Senior Technician in Tissue Processing IU2, National Facility for Light Imaging

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: September 21st, 2025

*Kindly ensure you carefully review the application instructions*

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 translating 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 Tissue Processing Unit, as part of the National Facility for Light Imaging, is seeking to recruit a Senior Technician who will actively contribute to maintaining the national facility and support both internal and external users.

About the Tissue Processing Unit

The Tissue Processing Unit is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advanced histological and spatial biology workflows. It offers pipelines that span from automated formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue processing to automated immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF) and In Situ Hybridization (ISH) staining and automated slide acquisition. These services support cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines and scales.

Integrated Services and Collaborations

The Unit collaborates with other National Facilities, including the National Facility for Genomics and the National Facility for Structural Biology, to provide advanced spatially resolved services.

This seamless integration of histology, imaging, and multi-omics technologies positions the Tissue Processing Unit as a central hub for spatial biology research, supporting applications in oncology, neuroscience, immunology, and beyond.

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Handle FFPE and frozen samples from fixation to archiving, tracking workflows using LIMS software and adhering to laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Manage valuable diagnostic FFPE and frozen samples from internal or external collaborators.
• Evaluate and perform quality control (QC) on sample processing, staining, and slide acquisition.
• Troubleshoot issues to ensure process quality and standardization.
• Actively contribute to facility management and organization, including resource planning and maintenance of Tissue Processing Unit equipment, tools, and consumables.
• Train, supervise, and support internal and external users in sample preparation and equipment operation.
• Provide histological services to non-autonomous users.
• Collaborate with users and other facilities to develop new protocols and implement innovative technologies, pipelines and services.
• Work with internal departments (Facility Management, ICT, Procurement) and external partners to support operational and project-related needs.
• Report regularly to colleagues and line manager on project status.
• Foster networks with other national and international facilities and units.

Job requirements

Essential requirements

On the closing date for online applications, the candidate must fulfil all the following conditions:

• Bachelor’s degree in a Biomedical Laboratory Technician.
• At least 5 years hands-on experience in histology.
• Practical experience in processing and sectioning of FFPE samples or Frozen samples.
• Experience in handling diagnostic histological samples.
• Experience with automated immunohistochemical slide stainers and slide scanners.

Preferential requirements

• Fluency in English – HT is an international research institute.
• Experience in sectioning for RNA/DNA extraction.
• Experience in Tissue Microarray (TMA) technology.
• Experience in sample preparation for Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM).

Organizational and social skills

• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with other teams and work synergistically to effectively drive projects.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow protocols and document procedures accurately.
• Willingness to learn and continuously develop new skills.

Application Instructions

To apply, please send the following:

• a CV in English.
• a motivation letter in English relating your experience to the position.
• names and contacts of 2 referees.

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

• Welfare plans.
• Meal delivery service.
• Work-life balance provisions.
• Italian language training for foreigners.
• Parental leave up to 1 year and other support for new parents.
• Flexible working hours.
• Support for relocation.
• Researchers coming to Italy for the first time, or returning after residing abroad, benefit from very attractive income tax benefits.

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

Contract offered: CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, Fixed-term 3 years with possibility of renewal - Employee Level

Salary range: up to euro 41K, depending on the seniority of the candidate.

Tax benefits where applicable.

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”.