Junior Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Translational Microbiology

Contract duration: 24 months
Starting date: April 2026
Funding: FRRB Project

Position description

Humanitas University and Humanitas Research Hospital (IRCCS) invite applications for a Junior Postdoctoral Research Fellow in translational microbiology.

The position will be hosted within the newly established Microbial Systems & Human Interfaces (MSHI) Laboratory at Humanitas, led by Dr. Sara Carloni.
The MSHI Lab focuses on how bacterial systems program human biology through microbial signaling, with a specific emphasis on bacterial extracellular vesicles (bEVs) and other microbial effectors acting at human barrier interfaces.

The position is primarily funded by an FRRB project investigating the role of bacterial extracellular vesicles in device-associated infections, with particular attention to biofilm organization and host–microbe interaction. The selected candidate will also have the opportunity to contribute to additional ongoing projects of the laboratory.

Main activities

• Experimental research on bacterial extracellular vesicles and biofilm-associated infections
• In vitro and ex vivo models relevant to infection biology
• Interaction with clinicians and access to Humanitas clinical and research infrastructures
• Contribution to data analysis, interpretation, and manuscript preparation

Candidate profile

• PhD in Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences, or related disciplines
• Strong interest in experimental and translational microbiology
• Motivation to grow scientifically within a multidisciplinary research environment
• Previous experience in microbiology, host–pathogen interaction, or infection models is considered an advantage but is not mandatory

What we offer

• 24-month postdoctoral contract in a leading international research hospital
• Structured mentoring within a newly established research laboratory
• Access to advanced infrastructures and clinical cohorts
• Opportunities for scientific training, publications, and career development

Application:
Interested candidates should submit a CV and a short motivation letter.

All candidate data collected from the application shall be processed in accordance with applicable law: Dlgs 198/2006 e dei Dlgs 215/2003 e 216/2003;  privacy ex artt. 13 e 14 del Reg. UE 2016/679.