Senior Biologist: Engineering of GPCR-Based Luminescent Yeast Biosensors

Location: D-Tails Disruptive Technological Advances in Life Science, Via Agrigento 4A/4B, 00161, Rome Italy

Project: ULYSSES – Ultrasensitive Luminescence-based Yeast Sensors for Early Cancer Detection (Horizon Europe EIC Pathfinder Open 2025)

Contract type: Full-time, research position

Start date: May 01/2026

Duration: Three years

About the project

ULYSSES is a highly innovative Horizon Europe Pathfinder project aimed at developing a next-generation, yeast-based biosensor for the early detection of breast and prostate cancer through urine analysis. The project combines Molecular Biology, GPCR engineering, BRET-based luminescent sensing and AI-driven pattern recognition to identify cancer-associated volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Role overview

We are seeking a Senior Biologist with strong expertise in yeast biology, capable of leading the design, engineering and characterization of transgenic S. cerevisiae strains used in the biosensor platform.

The selected candidate will play a central role in:

• Engineering GPCR-expressing yeast strains.
• Integrating BRET-based reporter constructs.
• Validating receptor localization, signalling and functionality.
• Optimizing strain performance for high-sensitivity detection of VOCs.
• Collaborating with engineers to support device integration.

Key responsibilities

• Design, construct, and optimize recombinant yeast strains expressing GPCRs.
• Perform molecular cloning, transformation, genome integration, strain screening and stability testing.
• Validate receptor expression, membrane localization and signalling using microscopy, reporter assays and bioluminescence measurements.
• Contribute to the development and optimization of BRET-based luminescent biosensor readouts.
• Generate high-quality experimental datasets for downstream AI-based pattern recognition.
• Collaborate closely with partners (UCPH, UCL, IFO) within the Horizon Europe consortium.
• Document results, contribute to deliverables and support reporting activities.
• Team management.

Required qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or related disciplines.
• Strong, demonstrated experience with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (≥5 years).
• Expertise with GPCR expression systems, membrane proteins or signalling pathways in yeast.
• Hands-on experience with fluorescence/bioluminescence assays, reporter systems or BRET/FRET technologies (highly preferred).
• Competence in confocal or wide-field fluorescence microscopy.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills in molecular biology and yeast genetics.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English.

Preferred additional skills

• Experience with microfluidic platforms or high-throughput screening.
• Familiarity with VOC detection, metabolomics or biosensor development.
• Experience in Horizon Europe or collaborative international research projects.

What we offer

• The opportunity to work at the cutting edge of synthetic biology and diagnostic innovation.
• A dynamic, interdisciplinary environment combining Biology, Engineering, Biochemistry, Medicine and AI.
• Participation in a high-visibility Horizon Europe Pathfinder project.
• Competitive salary aligned with experience.
• A collaborative and mission-driven team focused on impactful biomedical technologies.

How to apply

Please send your CV, a brief cover letter describing your relevant experience, and contact details of two referees to and specifying “Senior Biologist – ULYSSES” in the subject line.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.