Research Technician

About this position

The Boskovic group at the Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit at EMBL Rome, Italy, is looking for a Research Technician who will participate in epigenetics research as part of an interdisciplinary team of young scientists working within a highly collaborative international environment. The Boskovic group uses both experimental and computational approaches to study how early embryonic gene expression patterns and developmental trajectories are influenced by inherited epigenetic information and the environment, with important ramifications for the animal’s health and fitness. Our experimental methodological toolkit includes, but is not limited to, single-cell genomics (scRNA-seq, uliCut&Run), assisted reproductive technologies and embryo microinjections, light microscopy, ES cell manipulations and advanced data analysis.

Your role

The person appointed will directly take part in various experiments in developmental biology and epigenetics to meet the research goals of the laboratory.

Depending on his/her interests and qualifications, the major tasks will include:

• Embryology (IVF, isolation of mouse embryos, microinjections and survival surgeries).
• Tissue culture experiments (transfection/transduction, generating cell lines, FACS sorting).
• Molecular biology (nucleic acid and protein isolation, molecular cloning, qRT-PCR, RNA-seq, WB).
• Fluorescence microscopy (immunofluorescence, image data processing).

In addition, he/she will share responsibilities for general laboratory organization, maintenance of laboratory supplies and equipment, and provide general support for group members throughout their scientific projects.

You have

• Bachelor degree or equivalent (or higher) in Molecular Biology (or related subjects).
• Broad knowledge and strong interest in Epigenetics and/or Developmental biology.
• Hands-on experience in handling and working with laboratory animals (such as IP and SC injections, ear-tagging, tissue harvesting).
• Willingness to learn new skills as projects require with a high level of intellectual creativity, persistence, and dedication to support ongoing research efforts.
• Excellent manual dexterity and organizational skills including ability to maintain good experimental records.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills with highest ethical standards.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English are required.

You might also have

• Hands-on experience in embryo handling (embryo immunofluorescence, microinjections).
• Familiarity with genomics data analysis (Galaxy / Cluster computing, R).
• A good command of Italian is beneficial but not required; the working language is English.

Why join us

EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation with a very collegial and family friendly working environment. The remuneration package comprises a competitive salary, a comprehensive pension scheme, medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial support for relocation and installation, including your family.

What else you need to know

We are Europe’s flagship research laboratory for the life sciences – an intergovernmental organisation performing scientific research in disciplines including molecular biology, physics, chemistry and computer science. We are an international, innovative and interdisciplinary laboratory with more than 1700 employees from many nations, operating across six sites, in Heidelberg (HQ), Barcelona, Hinxton near Cambridge, Hamburg, Grenoble and Rome.

Please note that appointments on fixed term contracts can be renewed, depending on circumstances at the time of the review.