FELLOW IN NEUROSCIENCE AND ULTRASTRUCTURE (G)

Commitment %26amp; contract.
collaboration contract, 1 yearLocation.
Center for Materials Interfaces Viale Rinaldo Piaggio Pontedera (PI)WHO WE AREAt IIT we work enthusiastically to develop human-centered Science and Technology to tackle some of the most pressing societal challenges of our times and transfer these technologies to the production system and society.
Our Genoa headquarter is strictly inter-connected with our 11 centers around Italy and two outer-stations based in the US for a truly interdisciplinary experience.
OUR TEAMThe selected candidate will be working in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary group, where junior and senior scientists collaborate, each with their expertise, to carry out a scientific activity with a shared research goal.
he Electron Crystallography Research Unit is coordinated by Dr.
Mauro Gemmi.
The research combines theoretical investigations, practical activity and EM imaging with the study of neurons' ultrastructure.
he selected candidate will have the opportunity to learn and test state of the art method of Transmission Electron Microscopy protocols for biological and biomedical samples arising from the nervous system.
ackground.
Intellectual Disability (ID) affects brain function and leads to behavioral, social and cognitive impairments, representing a major health and economic burden worldwide.
Although there has been much research interest in uncovering the molecular mechanisms responsible for ID, there is no effective therapy to date.
he ophn1 gene encodes the Oligophrenin-1 protein (OPHN1), highly expressed in the human brain.
In neurons, OPHN1 regulates dendritic spine density and architecture, actin dynamics and AMPA receptor (AMPAR) trafficking.
In neurons, Oligophrenin-1 (OPHN1) is critical for synapse physiology and its mutations cause Intellectual Disability (ID).
Protein sumoylation seems to be related to protein function and disfunction in ID.
escription.
In this project several mutations over ophn1 gene (K403R, G412D and K403R/G412D) will be studied in primary neurons.
Mutated forms and their effects are compared with what observed in WT neurons.
TEM experiments will help to characterize the actin cytoskeleton ultrastructure and evaluate the branching of actin filaments and their organization within the post-synaptic compartment.
Moreover, TEM characterization leads us to study pivotal structures essential to proper synaptic function including the thickness and width of the post-synaptic density and synaptic cleft interspace and to address subcellular differences between the experimental conditions.
e are seeking to appoint a research fellow interested in the general topic of Neuroscience and Transmission Electron Microscopy to improve the knowledge in X-Linked intellectual disability, a collaboration between Istituto Clinico Humanitas and IIT.
ithin the research team, your main responsibilities will be.
mbedding of primary neurons with chemical protocols for Electron Microscopy analysisSectioning of embedded samplesEM characterization of neuronal spine Image and data analysissupporting the activities of the research lineESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTSMaster's degree in one of the following areas.
Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedicine or any other related field to NeuroscienceBasic knowledge of Electron microscopy and sample preparationCreative, proactive, and collaborative attitudeGood command of spoken and written EnglishADDITIONAL SKILLSExperience with protocols for biological or biomedical sample preparation for Transmission Electron MicroscopyExperience with ultramicrotomy Experience with Transmission Electron MicroscopyExperience with software for imaging analysis (Fiji/imageJ, Photoshop/Jimp)Experience with software for data analysis and statisticAbility to work in a challenging and international environmentCapacity to work autonomously and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environmentAnalytical Reasoning skills and a growth mindsetCOMPENSATION PACKAGECompetitive salary for international standardsWHAT'S IN FOR YOU?Anequal,inclusive andmulticulturalenvironmentready to welcome you with open arms.
Welike contamination andencourage you to mingle and discover what other people are up to in our labs!If you are a startupper or a business-minded person, you will find some exceptionally gifted professionals ready to nurture and guide your attitude and aspirations.
f you want your work to have a real impact, in IIT you will find an innovative and stimulating culture that drives our mission to contribute to the improvement and well-being of society!We stick to our values! Integrity, courage, societal responsibility and inclusivity are the values we believe in! They define us and our actions in our everyday life.
They guide us to accomplish IIT mission!This open position/research is funded by Ministero della Salute (bando finalizzata) within the project.
"RFGR_ CUP J53C - Investigating the role of Oligophrenin-1 sumoylation in the etiology and treatment of X-Linked Intellectual Disability.
lease submit your application using the online form and including a detailed CV, university transcripts, a list of (eventual) publications/projects, cover letter (outlining motivation into the project and work environment), and contact details of 2 references.
pplication's deadline.
st December, We inform you that the information you provide will be used solely for the purposes of evaluating and selecting professional profiles in order to meet the requirements of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia.
our data will be processed by Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, based in Genoa, Via Morego 30, acting as Data Controller, in compliance with the rules on protection of personal data, including those related to data security.
lease also note that, pursuant to articles 15 et.
seq.
of European Regulation no.
(General Data Protection Regulation), you may exercise your rights at any time by contacting the Data Protection Officer (phone Tel.
+ ).