ER-mitochondria crosstalk in cell physiopathology
Project: 2-year postdoctoral position is currently available in the lab of Dr. Paola Pizzo, at the department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Italy. The project focuses on the characterization of the roles of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-mitochondria communication in living cells by multiple assays, both in physiological and pathological conditions. Specific aims are:
1) generate and characterize novel tools to dynamically visualize and quantify ER-mitochondria contacts in living cells and, potentially, in vivo; 2) screen for molecules involved in this inter-organelle relationship; 3) design pharmacological and/or genetic interventions to rescue organelle communication in pathological models, evaluating the impact on the altered signalling pathways.
The candidate should ideally have a Ph.D. within the last three years and a strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology or cell biology. Expertise in imaging techniques and analysis would be a plus.
Lab : The lab is situated at the Department of Biomedical Sciences of the University of Padua within a building that includes other two University research departments (Biology and Molecular Medicine), thus offering a highly-collaborative, cross-disciplinary, training environment for young scientists with cutting-edge resources and expertise. The lab has a longstanding and internationally renowned experience in intracellular Ca2+ signalling and mitochondria physiology. We routinely apply several approaches at both single cell and cell population levels, as well as at sub-cellular/organelle level, using multiple genetically encoded fluorescent probes for different parameters (Ca2+, ATP, ROS, metabolites, etc.) coupled to cell live imaging. Moreover, the research integrates a diverse array of cell biology, biochemistry and molecular biology techniques to elucidate the molecules involved in the pathways of interest.
Padua is a welcoming and charming city, ensuring one of the finest experiences of Italian arts, culture and lifestyle. It has a strategic position in the North/East Italy, very close to the Adriatic Sea and to Venice, as well as to the Dolomites. The University of Padua is one of Europe’s oldest and most renowned universities. It was founded in 1222 and it is a leading international university for research, one of the most cited universities in the world. The University of Padua is recognised as the best university in Italy for research quality (ANVUR 2018).
Application : If interested, please send an email with details of research experience and technical expertise, together with a complete CV and the names and contact information of three references to Dr. Paola Pizzo (paola.pizzo@unipd.it).
Key publications (linked to this project): Zampese E et al., PNAS 2011; Filadi R et al., PNAS 2015; Filadi R et al., Cell Reports 2016; Filadi R et al., Current Biology 2018; Cieri D et al., Cell Death and Differ 2018; Theurey P et al., Aging Cell 2019; Fedeli C et al., Autophagy 2019; Rossi A et al., Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res. 2019.