Bozen/Bolzano
Institute for Biomedicine
Eurac Research offers a one-year postdoctoral position to study neuroinflammation in human neurodegeneration through iPSC-derived neuronal systems and cutting-edge 3D technologies.
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.
Project Overview:
Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) represent a growing challenge to global health. A key driver of their progression is neuroinflammation, a complex process involving dynamic interactions between neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. Current in vitro and animal models fall short in capturing the human-specific mechanisms at play.
This postdoctoral project aims to develop and apply advanced 3D brain organoid models to study neuroinflammation and its contribution to neurodegenerative disease progression. The project integrates cutting-edge stem cell technologies, functional electrophysiology, high-content imaging, and microfluidics to build physiologically relevant human brain models.

Tasks:

• Generate and characterize brain organoids from hIPSC lines, capable of differentiating into neurons, astrocytes, and microglia.
• Investigate neuron-microglia interactions under inflammatory stress, focusing on phenotypes such as protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and altered electrophysiology.
• Utilize microfluidic systems and multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) for real-time functional analysis.
• Apply automated high-content confocal imaging to assess structural changes in 3D cultures.
• Contribute to the establishment of a robust, scalable in vitro model for phenotypic screening and preclinical validation.

Requirements:

Essential qualifications:

• PhD in neuroscience, stem cell biology, biomedical engineering, or related disciplines.
• Strong background in neuroinflammation or neurodegenerative disease models.
• Solid experience in iPSC culture and differentiation, preferably into neuronal and glial lineages.
• Proven track record working with 3D brain organoid or assembloid systems.
• Hands-on experience with multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) or other electrophysiological techniques.
• Strong skills in confocal and/or high-content imaging analysis.

• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques (qPCR, immunostaining, RNA extraction).

  Desirable:

• Experience with disease modeling based on patient-derived cells.

• Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.

We offer:

• A stimulating interdisciplinary environment at the interface of neuroscience, bioengineering, and translational research.
• Access to cutting-edge technologies (automated high-content imaging, electrophysiology, microfluidics).
• Opportunities for collaboration with clinical and industrial partners.
• Support for career development.
• Salary proportional to experience.

How to apply:
Interested candidates should submit their application (CV, cover letter and further relevant documents) by 22.05.2025.
Company: Eurac Research
Location: Bozen/Bolzano
Contact person: Paolo Cesare
E-mail address: paolo.cesare@eurac.edu

• Generate and characterize brain organoids from hIPSC lines, capable of differentiating into neurons, astrocytes, and microglia.
• Investigate neuron-microglia interactions under inflammatory stress, focusing on phenotypes such as protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and altered electrophysiology.
• Utilize microfluidic systems and multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) for real-time functional analysis.
• Apply automated high-content confocal imaging to assess structural changes in 3D cultures.
• Contribute to the establishment of a robust, scalable in vitro model for phenotypic screening and preclinical validation