Technician/Senior Technician in Structural Proteomics

Job description

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: 18 January 2025

About the Institute

Human Technopole (HT) is an interdisciplinary life science research institute, created and supported by the Italian government, with the aim of developing innovative strategies to improve human health. HT has the mission of conducting cutting-edge research and translate innovation into methods available to the entire National scientific community. To this end, HT is opening National Facilities that will provide state-of-the-art research infrastructure for Structural Biology, Light Imaging, Genomics, Genome Engineering, and Data Handling and Analysis. In this context, the Structural proteomics Unit, as part of the National Facility for Structural Biology, seeks to recruit a structural proteomics specialist that will actively participate in maintaining instruments and workflows, take part in scientific collaborations, and support internal and external users.

About the lab

The structural proteomics unit leverages mass spectrometry-based proteomics to obtain information on the structure and interactions of proteins in samples ranging from purified protein complexes to whole cells. The main focus of the unit is currently crosslinking mass spectrometry, which is performed with a range of crosslinker molecules (BS3, DSSO, DSS, sulfo-SDA, PhoX) that are matched to the sample complexity and amount. In support of this, proteomic characterisation of samples is also performed. The unit is seeking to expand into additional workflows, with a specific focus on increasing throughput by introducing automation working with low sample amounts. Additionally, we are looking to expand into other structural proteomics areas such as LiP-MS, native/top down, and/or hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, as well as sample prep automation.

The unit is equipped with an Orbitrap Eclipse tribrid mass spectrometer (Thermo Scientific) with an ETD source and a High Field Asymmetric Waveform Ion Mobility (FAIMS Pro Duo) module attachment. We have also recently acquired a state-of-the-art Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer, which will be used for both structural and proteomics applications. Both instruments are coupled to Vanquish Neo LC systems.

A wide range of software is used in data processing (MaxQuant, MSfragger, DIA-NN, AlphaPept, xiSEARCH/xiFDR, Scout) with corresponding statistical analysis and data visualisation using available tools or custom pipelines. The unit also focuses on integrative structure modeling (AlphaFold, AlphaLink, RoseTTAFold, IMP, HADDOCK).

Key tasks and responsibilities

The activity will primarily focus on the following areas:

1. Sample preparation area, involving bottom-up proteomics sample preparation workflows (in-solution/in-gel) and chromatographic enrichment of peptides.
2. Mass spec instrument calibration, cleaning, and basic maintenance.
3. Analysis of experimental results and handover of results to facility users.

The technician in structural proteomics will report directly to Andrea Graziadei, the manager of the Infrastructure Unit for Structural proteomics within the Structural Biology National Facility. He or she will work in close collaboration with other Units of the National Facility and research groups of the Structural Biology Research Centre.

Additional activities

1. Actively participate in resource planning and maintenance of the unit’s equipment, tools and consumables.
2. Introduce and train internal and external users to sample preparation, equipment operations and provide evaluation support.
3. Interaction with Unit users to facilitate user access, to elaborate experimental protocols and project plans, to provide technical assistance during the project and feedback after delivery of results.
4. Perform experiments and provide services for non-autonomous internal and external users according to the Unit and National Facility best practices.
5. Assist with interactions with manufacturers and field service engineers in case of technical issues and malfunctions of the Unit equipment and tools.
6. Support in managing research projects whose purpose is to advance the Unit and the institute’s scientific environment.
7. Actively participate in National Facility and Unit reviews by external and internal experts.

Job requirements

Essential requirements to be obtained within the deadline of the call

1. Master’s degree in a relevant subject (e.g. biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, chemistry) or for seniors, a PhD degree with a thesis on proteomics or structural biology and at least 3 years of post-thesis experience with mass spec-based bottom-up proteomics.
2. At least 2 years of prior experience with mass spec-based bottom-up proteomics including sample preparation.
3. Fluency in English – HT is an international research institute.

Preferred requirements

1. Experience with structural proteomics approaches (one of crosslinking MS, H/D exchange, LiP-MS, Native MS) on the experimental and data analysis side.
2. Experience in sample prep automation for bottom-up proteomics and/or high throughput proteomics.
3. Familiarity with proteomics search engines (MaxQuant, FragPipe/Msfragger, Dia-NN, Skyline).
4. Basic computational skills (R, python).
5. Familiarity with Thermo Hybrid or Tribrid Mass Spectrometers.

Organizational and social skills

1. Communication, team building and problem-solving skills;
2. Ability to interact effectively with other teams and work synergistically to effectively drive projects;
3. Highly organised and meticulous work attitude.

Application instructions

Please apply by sending:

1. a CV including publication record;
2. a motivation letter in English (max 800 words).
3. A brief document (max 800 words) outlining any prior experience with proteomics sample preparation workflows, peptide chromatography, and LC-MS instruments. For LC-MS, the list should mention the instruments for which the applicant is an autonomous operator.
4. names and contacts of 2 referees.

Any questions concerning the role and/or queries regarding the relevant terms and conditions should be addressed to recruitment@fht.org (this email address should not be used to send applications).

Why Human Technopole

HT seeks scientific excellence, we recruit the best scientific talents through international, open calls.

Our working environment is international, friendly and inclusive. Our scientists work together across disciplines on research topics of biomedical relevance, leveraging synergies between their diverse skillsets and methodological approaches.

We believe that highly diverse teams yield the best and most innovative results.

We engage in outward-facing scientific activities aimed at benefiting the national and international research community. Training is also at the heart of our activity, with initiatives and opportunities for our staff, including scientific courses, conferences and workshops.

Main benefits

1. Welfare plans.
2. Canteen service.
3. Work-life balance provisions.
4. Italian language training for foreigners.
5. Maternity leave up to 1 year and other support for new parents.
6. Counselling.
7. Possibility of flexible working hours.
8. Support for relocation.
9. 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

Salary: up to 41K, based on the candidate’s experience.

Contract offered: CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, Fixed-term 3 years - employee level.

The position is based in Milan.

“The Foundation reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to extend, suspend, modify, revoke, or cancel this job posting without giving rise to any rights or claims whatsoever in favor of the candidates; the Foundation reserves, however, the right not to proceed with the awarding of the above-described assignment due to the effect of supervening regulatory provisions and/or obstructive circumstances”.