Postdoc (Molecular Cell Biology)

TL;DR

Postdoc (Molecular Cell Biology): Identify the molecular and cellular mechanisms of liver pathophysiology using liver tissue, primary cells, advanced imaging, and perturbation approaches with an accent on hepatocyte polarity, endosomal fusion, and tissue organization. Focus on conducting spatiotemporal analyses of organelle markers with advanced microscopy, performing proteomics/lipidomics on primary cells and tissue, and testing candidate genes in vivo via genetic perturbations.

Location: The position is based in Milan, Italy, within the international campus. Relocation support available for researchers moving to Italy.

Salary: Up to €43,000 depending on candidate seniority (4-year contract).

Company

Rapidly expanding life science institute in Milan where international researchers and cutting-edge technologies converge to accelerate biomedical discovery focused on human health.

What you will do

• Conduct systematic spatiotemporal analyses of organelle markers in developing, adult, and regenerating mouse liver using advanced microscopy (fixed tissue and intra-vital).
• Perform proteomics and lipidomics analyses of primary cells and liver tissue to identify regulators of hepatocyte polarity.
• Test candidate genes regulating liver tissue organization and function in vivo.
• Apply genetic perturbations including RNAi silencing, lentivirus delivery, and CRISPR/Cas genome editing.
• Generate mutant lines, perform functional characterization, phenotypic analyses, and pharmacological perturbations.
• Generate publication-ready data, contribute to scientific papers, and assist in training PhD students.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, or closely related biomedical discipline (must be obtained within 6 months of application).
• Research experience in molecular and cellular mechanisms in physiologically relevant systems.
• Experience in advanced microscopy and image analysis, ideally tissue-based.
• Experience in mammalian cell culture, including primary cell isolation and complex models.
• Experience in genetic perturbation approaches (gene editing, silencing, overexpression).
• At least one first-author publication in a relevant peer-reviewed journal.
• Fluency in English.

Nice to have

• Background in membrane biology, endocytosis, and cell trafficking.
• Experience in proteomics.

Culture & Benefits

• International and dynamic workplace with interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Competitive welfare provisions, flexible working policies, and work-life balance promotion.
• Parental support initiatives and attractive tax benefits for researchers moving to Italy.
• Career development through training, mentoring, networking, leadership opportunities, and scientific communication.

Hiring process

• Submit CV, motivation letter (max 2 pages in English), and contacts of two referees.
• Application closing date: 23.04.2026.