Job ID: 123091

Research Associate – In Vivo and/or Computational Neuroscience

Position: Technician

Deadline: 30 June 2025

Employment Start Date: 1 August 2025

Contract Length: 1-2 initial years depending on experience, renewable up to 5 years

City: Rovereto

Country: Italy

Institution: Istituto Italano di Tecnologia

Department: Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory

Description:

The Gozzi laboratory at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (www.iit.it) is seeking a highly motivated and independent Research Specialist to join its neuroscience team (www.fnimg.iit.it) in Rovereto, Italy. The position is flexible and can be tailored to candidates with strong experimental or analytical profiles in neuroscience. We are especially interested in individuals who can contribute either to the execution of in vivo studies or to the processing and analysis of complex functional imaging data. The position is offered with a gross annual salary of €30,000, with the possibility of contract renewal and role evolution based on performance.

Research at the Gozzi lab aims to understand how the brain operates as a network in health and disease. We approach this challenge by integrating causal circuit manipulations in rodents with whole-brain functional imaging (fMRI, fUS), electrophysiology, behavioral assays, and neuro-computational approaches.

What we are looking for

We are looking for individuals who are not only technically skilled but also intellectually reliable, proactive, and capable of working independently.
You should be able to take ownership of your work, navigate complex tasks without constant supervision, and engage critically with scientific questions. We value team players who can contribute to the lab’s culture of mutual support, precision, and scientific integrity. This is not a training position. We are looking for colleagues, not apprentices.

Depending on expertise, the selected candidate will contribute to either:

a) Experimental Neuroscience (In vivo Focus):

  • Implementation and optimization of in vivo protocols (viral transduction, headpost implants, habituation, behavioral tasks)
  • Assistance with fMRI, fUS, and/or electrophysiological data acquisition
  • Setup maintenance and quality control

b) Data Analysis and Neuroimaging (Computational Focus):

  • Preprocessing, analysis, and visualization of imaging data (fMRI, MEG)
  • Statistical modeling and interpretation of brain activity
  • Development and maintenance of analysis pipelines

General Responsibilities:

  • Collaborating with researchers, postdocs, and PhD students
  • Contributing to the lab’s ongoing projects and data integrity
  • Supporting lab operations, inventory, and technical workflows
  • Working independently and proactively to advance the lab’s goals

Requirements: Background in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, physics, computer science, or related fields. Proven experience in either in vivo rodent neuroscience or computational data analysis. Strong organizational skills, autonomy, and motivation. Fluency in English; team spirit and collaborative attitude

Environment: The IIT center in Rovereto is located in Trentino, a region in Northern Italy surrounded by the Dolomite Mountains. The region offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and high quality of life. Our research environment is collaborative, international, and technologically equipped for cutting-edge neuroscience.

How to apply: Please send the following to alessandro.gozzi@iit.it:

  • A detailed CV
  • A cover letter explaining your motivation and which area (in vivo or analysis) you are best suited for
  • Contact details of 2 references