NGS Staff Scientists

About IGATech IGATech is a leading Italian provider of next-generation sequencing services, active since 2009 and collaborating with hundreds of academic and industrial clients worldwide. With more than 50,000 samples processed annually, we support cutting-edge research through advanced sequencing technologies and state-of-the-art bioinformatics. Our in-house infrastructure includes molecular biology laboratories, sequencing platforms (Illumina, Element Biosciences, Oxford Nanopore), automation systems, and a dedicated HPC environment. We actively participate in European research projects and collaborate with universities, research institutes, hospitals (IRCCS), and private companies in biotech, biopharma, and agri-genomics. The Position We are looking for aJunior Scientistto join ourSingle-Cell, Exome & Epigenomics team, with a role strongly focused oncell and tissue manipulationandsample preparation for advanced NGS applications. The selected candidate will contribute to the3-DIMENSION project, funded by the Italian Fund for Applied Sciences (FISA-2024-00045). This role operatesupstream of sequencing, ensuring the quality, integrity, and reproducibility of cellular and tissue samples that are critical for single-cell, epigenomic, and exome experiments. Prior experience in NGS is a plus, butstrong hands-on skills in cell and tissue biology are the top priority. NGS-specific protocols will be learned through structured training. This position is ideal for scientists who want to work with frontier technologies in a real applied setting, where experimental rigor and data quality truly matter. Key Responsibilities Cell and tissue handling Preparation, manipulation, and storage of biological samples (fresh, cryopreserved, FFPE). Mechanical and enzymatic tissue dissociation, with protocol optimization based on sample type. Cell counting, viability assessment, and quality evaluation of cell suspensions. Cell enrichment, cleaning, and selection (filtration, gradients, external sorting collaborations). Handling of low-input and biologically critical samples. Single-cell and epigenomics sample preparation Sample preparation for single-cell applications (scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq, multiome). Nuclei preparation for epigenomic assays. Support for exome sequencing and low-input DNA/RNA workflows. Pre-library quality control (quantity, integrity, contamination). NGS and molecular biology NGS library preparation (single-cell, exome, epigenomics) using standard and custom protocols. Supporting molecular biology techniques (PCR, qPCR, clean-ups, normalization). QC of DNA, RNA, and libraries (Bioanalyzer, TapeStation, Qubit or equivalent). Coordination with the sequencing team for sample planning and traceability. Quality, organization, and continuous improvement Accurate documentation and full sample traceability. Contribution to protocol optimization and experimental troubleshooting. Close collaboration with application scientists, bioinformaticians, and platform managers. Support for standardization and maintenance of internal quality standards. Requirements Education MSc or PhD in Biotechnology, Biology, Molecular Biology, or related fields. Core skills (priority) Hands-on experience with cell and/or tissue manipulation. Familiarity with tissue dissociation and cellular sample handling. Ability to work with delicate and low-input biological material. Strong awareness of sample quality as a determinant of data quality. NGS experience (preferred) Experience with NGS library preparation. Knowledge of single-cell, exome, or epigenomics workflows. Familiarity with commercial NGS kits and platforms. Experience with laboratory automation is a plus. Additional skills Good laboratory practices and safety compliance. Ability to work in SOP-driven and quality-oriented environments. Fluent Italian and good technical-scientific English. Personal attributes Precision and attention to detail. Methodical mindset and responsibility for produced data. Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams. Operational autonomy combined with openness to technical discussion. Experimental problem-solving attitude and scientific curiosity. Ability to manage priorities without compromising quality. What We Offer 24-month fixed-term contract. CCNL Chimico-Farmaceutico, level C2. Gross annual salary range:€30,000 – €35,000, based on experience. Welfare benefits and meal vouchers. Full-time (40 h/week) or part-time (35 h/week). Workplace: Udine – “Luigi Danieli” Science and Technology Park. Progressive specialization in advanced single-cell and epigenomics technologies.