NGS Staff Scientists

About IGATechIGATech 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 PositionWe are looking for a Junior Scientist to join our Single-Cell, Exome & Epigenomics team, with a role strongly focused on cell and tissue manipulation and sample preparation for advanced NGS applications.The selected candidate will contribute to the 3-DIMENSION project, funded by the Italian Fund for Applied Sciences (FISA- ).This role operates upstream 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, but strong 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 ResponsibilitiesCell 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.RequirementsEducation- 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.