Tissue Processing Postdoc

3 years position

About the job/team

A collaboration between EMBL Rome, EMBL Hamburg and EMBL Heidelberg has been awarded funding from CZI to link the detailed cellular morphology of a tissue with its repertoire of macromolecules: High Throughput X-ray Tomography to Target Transcriptomics (HiTT2T).

The Light Imaging Facility at EMBL Rome has developed spatial-omics technologies that permit multiplex RNA detection in thin tissue sections. Separately, EMBL Hamburg has recently established HiTT (High Throughput Tomography) – an X-ray imaging workflow which offers a fast and high-throughput approach to 3D structural imaging and virtual histology characterisation of entire tissue samples within minutes. The ability to target the 2D-omics data production based on the 3D X-ray data has the potential to revolutionise our understanding of disease. With this proposal, we will move beyond the current state-of-the-art of the methodologies and go to high throughput volumetric tissue analysis and transcriptomics via the development of HiTT2T - High Throughput Tomography to Targeted Transcriptomics. Using the information obtained via HiTT2T and the power of computational analysis presents the possibility of predicting and/or preventing disease with a greater degree of accuracy in the future.

As part of this project, there is an opportunity for a 3-year postdoctoral position at EMBL Rome to develop the spatial transcriptomics aspects of the project. The successful candidate will work closely with the EMBL Hamburg teams to ensure sample preparation is optimised for X-ray imaging and can be further processed for imaging-based transcriptomics. In addition, the successful candidate will work closely with the computational team at EMBL Heidelberg in order to ensure that maximum value is extracted from the 3D X-ray data and in particular with the position associated with vacancy notice HD02752.

Your role

The fellow is expected to develop tissue processing methods for imaging-based spatial -omics. This position has a strong focus on wet-lab work and experimental protocol development to improve tissue processing methods for -omics. The fellow will work within the Light Imaging Facility at EMBL Rome.

You have:

• PhD in Biology, Pharmacy, Medicine, Chemistry, Bioengineering or related subjects.
• Knowledge in molecular biology.
• Experience in tissue, whole-organ or cell sample preparation methods (from basic to IF, RNA visualization up to clearing techniques and expansion microscopy).
• General knowledge in microscopy and image analysis.
• Excellent manual dexterity and organizational skills.
• Pro-active attitude and hands-on approach to problem solving.
• Excellent communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills with highest ethical standards.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

You may have:

• Knowledge in super-resolution microscopy, fluidics or microscopy automation.
• Knowledge in bioinformatics, particularly oligo design for RNA or DNA detection as well as analysis of -omics methods.
• Knowledge on multiplex imaging, spatial transcriptomics or bioinformatic analysis of -omics data would be advantageous.
• Knowledge in computer vision and expertise in a programming language such as Python, R or Matlab.

For more information, please contact Alvaro Crevenna.

Professional development support

The EMBL Fellows’ Career Service provides support and guidance to predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows across all six EMBL’s sites. Working with a dedicated Careers Advisor, this invaluable service will help you to take informed decisions about your career planning both in the short and longer term. Whether your main interest is pursuing a career path in academia, exploring opportunities in industry or exploring an independent venture, the EMBL Fellows’ Career Service will provide you with a portfolio of activities and resources to help you.

Why join us

Join a culture of innovation. We are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, alongside other prominent research and biotech organisations, and surrounded by beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside. This is a highly collaborative and inclusive community where our employees enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. We are committed to ensuring our employees feel valued, supported and empowered to reach their professional potential.

Enjoy lots of employee benefits:

• Financial incentives: Monthly family and child allowances, generous stipend reviewed yearly, pension scheme, death benefit and unemployment insurances.
• Flexible working arrangements: including hybrid working patterns.
• Private medical insurance: for you and your immediate family.
• Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year in addition to public holidays.
• Campus life: Free shuttle bus to and from work (Heidelberg), on-site library, subsidised on-site gym and cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely).
• Family benefits: Kindergarten (Heidelberg), 10 days of child sick leave, paid maternity & parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances.

What else you need to know

• International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Read more on our page for international applicants.
• Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL, we strongly believe that inclusive and diverse teams benefit from higher levels of innovation and creative thought. We encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+ & individuals from all nationalities.
• Job location: All our fellowships are based on-site (for at least part of each week). If you are living overseas, you will receive a generous relocation package to support you.
• EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here.
• How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.

Closing Date: 28/02/2025