Postdoctoral Position in Molecular Biology (ERC-Funded Project)

Università di Pisa, Dipartimento di Biologia; Italia; In loco; EUR 30.000 - 40.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

A leading research university in Italy seeks a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Biology for an ERC-funded project. The successful candidate will work on innovative molecular tools to manipulate neuronal mechanotransduction and will be responsible for developing viral vectors for gene expression in neuronal systems. The ideal applicant will hold a PhD in a relevant field, possess strong skills in DNA cloning, and have at least two years of international research experience. A competitive salary and opportunity for professional growth are offered.

Servizi

Competitive salary

Interdisciplinary research environment

Access to cutting-edge facilities

Competenze

• Candidates under 35 or with less than 5 years since PhD completion are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Mandatory keywords include DNA cloning using viral vectors.
• Highly valued experience in omics approaches and neuroscience.

Mansioni

• Lead and organize project experiments.
• Design and clone genetic constructs.
• Engineer and test neuronal molecular switches.

Conoscenze

DNA cloning using viral vectors

Molecular biology

Synthetic biology

Proficiency in English

Formazione

PhD in Molecular Biology or related field

Descrizione del lavoro

Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Biology (ERC-Funded Project)

2-years full-time Postdoctoral position

Department of Biology, University of Pisa

Supervisor: Prof. Vittoria Raffa

Expected starting date: February 2026

About the Position

The Department of Biology at the University of Pisa invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher to join the multidisciplinary Molecular Biology Research Group led by Prof. Vittoria Raffa.

The successful candidate will work within the ERC Advanced Grant project “Guidance of Axonal Pathfinding via Nano-Switches”, which aims to develop innovative molecular tools to manipulate neuronal mechanotransduction.

About the Lab

The Raffa Lab is the inventor of nano-pulling [1-3], a groundbreaking technology that generates active forces in neurons to promote axon growth and regeneration. Over the past decade, the lab has contributed significantly to uncovering the molecular pathways activated by mechanical forces in neurons, advancing the field of neuronal mechanotransduction.

[1] De Vincentiis et al, V. Extremely Low Forces Induce Extreme Axon Growth (2020) Journal of Neuroscience, 40 (26), pp. 4997-5007.

[2] Falconieri A. et al. Axonal plasticity in response to active forces generated through magnetic nano-pulling (2023) Cell Reports, 42 (1), art. no. 111912.

[3] De Vincentiis et al. Mechanical Forces Guide Axon Growth through the Nigrostriatal Pathway in an Organotypic Model. Adv. Sci. 2025, 2500400. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202500400

Research Area

Applications are invited from outstanding candidates with expertise in molecular biology, biotechnology, and/or synthetic biology, particularly in DNA cloning and the use of viral vectors for mammalian systems.

Research Activity

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow with a strong background in molecular biology, and more specifically in DNA cloning using viral vectors. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design and construction of genetic constructs, as well as for the development of viral vectors to achieve (inducible) expression of recombinant proteins in primary neurons or in neurons derived from progenitor cells.

Within the ERC project, neuronal cells will be engineered to express molecular switches capable of generating localized forces, thereby activating defined mechanotransduction pathways. The postdoctoral fellow will also investigate how these mechanical stimuli influence gene expression, with the ultimate goal of elucidating the molecular mechanisms governing neuronal response to mechanical forces. This project provides a unique opportunity to work at the interface of molecular biology, synthetic biology, and neuroengineering within an interdisciplinary and international environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and organize project experiment
• Design and cloning of genetic constructs
• Expression and validation of recombinant proteins in neuronal systems
• Engineering and functional testing of neuronal molecular switches
• Supervision and mentoring of Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students
• Dissemination and communication of project results (papers, conferences, outreach)
• Preparation of internal and external project reports

Requirements

1. There are no age limits; however, candidates under 35 or with less than 5 years since PhD completion are strongly encouraged to apply.
2. Mandatory keywords for selection: DNA cloning using viral vectors; mammalian cell transduction.
3. Highly valued keywords: synthetic biology; omics approaches (RNA-seq, ChIP); neuroscience.
4. Proficiency in English

Ideal Academic Profile

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related fields from a leading institution
• At least two years of international research experience (during or after PhD)
• Proven record of scientific excellence and publications
• Experience participating in collaborative research projects
• Enthusiasm for mentoring and academic teaching

We Offer

• A stimulating, interdisciplinary, and international research environment
• A network of worldwide collaborators in many countries (Spain, Germany, Japan, USA, etc)
• Access to cutting-edge molecular neuroscience and bioengineering facilities
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Opportunities for professional growth and collaboration within an ERC-funded network