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APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: June 11th, 2025
Job Description
APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: June 11th, 2025
Human Technopole (HT) is an interdisciplinary life science research institute established and supported by the Italian Government. Its mission is to advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying human health and disease, and to drive the development of innovative strategies for improving human well-being.
About The Lab
The Pigino Lab works right at the interface between structural and molecular cell biology, combining the latest methodologies from the respective fields, with a strong emphasis on cryo-electron tomography, cryo-FIB SEM, (cryo-)correlative light and electron tomography (cryo-CLEM), structural proteomics, fluorescence microscopy and 3D image processing. We study the structure and the function of cilia, ubiquitous eukaryotic organelles with fundamental motility, signaling and sensing functions. We study motile and primary cilia from unicellular model organisms such as Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, mammalian cell lines, organoids and tissues from mice and human pancreas, brain and kidney. The Pigino Lab has made significant contributions to our current mechanistic understanding of i) the intraflagellar transport (IFT), the bidirectional transport machinery required for the assembly of all types of cilia, ii) the process of assembly of motile cilia axonemes, iii) the functional role of the tubulin code (tubulin posttranslational modification in motile cilia, and iv) has generated pioneering insights into the molecular organization of mammalian primary cilia.
We are now looking for a Postdoc interested in joining the Lab.
See previous work on the research topics of this call
Cilia structural and functional integrity is sustained by intraflagellar transport (IFT), a bidirectional trafficking system that delivers proteins essential for ciliary maintenance and assembly. However, the molecular mechanisms governing the targeted delivery of ciliary membrane proteins from the Golgi apparatus to the cilium during ciliogenesis remain poorly understood. Despite their importance, the molecular and structural mechanisms guiding this targeted trafficking remain unclear.
This project uses Chlamydomonas reinhardtii—a powerful model for ciliary biology—to dissect how ciliary membrane proteins are transported during ciliogenesis. Focusing on FMG1, a prominent ciliary glycoprotein, the project combines live-cell imaging, proteomics, and cryo-electron tomography to (1) map vesicle trafficking dynamics, (2) identify key protein interactors and co-cargoes, and (3) resolve the structure of transport vesicles.
The successful candidate will join a collaborative, technology-driven environment aiming to uncover fundamental cell biology with broad implications for understanding human ciliopathies.
Related publications from the lab
Lacey S.E., Graziadei A., Pigino G. Extensive structural rearrangement of intraflagellar transport trains underpins bidirectional cargo transport. 2024, Cell 187, 4621–4636 doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2024.06.041
Nievergelt AP, Diener DR, Bogdanova A, Brown T, Pigino G. Efficient precision editing of endogenous Chlamydomonas reinhardtii genes with CRISPR-Cas. Cell Rep Methods. 2023 Aug 22;3(8):100562. doi: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100562. PMID: 37671018; PMCID: PMC10475843.
Hoepfner LM, Nievergelt AP, Martino F, Scholz M, Foster HE, Rodenfels J, von Appen A, Hippler M, Pigino G. Unwrapping the Ciliary Coat: High-Resolution Structure and Function of the Ciliary Glycocalyx. Adv Sci (Weinh). 2025 Apr;12(16):e2413355. doi: 10.1002/advs.202413355. Epub 2025 Mar 5. PMID: 40041987; PMCID: PMC12021028.
Key Tasks And Responsibilities
* Investigate the molecular mechanisms of the trafficking of ciliary membrane proteins to the cilium from the Golgi.
* Establish or develop methods to achieve the research goals.
* Present the results of related scientific work in lab meetings and seminars within the Human Technopole and at international meetings.
* Generate reliable data for publication and record experimental information, data and results in specified forms (electronic notebook provided by HT).
* Contribute to the writing of manuscripts and to the preparation of related material for presentations and paper publications.
* Assist in the training of Master students and PhD students and contribute to the smooth running of the lab activities.
Job Requirements
Essential requirements
* Master’s in biology or related subjects.
* PhD (or submitted PhD thesis) in Biology, Molecular Cell Biology, Structural Biology, or Physical Biology.
* Experience with ciliated/flagellated eukaryotic cells.
* Experience in imaging in fluorescence microscopy (TIRF microscopy, confocal microscopy, single molecule), protein purification, image analysis (Fiji).
* Proficiency in English.
Preferred Requirements
* Experience with sample preparation and image acquisition in (cryo-)electron microscopy (cryo-FIB SEM and cryo-ET).
* Experience with image processing for cryo-ET and subtomogram averaging.
* Experience with coding (MATLAB and/or Python).
* Experience with analysis of proteomic data.
Other Key Competencies
* Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to lead and gain the assistance and cooperation of others in a team endeavour.
* Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment and to work independently.
* Ability to build trust 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.
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 seeksscientific excellence, we recruit the best scientific talents through international, open calls.
Our working environment isinternational,friendlyandinclusive. Our scientistswork together across disciplineson research topics of biomedical relevance,leveraging synergiesbetween their diverse skillsets and methodological approaches.
We believe thathighly diverse teams yield the best and most innovative results.
We engage inoutward-facing scientific activitiesaimed at benefiting the national and internationalresearch 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.
* Mail delivery service.
* Work-life balance provisions.
* Italian language training for foreigners.
* Parental leave up to 1 year and other support for new parents.
* Flexible working hours.
* 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
Contract offered: CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, Fixed-term 4 years - Employee Level
Salary range: up to 40K, depending on the seniority of the candidate.
Tax benefits where applicable.
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 favor 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”.
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Internship
Employment type
* Employment type
Contract
Job function
* Job function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
* Industries
Research Services
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