Project Researcher Engineer with expertise in in vitro protein biochemistry, purification, reconstit

We are seeking a highly motivated project researcher engineer to join the Biolab Team, with full-time dedication to the Photon Harvesting in Plants and Biomolecules group led by Prof. Dr. Nicoletta Liguori.

The successful candidate will primarily work within Nicoletta’s group, while maintaining close integration with the Biolab team and contributing to shared activities and collaborations whenever time and expertise allow.

The project research engineer will report directly to Prof. Dr. Nicoletta Liguori and will play a key role in experimental design, execution, and laboratory management, supporting both scientific output and infrastructure development.

Key Responsibilities:

Design and execution of cloning workflows, from construct design through verification and expression testing. In vitro reconstitution of recombinant membrane protein complexes and their biochemical and spectroscopic characterization (e.g., fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy). Isolation of membrane proteins from biological materials, including purification of thylakoid membranes from plants, and purification of protein complexes using biochemical and chromatographic techniques. Preparation and optimization of samples for optical and biophysical measurements. Management and maintenance of laboratory equipment and infrastructure, including: Planning, evaluation, and purchase of new instruments; Ensuring proper calibration, maintenance, safety compliance, and documentation; Laboratory management and protocol documentation. Implementation, optimization, and standardization of experimental protocols. Collaboration with, and training of, researchers from different backgrounds and levels of experience to ensure reproducible, high-quality experimental results. Preparation of reports and contribution to the writing of scientific manuscripts and proposals based on research outcomes.

While the position is fully dedicated to the activities of the Photon Harvesting in Plants and Biomolecules group, the researcher will formally be part of the Biolab Team, contributing to a collaborative research environment and supporting shared laboratory goals and expertise when appropriate.

The ideal candidate will have:

PhD in biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology, or a related field Proven experience in the independent design and production of recombinant proteins, including primer design, molecular cloning (e.g., Golden Gate or similar), transformation (procaryotic and eukaryotic systems), expression, and purification Experience with construct verification (restriction analysis, sequencing) and protein validation assays such as SDS-PAGE and Western blot Hands-on experience in protein expression and purification from E. coli or other heterologous systems Proficiency with FPLC systems and purification techniques such as affinity-tag purification, ion-exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography Experience in protein characterization using techniques such as absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and thermal stability assays Ability to isolate membrane systems from biological material and purify protein complexes, including experience with sucrose gradient purification and native/SDS-PAGE analyses Advance communication skills in English (spoken and written) Strong organizational and record-keeping skills, with the ability to support multiple research projects Good communication and teamwork skills in an international research environment

Desirable Qualifications:

Knowledge of physiology of photosynthetic organisms. Experience in the purification and biochemical analysis of chromophore-binding proteins Familiarity with protein–lipid micelle formation or reconstitution in lipid bilayers Experience in HPLC analysis of small bioactive molecules (e.g., cofactors, chromophores, or other light-absorbing compounds) Experience with protein stability and folding assays, or functional characterization of complexes

What We Offer :

Competitive salary according to the institutional salary scales. Contract for periods of 2 years renewable upon existence of funding or extension of tasks. Additionally, a family allowance is also available on request and after corresponding approval for people with family charges in the terms described in the corresponding policy.A family allowance may be granted to candidates with dependents, upon request and in accordance with ICFO’s policies.

ICFO is an equal opportunity employer. We hire based solely on merit and potential, regardless of gender, nationality, or disability. ICFO fully endorses the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, ensuring a transparent and supportive recruitment process.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Required application materials:

A presentation letter outlining your interest in the position. A curriculum vitae, including full contact information. The contact e-mail addresses of two referees who can provide professional references.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The call will remain open until the position is filled.

For formal enquiries regarding the application process, please contact: jobs@icfo.eu

For project and technology enquiries, please contact: Nicoletta.liguori@icfo.eu