Senior Technologist Electron Microscopy

Humanitas Research is a world-famous center of excellence for research and treatment of immune system-related diseases, from cancer to cardiovascular diseases and autoimmune diseases. In 2005, ICH has been acknowledged by the Italian Ministry of Health as a Clinical Institute for Care and Scientific Research (IRCCS). ICH is recognized for its research and management model. It is member of the European Network of Immunology Institutes. Being a clinical research hospital, the research activity is based on a strong collaboration between clinicians and researchers. A PhD program, accordant to the highest international standards, is active and provide daily laboratory research practice, together with courses on different disciplines. Scientific research is also integrated with the educational and training activity of the Humanitas University, an international university dedicated to the life sciences.

mIIu provides access to state-of-the-art light microscopes for scientists within and outside the institute. The facility is in charge for set up and maintenance of instrumentation and training, development of methods and protocols and in vivo experimental models for confocal and IVM analysis. mIIu has an independent research program. The personnel of the facility are involved in scientific (external and internal) collaborations for the development of optical microscopy-based applications for biomedical research. mIIu comprises a wide range of microscopes, including wide field fluorescence microscopes, confocal microscopes also equipped with STED and FLIM/FCS modes, multiphoton microscopes, in vivo optical imaging instruments for luminescence and fluorescence tomography, and systems for high-multiplex imaging on tissues. High-capacity network of digital workstations is available for data processing and image analysis (https://www.humanitas-research.org/facility/advanced-optical-microscopy/). The experience accumulated in the context of super-resolution optical microscopy analysis constitutes the new starting point and major prerequisite for growth and technological investment in the new Innovation Building being built in the Humanitas University campus. From near-molecular super-resolution the new challenge will be to move beyond the nanoscale and toward the study of molecular localization and structure in the physiological context by acquiring Correlative Light Cryo Electron Microscopy (CLEM) technology. CLEM core facility will include a workflow composed by LSM 900 with Airyscan 2, ZEISS; High Pressure Freezing, CryoCapCell; CryoFIB-SEM (Crossbeam) XB 550, ZEISS; GeminiSEM 360, ZEISS.

Senior Technologist, Electron Microscopy

The person filling this position will:

• maintain daily instruments.
• Develop new hardware and experimental pipelines
• provide design support for experiments.
• provide sample preparation and acquisition service or assistance.
• train and support user.

Job requirements

Mandatory

The suitable candidate is expected to have proven experience in sample preparation for biological electron microscopy including freeze substitution, resin embedding, high-pressure freezing, negative staining. A minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in EM is required as well as basic knowledge of ultra-structures found in cells, tissues, bacteria, and viruses. Wet-lab expertise in cell biology techniques.

Preferential

Experience in cryoEM techniques. Basic experience with workshop tools. Basic experience with scripting languages (python/bash/R) or with using the command line.

Division: Research/ mIIu:

Starting date: January 2024.

Duration: fixed-term contract of one year

Status: Regular Full Time.

For further information, please contact: andrea.doni@humanitasresearch.it or imaging@humanitasresearch.it.

Interested individuals should send their CV, a statement of interest and their references from previous positions electronically to: imaging@humanitasresearch.it

Why Humanitas

Humanitas Research Hospital is a highly-specialized research and university hospital, the first in Italy to be certified for its excellence by the Joint Commission International as Academic Hospital. It hosts the residency and PhD programs of Humanitas University, a life science university that stands out for its real-world simulation-based approach to medical training and its international outlook, and a state-of-the-art translational research center.

In two dedicated buildings, at 5 minutes’ walk from the hospital wards and at close proximity with Humanitas University teaching facilities, 10.000 square meters of high-tech laboratories host more than 400 passionate researchers – physician scientists, biologists, physicists, data scientists and technologists – that work with a common mission: advancing science to make a difference in patients’ life. Humanitas research is guided by unmet clinical needs and it leverages high-end technologies to dissect the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying human pathologies in fields ranging from cardiovascularmedicine to neuroscience, from immunology to cancer and microbiology, with the final goal of developing new therapies and new diagnostic and prognostic strategies.