Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Biology and Next-Generation Sequencing

University of Padova | Padova, Italy | 2-year position The Department of Biology at the University of Padova invites applications for a postdoctoral position in the EU-funded VirHoX project: Hacking the ribosome to map virus-host associations.

VirHoX is developing a new approach to link viruses with their hosts in metagenomic samples. You will develop and apply molecular biology workflows at the intersection of ribosome biology, viral genomics, and high-throughput sequencing.

What you’ll work on

- Develop RNA–RNA ligation methods.
- Design and optimize functional screening workflows using RNA-targeting CRISPR–Cas systems.
- Develop protocols for target sequencing, rRNA depletion, target RNA enrichment, and NGS library preparation.
- Plan experiments, troubleshoot protocols, and document results rigorously.
- Coordinate experimental work with VirHoX researchers and contribute to project research plans.

- What we’re looking for

- A PhD in biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, molecular biology,



or a closely related field.
- Hands-on experience with NGS library preparation and sequencing workflows—this is required.
- Strong molecular biology skills.
- Experience with ribosomes, ribosome profiling, or RNA biology is especially relevant.
- The ability to plan experiments independently and troubleshoot effectively.
- A collaborative approach and willingness to work with partner laboratories across Europe.

You’ll join a multidisciplinary consortium of academic and industrial partners in Italy, France, Austria, Germany, and Norway, with expertise spanning microbiology, protein engineering, gene editing, and viral genomics and transcriptomics.

Position details: Two years, based in Padova, Italy. Salary commensurate with skills and experience. The position has no teaching or administrative duties.

For applications and further information, contact Umberto Rosani at [email protected].

Learn more about the project: virhox.eu

📌 Postdoctoral Researcher (Padova)
🏢 Università di Padova
📍 Padova