Postdoc in Protein Biochemistry, Zerial Group

Job description :

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE : October 19th, 2025

Human Technopole (HT) is an interdisciplinary research institute in Milan (Italy) created and supported by the Italian government to develop innovative strategies to promote human health. HT adopts a multidisciplinary and integrated approach combining genomics, computational and structural biology, neuroscience, and data and decision sciences.

The Human Technopole Foundation is looking for one postdoctoral fellow with a solid background in protein biochemistry to work in the group of Prof. Marino Zerial.

The Zerial Group studies the molecular mechanisms of cell and tissue organisation. Its interests range from the assembly and functional characterisation of the endosomal fusion machinery to establishing hepatocyte cell polarity and liver tissue structure and function. The Group uses a unique interdisciplinary approach combining biochemical and biophysical methods with advanced light microscopy, cell biology and computer-aided three-dimensional tissue reconstruction.

The Group requires a highly motivated and creative individual with a solid interest and background in protein biochemistry with an emphasis on advanced imaging techniques and processing.

The candidate will work on an interdisciplinary project to investigate protein compartmentalisation on the endosomal membrane using in vitro and in vivo techniques. These studies will provide crucial information on the structure-function relationship of endosomal proteins.

Job Requirements

The candidate should be able to interact with members of an interdisciplinary team of cell biologists, biochemists, computer scientists and clinicians, work in a competitive international environment and possess excellent communication and data presentation skills.

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Investigate protein compartmentalisation on the endosomal membrane using in vitro and in vivo techniques.
• Protein purification from different sources.
• Design and execution of biochemical and in vitro reconstitution assays.
• Generate reliable data for publication and record all data and results in specified forms (paper and electronic).
• Contribute to the writing of project-related scientific papers.
• Assist in the training of PhD students and contribute to the smooth running of the lab.

Mandatory requirements

• A PhD in fields related to Biology, Biophysics, Physics, or similar.
• Documented experience in protein expression, purification and characterisation.
• Previous knowledge of molecular biology techniques.
• Proven experience in designing and executing biochemical and in vitro reconstitution assays.
• At least one first-author publication in a scholarly journal in a field relevant to this application.
• Fluency in English.

Preferred requirements

• Background in membrane biology, endocytosis and cell trafficking, structural biology or biophysics;
• Previous experience in imaging techniques.

Organisational and social skills

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build trust by operating transparently and creating an open and positive environment.
• Excellent communication skills and self-motivation.

Application Instructions

• A CV.
• A motivation letter (max two pages) in English relating your track record to the specifics of the call.
• Names and contacts of two referees.

Why Human Technopole

HT seeks scientific excellence. We recruit the best scientific talents through international open calls.

Our working environment is international, friendly and inclusive. Our scientists work together across disciplines on research topics of biomedical relevance, leveraging synergies between their diverse skill sets and methodological approaches.

We believe that highly diverse teams yield the best and most innovative results.

We engage in outward-facing scientific activities for the national and international research 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 plan.
• Mail delivery service.
• Work-life balance provisions.
• Italian language training for foreigners.
• Parental leave for up to one year and other support for new parents.
• Flexible working hours.
• Relocation support.

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 list of protected categories, according to L.

Number of positions offered : 1

Contract offered: CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, Fixed-term, four years - employee level.

The position is based inMilan

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.