develop assays that support high-throughput screening and drug discovery efforts. In this context, we are looking for two researchers with proven experience in iPSC technologies for neuronal applications to support the generation and use of advanced cellular model systems and assay development. The researcher will contribute to the creation of an iPSC-derived platform of nervous system models for Parkinson’s disease research, which can partially reduce the need for animal experiments and can be used for screening efforts in collaboration with academic and industrial partners.

Tasks:

• Establishment and characterization of human iPSC-derived cell models including 3D cultures and organoids for neurological diseases
• Cell-culture, biochemical, molecular, and functional assays
• Confocal imaging
• Data analysis, statistics, and interpretation
• Supervision of students
• Preparation of presentations, manuscripts and grant writing

Requirements:

• PhD in neuronal cell biology / physiology or related disciplines with proven experience in neurobiological research
• Experience deriving iPSCs and reprogramming to central / peripheral neurons
• Experience using cellular 3D systems, including organoids or organ-on-chip is an advantage
• Experience in RNA and protein expression analysis, end point functional assays
• Experience in confocal microscopy
• Experience in assessment of mitochondrial function is also an advantage
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Proven track record in publication and in scientific outreach

We offer:

• An innovative and multidisciplinary research environment
• A three-year contract
• Salary proportional to experience

How to apply:
Interested candidates should submit their application (CV, cover letter and further relevant documents) by 15 November 2024.
The CELLMED project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, program „EFRE 2021-2027“, project ID EFRE1061. CUP: D53C24002520009.
Company: Eurac Research
Location: Bozen/Bolzano
Contact person: Irene Pichler
E-mail address: irene.pichler@eurac.edu

• Establishment and characterization of human iPSC-derived cell models including 3D cultures and organoids for neurological diseases
• Cell-culture, biochemical, molecular, and functional assays
• Confocal imaging
• Data analysis, statistics, and interpretation
• Supervision of students
• Preparation of presentations, manuscripts and grant writin