Postdoctoral Fellow in Epigenetics

Postdoctoral Fellowships

Rome, Italy

EMBL is Europe’s life sciences laboratory – an intergovernmental organisation with more than 110 independent research groups and service teams covering the spectrum of molecular biology. It operates across six sites in Heidelberg (headquarters), Barcelona, Cambridge, Grenoble, Hamburg and Rome. Our mission is to perform basic research in molecular biology; train scientists, students and visitors at all levels; offer vital services to scientists in the public and private sectors within the member states; develop new instruments and methods; and engage actively in technology transfer.

The Hackett group studies the epigenetic basis of genome regulation across biological scales, from gene expression control to organism phenotypic traits. We are interested in understanding the causal mechanisms underlying epigenetic phenomena, and the potential for epigenetic memory across generations. As part of these goals, we have recently developed a comprehensive CRISPR-based epigenome editing tool kit (Policarpi et al, Nature Genetics, 2024), a novel resource of precision-mutant lines (in prep), and developed in vivo models of environmental exposure (Argaw-Denboba et al., Nature, 2024).

Your role

We seek an ERC-funded postdoctoral scientist to investigate the mechanistic function of chromatin modifications in somatic and/or germ cells. The successful candidate will work on a cutting-edge experimental research project using high-throughput perturbation screening, epigenetic editing, multi-omics, and organoids. The objective is to uncover the regulatory logic by which distinct chromatin states shape gene expression patterns in health and disease, and the underlying mechanisms. You will enjoy substantial freedom (if desired) to follow curiosity-driven hypotheses, based on novel screening datasets.

Closing date: 9 December 2024

• Contract duration: 3 years
• Grading: Post Stipend 1 year (3228.38€ monthly salary after tax and before any further deductions)
• Reference number: RM00131

You have

• PhD in molecular, developmental or chromatin biology
• Skills in (epi)genomics techniques and/or biochemistry methods
• Experience with mammalian tissue culture or stem cells
• Independence and ability to solve problems
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the highest ethical standards.

You might also have

• Experience in high-throughput (CRISPR) screens
• Skills in bioinformatics and (epi)genomics data analysis

Why join us

EMBL is curiosity-driven, community-oriented and international. As an inclusive, equal opportunity employer, we believe that diversity enables us to collaborate more effectively and be innovative in our approaches. We are, therefore, committed to creating an inclusive and flexible culture - one where everyone can realise their full potential and make a positive contribution to our organisation.

We encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing team – we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and personal experiences reflect the diversity of the populations that our science serves. We actively encourage applications from all genders and cultures, ethnic groups and all demographics to help us avoid perpetuating biases and oversights at this transformational point in our people strategy.

EMBL offers attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation with a very collegial and family-friendly working environment. Competitive salary and social security benefits, financial support for relocation, a relaxed culture, professional development, an on-site nursery, canteen and other staff facilities make EMBL a great place to work.

The EMBL Rome campus is a highly interactive international institute, with a focus on Epigenetics and Neurobiology. Research on site is supported by world-class core facilities, including advanced microscopy, FACS, genomics, mouse transgenics, viral production and bioinformatics. The campus is situated just outside Rome, and enables nearby access to the coast, the Apennine mountains, and immersion in the lifestyle and culture of historic Rome.

What else you need to know

We are Europe’s 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 1900 employees from many nations, operating across six sites, in Heidelberg (HQ), Barcelona, Hinxton near Cambridge, Hamburg, Grenoble and Rome.

Our mission is to offer vital services in training scientists, students and visitors at all levels; to develop new instruments and methods in the life sciences and actively engage in technology transfer activities, and to integrate European life science research. The working language of the institute is English.

In your online application, you will be asked to include a cover letter, CV and the contact details of 3 referees. For more information on the project and lab life at EMBL Rome, please contact Jamie Hackett at: or visit

The initial contract is for a period of three years, with the potential to extend. We actively encourage applications from all genders, cultures, ethnic groups and all demographics.

EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we implement best practices in research assessment in our recruitment processes here.

Please apply online through: