Job ID: 100685

Postdoc – Testa Group – EU project R2D2-MH

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 10 February 2023

City: Milan

Country: Italy

Institution: Human Technopole

Department: Centre for Neurogenomics

Description:

Human Technopole (HT) is a new 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 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.
The laboratory of Prof. Giuseppe Testa at the Human Technopole (HT) in Milan is looking
for a Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to the new EU project Risk, Resilience and
Developmental Diversity in Mental Health (R2D2-MH, link).
The Testa lab at Human Technopole is a vibrant, interdisciplinary research community
spearheading stem cell modelling to study the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying brain
diseases across both genetic and environmental causes (Villa et al. Cell Reports, 2022; Caporale et
al. Science, 2022; Adamo et al. Nature Genetics, 2015; Mihailovich et al. bioRxiv, 2022; Lopez-
Tobon et al. bioRxiv, 2022). At the forefront of human experimental modelling, especially brain
organoid technology, the group has been contributing to standard setting benchmarks of the
field (Germain et al. Stem Cell Reports, 2017; Pasca et al. Nature, 2022, Lopez-Tobon et al. Stem
Cell Reports, 2019; Cheroni et al. Translational Psychiatry in press, 2022), straddling multiple
scales of analysis from single cell multi-omics to functional profiling and in vivo validation.
The successful candidate will be part of the R2D2-MH project, a newly established major
interdisciplinary research network focusing on resilience factors in mental health (from biology to
psychological and societal factors) in individuals with similar genetic risk but divergent clinical
outcomes. Harnessing the power of uniquely informative genome-deep phenotype matched
cohorts of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Intellectual Disability, they will lead research activities
that integrate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived, brain organoids, single cell multiomics
profiling, CRISPR genome editing, and advanced imaging. The overarching aim is to define
personalized trajectories of individual neurodevelopmental vulnerability at molecular resolution
for simproving stratification of individuals based on risk and/or resiliency factors and discovering
tailored preventive and therapeutic approaches. The candidate will also benefit from the
collaboration with a diverse group of experts from the network partner institutions, and will
harness the state-of-the-art facilities of Human Technopole (Automated Stem Cell and Organoid,
Genomics, Light Imaging and Flow Cytometry), and Scientific Support Units (Software
Development and Data Curation, Cell Reference Brain Atlas, Tissue Processing, Advanced Cell
Culture and Electrophysiology).
Finally, the successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating the computational analysis
of the complex datasets produced in the R2D2-MH consortium, performing analysis and/or
closely collaborating with the bioinformaticians from the Testa lab and partners, with the aim of
integrating molecular and clinical phenotyping to discover risk and resiliency factors in
neurodevelopmental disorders.

Job requirements
We are looking for a passionate scientist, eager to apply their critical thinking and creativity to
make the difference for one of the most unmet emerging medical needs of our times.
Essential requirements:
• PhD or MD in a relevant subject area (neuroscience, developmental neurobiology,
biochemistry, cell biology, stem cell biology, or related fields).
• Fluency in English – HT is an international research institute.
Relevant skills:
• Profound knowledge and research experience in the fields of human molecular
neurobiology, neuroimmunology, disease modelling with human stem cells and
neuronal experimental models.
• Advanced cell culture experience with human pluripotent stem cell lines and neuronal
differentiation, including brain organoids and/or primary neural cell cultures.
• Solid expertise in gene/epigene editing perturbation approaches.
• Experience in tissue processing and histology.
• Experience in closely collaborating with data scientists and bioinformaticians, ability
to perform basic data analysis/programming to be considered as a plus.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment and to work
independently.
• Proven strong interpersonal skills, ability to lead and gain the assistance and
cooperation of others in a team endeavour.
• Ability to build a trusted work environment through operating with transparency and
creating an open and positive environment.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment, with sensitivity and
respect for diversity.
Special consideration will be given to candidates who are part of the protected categories list,
according to L. 68/99.

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.
For any informal inquiry about the position, please feel free to contact Giuseppe Testa
at giuseppe.testa@humantechnopole1.recruitee.com (this email address should not be used to
send applications)

Additional information
HT offers a highly collaborative, international culture to foster top quality, interdisciplinary
research by promoting a vibrant environment consisting of independent research groups with
access to outstanding graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and core facilities.
HT is an inclusive employer that fosters diversity and engages systematically to ensure that equal
employment opportunities are provided without regard to age, race, creed, religion, sex,
disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic
origin or any other legally recognized status entitled to protection under applicable laws.
HT offers attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to a leading, internationally competitive,
research organization that promotes a collegial and open atmosphere.
Number of positions offered: 1
Contract offered: CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, Employee level, fixed-term