Postdoc Erdmann Lab - Flagship Research Program Scientific AI

Location: Turbigo

Postdoc | Human Technopole, Milan
Final date to receive applications: 28.02.2026
Human Technopole (Milan) is a rapidly expanding life science institute where international researchers and cutting‑edge technologies converge to accelerate biomedical discovery. Our mission is to transform bold scientific ideas into advances that improve human health.
Build the science that shapes the future of human health.
Within this mission, the Erdmann Group is part of the Structural Biology Center and develops next‑generation cryo‑electron tomography (cryo‑ET) sample preparation workflows, with a strong emphasis on automation and reproducibility for biologically and medically relevant tissue samples and organoids. As part of our Scientific AI Flagship Research Program (FRP), we are seeking an ambitious Postdoctoral Researcher to develop automated cryo‑focused ion beam (cryo‑FIB) lift‑out workflows based on SOLIST, in close collaboration with DELMIC, who are developing the next generation correlative plasma FIB instrumentation optimized for biological cryo‑ET.
This position is software‑ and automation‑driven, with direct interaction with advanced hardware and real experimental systems.
Your mission
You will design, implement, and validate automation strategies for cryo‑FIB lift‑out, with the goal of transforming expert‑only procedures into robust, programmable, and reproducible workflows.
Specifically, You Will

Develop software and control frameworks for automated SOLIST cryo‑FIB lift‑out
Implement adaptive, feedback‑driven workflows to improve robustness and throughput
Interface automation software with advanced in‑situ cryo‑fluorescence and next‑generation lift‑out hardware developed by DELMIC
Independently run cryo‑FIB experiments to test, benchmark, and stress‑test automation on real cryogenic samples
Collaborate with other FRP members, microscopists, engineers, and biologists within the Structural Biology Center and beyond
Contribute to scientific publications, technical documentation, and reusable software tools, and where appropriate to grant proposals and training activities

Grow Your Skills

State‑of‑the‑art cryo‑FIB and cryo‑EM infrastructure
Pre‑commercial and prototype lift‑out instrumentation
Advanced instrument control, automation, and scientific software development
Interdisciplinary research environment spanning physics, engineering, and life sciences
Industrial partners at the forefront of microscopy innovation

Essential

PhD in physics, engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, materials science, or a closely related field (or to be obtained within the next 4 months)
Strong programming skills (e.g. Python, C++, or similar)

Experience with automation, robotics, instrument control, or complex experimental systems

Knowledge of machine learning /machine vision principles
Fluency in spoken and written English
Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment

Preferred

Wet laboratory experience
Understanding of structural biology principles

Experience with cryo‑FIB/SEM, FIB/SEM automation, or advanced microscopy instrumentation
Familiarity with hardware control APIs, real‑time control, or scripting for scientific instruments

Experience with computer vision or image‑based feedback

Organisational and social skills

Ability to independently design and execute experiments to validate software and workflows

Why Human Technopole
Human Technopole offers an international and dynamic workplace, competitive welfare provisions, flexible working policies and relocation support. Researchers moving to Italy may benefit from attractive tax benefits. We promote work–life balance and provide parental support initiatives.
Submit

How to apply

CV
Motivation letter (English)
Contact details of two referees

This is a 3‑year contract offered under CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, Level B2
Salary: up to €40K depending on the candidate’s seniority.
The position is based in Milan, Italy, within our vibrant international campus.
We strongly encourage applications from candidates belonging to protected categories (L. 68/99).
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr