Study of the interaction between the human Thymidylate Synthase and its mRNA through singlemolecule force spectroscopy experiments

Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research; Italia; On-site; EUR 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Università di Padova – Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia DFA invites applications for a recognised researcher position in physics. The researcher will synthesize molecules, optimize their attachment to polystyrene beads, and perform force spectroscopy experiments using an optical tweezers setup in a rigorous laboratory environment.

Data analysis will be conducted with MATLAB or Python, and candidates will be evaluated on their degree(s), publications, and performance in interviews as

Qualifications

• Qualifications include degree, PhD, specialization diploma, or post-graduate certificates (Italy or abroad).
• Scientific-professional curriculum with documented research activity.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize the molecules under investigation and optimize their attachment to polystyrene beads.
• Use optical tweezers to manipulate RNA/protein molecules.
• Carry out in-equilibrium and out-of-equilibrium force spectroscopy experiments.
• Adjust saline buffer properties for experiments.
• Analyze experimental data with MATLAB or Python.

Education

Degree/PhD/ specialization diploma

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Organisation/Company Università di Padova - Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia DFA Research Field Physics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Leading Researcher (R4) First Stage Researcher (R1) Established Researcher (R3) Application Deadline 18 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Italy Type of Contract To be defined Job Status Not Applicable Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The researcher will be responsible for: synthesizing the molecules under investigation and optimizing their attachment to the surface of micrometer-sized polystyrene beads; using an optical tweezers instrument to optically manipulate individual RNA/protein molecules; realization of in-equilibrium and out-of-equilibrium force spectroscopy experiments; adjusting the physicochemical properties of the saline buffers used in the experiments; and analyzing experimental data using programs developed in MATLAB or Python

- for qualifications 20 points: degree, PhD, specialization diploma, certificates of attendance of post-graduate specialisation courses (obtained in Italy or abroad);
- for the scientific-professional curriculum 30 points: documented research activity carried out at public and private entities with contracts, scholarships or assignments (both in Italy and abroad) relevant to the research activity subject of the announcement;
- for scientific productivity 10 points: quantity and quality of scientific publications, including master's or single-cycle master's or doctoral theses;
- for the interview 40 points.

• Italy

Eligibility of fellows: country/ies of residence:

• International

Eligibility of fellows: nationality/ies:

• International

Selection process

The selection is carried out through the comparative evaluation of qualifications, scientific-professional curriculum, scientific productivity by a Selection Committee appointed by the Director of the structure. The Selection Committee shall be composed of three effective members, including the Scientific Supervisor and/or the Tutor, and at least one substitute member.