Postdoctoral Position in Molecular Biology

Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Biology (ERC-Funded Project)2-years full-time Postdoctoral positionDepartment of Biology, University of PisaSupervisor: Prof. Vittoria RaffaExpected starting date: February 2026About the PositionThe Department of Biology at the University of Pisa invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher to join the multidisciplinary Molecular Biology Research Group led by Prof. Vittoria Raffa.The successful candidate will work within the ERC Advanced Grant project “Guidance of Axonal Pathfinding via Nano-Switches”, which aims to develop innovative molecular tools to manipulate neuronal mechanotransduction.About the LabThe Raffa Lab is the inventor of nano-pulling (1-3), a groundbreaking technology that generates active forces in neurons to promote axon growth and regeneration. Over the past decade, the lab has contributed significantly to uncovering the molecular pathways activated by mechanical forces in neurons, advancing the field of neuronal mechanotransduction.(1) De Vincentiis et al, V. Extremely Low Forces Induce Extreme Axon Growth (2020) Journal of Neuroscience, 40 (26), pp. .(2) Falconieri A. et al. Axonal plasticity in response to active forces generated through magnetic nano-pulling (2023) Cell Reports, 42 (1), art. no. .(3) De Vincentiis et al. Mechanical Forces Guide Axon Growth through the Nigrostriatal Pathway in an Organotypic Model. Adv. Sci. 2025, . AreaApplications are invited from outstanding candidates with expertise in molecular biology, biotechnology, and/or synthetic biology, particularly in DNA cloning and the use of viral vectors for mammalian systems.Research ActivityWe are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow with a strong background in molecular biology, and more specifically in DNA cloning using viral vectors. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design and construction of genetic constructs, as well as for the development of viral vectors to achieve (inducible) expression of recombinant proteins in primary neurons or in neurons derived from progenitor cells.Within the ERC project, neuronal cells will be engineered to express molecular switches capable of generating localized forces, thereby activating defined mechanotransduction pathways. The postdoctoral fellow will also investigate how these mechanical stimuli influence gene expression, with the ultimate goal of elucidating the molecular mechanisms governing neuronal response to mechanical forces. This project provides a unique opportunity to work at the interface of molecular biology, synthetic biology, and neuroengineering within an interdisciplinary and international environment.Key ResponsibilitiesLead and organize project experimentDesign and cloning of genetic constructsExpression and validation of recombinant proteins in neuronal systemsEngineering and functional testing of neuronal molecular switchesSupervision and mentoring of Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD studentsDissemination and communication of project results (papers, conferences, outreach)Preparation of internal and external project reportsRequirementsThere are no age limits; however, candidates under 35 or with less than 5 years since PhD completion are strongly encouraged to apply.Mandatory keywords for selection: DNA cloning using viral vectors; mammalian cell transduction.Highly valued keywords: synthetic biology; omics approaches (RNA-seq, ChIP); neuroscience.Proficiency in EnglishIdeal Academic ProfilePhD in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related fields from a leading institutionAt least two years of international research experience (during or after PhD)Proven record of scientific excellence and publicationsExperience participating in collaborative research projectsEnthusiasm for mentoring and academic teachingWe OfferA stimulating, interdisciplinary, and international research environmentA network of worldwide collaborators in many countries (Spain, Germany, Japan, USA, etc)Access to cutting-edge molecular neuroscience and bioengineering facilitiesCompetitive salary commensurate with experienceOpportunities for professional growth and collaboration within an ERC-funded network#J-18808-Ljbffr