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Cryo-Electron Microscopy Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo (ITALY)
Main contact for further information: Dr. Alessio Lorusso (a.lorusso@izs.it)
About the Institute
The Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale” (IZSAM, www.izs.it) is a public research institute of the Italian Ministry of Health with a leading role
in animal health, public health and One Health. IZSAM hosts several National and International Reference Centers, including those for exotic animal diseases, epidemiology and risk analysis, genomics and bioinformatics, and plays a key role in surveillance, preparedness and research on emerging and re-emerging pathogens.
IZSAM is establishing an integrated research infrastructure that will represent a unique environment at national and European level, combining within the same campus:
• A completely new Cryo-Electron Microscopy Unit, including a Titan Krios 4 (equipped with CFEG, Selectris energy filter and Falcon 4i detector; upgrade to Titan 5 is currently under negotiation) and a Bio-Hydra DualBeam system (equipped with iFLM, EasyLift and compatible with spin mill applications) operating in a BSL-3-compatible laboratory for imaging and characterization of high-risk pathogens;
• Experimental BSL-3 laboratories for large animals and laboratory animals,
enabling in vivo and ex vivo studies under high biocontainment;
• Established expertise in genomics, bioinformatics, epidemiology and risk analysis.
This infrastructure will enable end-to-end research pipelines within a functionally segregated and fully compliant biosafety framework.
Position Overview
A primary objective of IZSAM is to establish a team of experts in electron microscopy within the life sciences. To this end, the institute seeks to recruit one Electron Microscopy (EM) Unit Manager to coordinate and oversee the scientific, technical and operational activities of the Cryo-EM Unit. The position is managerial and strategic in nature and is not intended as a purely technical role. Biosafety management and regulatory compliance will be ensured by dedicated biosafety officers and institutional safety experts. The Unit Manager will work in close coordination with these figures to ensure alignment between scientific activities, infrastructure operation and biosafety requirements.
Main Responsibilities
• The Unit Manager will report directly to the Head of the Department and will work in close collaboration with other Units of IZSAM;
• Coordinate the scientific, technical and operational management of the Cryo-EM facility and its interfaces with high-containment laboratories;
• Ensure effective coordination with institutional biosafety officers responsible for BSL-3 compliance;
• Oversee access, scheduling and use of the facility by internal and external users;
• Define and harmonize operational workflows and SOPs in collaboration with research units and biosafety experts;
• Interface with instrument manufacturers, service engineers and institutional services;
• Support the development of national and international scientific collaborations.
Mandatory Requirements
• MSc in Life Sciences or related fields;
• Proven hands-on experience acquired during PhD and/or postdoctoral training in single-particle analysis, electron microscope operation and biological sample
preparation workflows.
• Expertise in structural and ultrastructural characterization and analysis of biological samples;
• Fluency in English – IZSAM is an international research institute.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in managing shared or core research facilities;
• Solid understanding of biosafety principles;
• At least 2 EMDB and/or PDB codes;
• Experience working at the interface between high-end instrumentation and high- containment laboratories;
• Established international scientific network.
Organizational and Social Skills
• Strong communication, team-building and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to interact effectively with multidisciplinary teams and work synergistically to drive projects;
• Highly organised and meticulous work attitude.
Application Instructions
Please apply by sending the following documents to the email address indicated below:
• a CV;
• a motivation letter in English (max 1 page);
• a list of relevant instruments for which the applicant is an autonomous operator, with published references (e.g. EMDB, EMPIAR; preprints accepted);
• names and contacts of at least two referees.
For further information, please contact: a.lorusso@izs.it
Additional Information
IZSAM offers a highly collaborative, international and diverse work environment and provides access to cutting-edge Core Facilities. IZSAM is an inclusive, equal opportunity
employer and offers attractive conditions and benefits, including a competitive salary.
Researchers relocating to Italy may benefit from income tax incentives if eligible.
Number of positions offered: 1 (Manager). Junior positions may also be considered.
Contract: Fixed-term (3 years), renewable – Employee level
Location: Teramo, Italy
