Automation Expert - Technology Development Unit – National Facility for Genomics

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: December 20th 2024

Human Technopole (HT) is an international life science research institute in Milan, created and supported by the Italian government, with the aim of developing innovative strategies to improve human health. Researchers at HT work together to enable interdisciplinary research and to create an open, collaborative environment that will help promote life science research both nationally and internationally.

The Human Technopole Foundation is looking for a Automation Expert for the Technology Development Unit of the National Facility (NF) for Genomics.

The National Facility for Genomics provides state-of-the-art and innovative services in genomics. Its core mission is to implement robust experimental and analytical workflows to probe all major domains of genomic exploration, including but not limited to the analysis of DNA, RNA, chromatin and other markers of epigenetic and regulatory activity. These techniques can be applied to diverse areas of biology, with resolution spanning to whole organisms, to tissues or individual cells. Overall, NF Genomics aims to empower research in all domains of genomics for the Italian scientific community at large.

The Technology Development Unit stays at the forefront of innovation, this dedicated team is committed to methods and technology development. The highly qualified staff is continuously engaged in the evaluation of new technologies and instruments, considering them for acquisition into our NF. This dedicated unit specializes in supporting the development, optimization and scale-up of custom experimental protocols, offering these services to the broader scientific community.

In the outlined context above, the Automation Expert, reporting directly to the Senior Manager of the Unit, will be responsible for designing, optimizing, and implementing advanced automated workflows to enhance multi-omics and high-throughput sequencing technologies.

This role focuses on improving the scalability, reproducibility, and efficiency of laboratory processes through automation, with an emphasis on optimizing workflows for high-throughput sequencing.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of standardized protocols, troubleshoot complex workflows, and provide technical expertise in integrating automation solutions across various research platforms. This role involves collaborating closely with internal teams and external researchers to drive innovation and ensure seamless, efficient automation solutions that support cutting-edge scientific research.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

• Proactively adapt and standardize custom library preparation protocols on high-throughput automated liquid handling platforms, ensuring efficient, scalable workflows;

• Drive the proactive optimization, scale-up, and miniaturization of these protocols, focusing on robustness and reproducibility on automated workstations;

• Lead the independent transfer and proactive implementation of optimized protocols and workflows to the UI1 High Throughput Sequencing and UI2 Multi-Omics Technologies, enhancing service integration;

• Manage library preparation and sequencing, taking initiative in the use of a LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) for efficient data and sample tracking;

• Support in the development and implementation of SOPs and/or experimental pipelines;

• Leading collaboration proactively with internal and external researchers to pioneer new methods using automation, identifying and implementing opportunities for process enhancement through innovative automated solutions;

• Actively engage with UI3 Computational Genomics/ NF for Data Handling and Analysis to ensure thorough validation and analysis of experimental results;

• Participate in internal and external users’ trainings, fostering ongoing collaboration and access to the Unit's work;

• Participate in key aspects of general Facility management and organization (e.g., managing inventories and stocks of samples, reagents, equipment, and materials);

• Report regularly with colleagues and line manager on the flow and timeline of sequencing projects;

• Contribute to the strategic planning and scaling of automation capabilities to meet current and future research needs;

• Explore emerging automation technologies and evaluate their potential applications within the organization.

Mandatory Requirements

• Master’s degree (or higher) in a relevant subject, e.g., molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, or a life sciences related field;

• Extensive experience with NGS platforms and related protocols (including advanced library preparation, sequencing, and quality control), with demonstrated expertise in troubleshooting complex workflows;

• A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in programming, operating, and troubleshooting liquid handling platforms for high-throughput NGS and/or cell-based workflows;

• Knowledge of sequencing metrics and bioinformatics tools to support experimental troubleshooting, with a proactive approach to optimizing workflows and resolving issues;

• Experience in mentoring and training junior staff or team members in automation protocols, troubleshooting, and best practices in high-throughput sequencing;

• Fluency in English – HT is an international research institute.

Preferred requirements

• Extensive experience working with R&D teams to lead and deliver complex automation projects, with a focus on high-throughput sequencing;

• Advanced expertise in library preparation protocol miniaturization, optimization, and validation for high-throughput sequencing workflows, with demonstrated success in scaling and enhancing these processes;

• Deep knowledge of molecular and cellular biology methods, with the ability to mentor junior team members and provide guidance on best practices;

• Experience with epigenetic and multi omics approaches, including the ability to train others in these methods;

• Knowledge of in third-generation single molecule sequencing technologies (e.g., Nanopore and/or PacBio) and the ability to support team members in adopting these techniques;

• Familiarity with single-cell (multi)omics technologies, with the capacity to guide others in the application of these methods;

• Previous experience in a Genomics facility is considered a plus;

• Ability to independently develop, optimize, and implement research support protocols.

Organizational and social skills:

• Demonstrated leadership in fostering a proactive mindset;

• Excellent organizational skills;

• Advanced problem-solving skills within a team environment;

• Exceptional communication skills and work ethic.

Application Instructions

Please apply online by sending

• I) a CV

• II) a motivation letter in English

• III) names and contacts of 2 referees

Main benefits

• Welfare plans

• Canteen service

• Work-life balance provisions

• Italian language training for foreigners

• Maternity leave up to 1 year and other support for new parents

• Counseling

• Possibility of flexible working hours

• Support for relocation

• Tax benefits where applicable.

Special consideration will be given to candidates who are part of the protected categories list, according to L. 68/99.

Number of positions offered:1

Location: Milan

Contract offered: CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, 3 years fixed-term with possibility of renewal

Salary: up to 45k.