3 years position
About The Job/team
A collaboration between EMBL Rome, EMBL Hamburg and EMBL Heidelberg has been awarded funding from CZI to link the detailed cellular morphology of a tissue with its repertoire of macromolecules: High Throughput X-ray Tomography to Target Transcriptomics (HiTT2T).
The Light Imaging Facility at EMBL Rome is developing spatial-omics technologies that permit multiplex RNA detection in thin tissue sections. Separately, EMBL Hamburg has recently established HiTT (High Throughput Tomography) – an X-ray imaging workflow which offers a fast and high-throughput approach to 3D structural imaging and virtual histology characterisation of entire tissue samples within minutes. The ability to target the 2D-omics data production based on the 3D X-ray data has the potential to revolutionise our understanding of disease. With this proposal, we will move beyond the current state-of-the-art of the methodologies and go to high throughput volumetric tissue analysis and transcriptomics via the development of HiTT2T - High Throughput Tomography to Targeted Transcriptomics. Using the information obtained via HiTT2T and the power of computational analysis presents the possibility of predicting and/or preventing disease with a greater degree of accuracy in the future.
As part of this project there is an opportunity for a 3 year postdoctoral position at EMBL Rome to develop technology and methods in the area of spatial transcriptomics. The successful candidate will work closely with the EMBL Hamburg teams to optimize sample preparation for X-ray imaging as well as develop protocols for 3D imaging-based transcriptomics. In addition the successful candidate will work closely with the computational team at EMBL Heidelberg in order to ensure that maximum value is extracted from the 3D X-ray data.
Your role
The fellow is expected to develop tissue processing methods for imaging-based spatial -omics. The position has a strong focus on wet-lab work and experimental protocol development to improve tissue processing methods for -omics. The fellow will work within the Light Imaging Facility at EMBL Rome. The fellow will apply developed methodology towards biological questions in collaboration. As a technology development position the fellow could then transit towards developing research service infrastructure for other institutions, create a start-up with generated IP or have a leading role in industry.
You Have
- PhD in Biology, Engineering, Chemistry or related subjects.
- Solid knowledge in molecular biology, in particular oligo design for RNA or DNA detection
- Track record in tissue or whole-organ/organism sample preparation methods for fluorescence microscopy such as IF and RNA/DNA detection.
- Experience in protocol optimization
- General knowledge in microscopy and image analysis
- Excellent manual dexterity and organizational skills.
- Pro-active attitude and hands-on approach to problem solving.
- Excellent communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills with highest ethical standards.
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
You May Have
- Experience in method development
- Experience in whole organ/organism clearing techniques and/or expansion microscopy
- Exposure to fluidics and/or microscopy automation
- Previous experience performing multiplex immune-fluorescence or spatial transcriptomics.
- Knowledge in computer vision and/or programming language such as Python, R or Matlab
For more information, please contact Alvaro Crevenna
Please apply with a CV and a cover letter
Professional development support
The EMBL Fellows’ Career Service provides support and guidance to predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows across all six EMBL’s sites.
Working with a dedicated Careers Advisor, this invaluable service will help you to take informed decisions about your career planning both in the short and longer term. Whether your main interest is pursuing a career path in academia, exploring opportunities in industry or exploring an independent venture, the EMBL Fellows’ Career Service with provide you with a portfolio of activities and resources to help you.
To find out more please visit - EMBL-fellows-career-service
Why join us
Join a culture of innovation
We are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, alongside other prominent research and biotech organisations, and surrounded by beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside. This is a highly collaborative and inclusive community where our employees enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. We are committed to ensuring our employees feel valued, supported and empowered to reach their professional potential.
Enjoy Lots Of Employee Benefits
- Financial incentives: Monthly family and child allowances, generous stipend reviewed yearly, pension scheme, death benefit and unemployment insurances
- Flexible working arrangements including hybrid working patterns
- Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family
- Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year in addition to public holidays
- Campus life: Free shuttle bus to and from work (Heidelberg), on-site library, subsidised on-site gym and cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)
- Family benefits: Kindergarten (Heidelberg), 10 days of child sick leave, paid maternity & parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances
What else you need to know
- International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Read more on our page for international applicants.
- Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL, we strongly believe that inclusive and diverse teams benefit from higher levels of innovation and creative thought. We encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+ & individuals from all nationalities.
- Job location: All our fellowships are based on-site (for at least part of each week). If you are living overseas, you will receive a generous relocation package to support you.
- EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here
- How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.
Closing Date
19/06/2025
