Job ID: 123201

Post doc position in Drug Sciences

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 31 July 2025

Employment Start Date: 1 October 2025

City: Pavia

Country: Italy

Institution: University of Pavia

Department: Department of Drug Sciences

Description:

Call for Applications – Postdoctoral Research Position

The GUT–BRAIN Axis Research in Pharmacology and Toxicology (GBA-PharmaTox) Lab, directed by Prof. Adriano Lama, is seeking a postdoctoral research fellow to join the PROPLA project, funded by the Italian Science Fund (FIS 2) – a prestigious and competitive national program, comparable to the European ERC Grants.

The GBA-PharmaTox Lab is a growing research unit within the Department of Drug Sciences at the University of Pavia, with the ambition of establishing an international reputation through highimpact scientific output. The lab was founded with FIS 2 funding and aims to develop interdisciplinary research along the gut-brain axis, integrating pharmacology, neuroscience, toxicology, and microbiology.

The project focuses on studying the effects of nanoplastics along the gut-brain axis, with particular attention to alterations in the murine gut microbiota and the identification of targeted pharmacological strategies.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with strong expertise in advanced microscopy and imaging, and proven skills in working with laboratory animal models. The researcher will be involved in experimental activities aimed at analyzing behavioral, biochemical, and morphological alterations induced by nanoplastic exposure, as well as in evaluating potential pharmacological treatments.

Main Tasks

• Advanced ex vivo microscopy (e.g., confocal, fluorescence)

• Quantitative image analysis

• Handling and treatment of mouse models, behavioral testing

• Biochemical analysis of brain and intestinal tissues

• Management and analysis of experimental data

• Supervision and mentoring of students (undergraduate, PhD)

Requirements

• PhD in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology or related fields

• Documented expertise in microscopy techniques and image analysis

• Previous experience with murine models

• Background in behavioral neuroscience and toxicology will be considered an asset

• Good communication skills and team-working attitude

Offer

• A stimulating research environment at the University of Pavia

• Access to advanced facilities for imaging, behavior, and biochemical analysis

• Involvement in a competitive, interdisciplinary, and well-funded project (FIS 2 – PROPLA)

• Contract duration, role, and salary will be determined based on the candidate’s experience,

according to the regulations of the University of Pavia

• Expected starting date: October 2025

Application Procedure

Please send a single PDF file to adriano.lama@unina.it by July 31, 2025, with the subject line

“Application Postdoc – PROPLA”, including:

• Curriculum vitae with publication list

• Motivation letter detailing experience in microscopy/imaging

• Contact information of two academic referees

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.