A Research Biologist specialized in Medical Genetics position is available in the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics of the Istituto Auxologico Italiano in the group of Prof. Peter J Schwartz and Prof. Lia Crotti. 
Our group investigates the genetic bases of inherited cardiac diseases, channelopathies and cardiomyopathies with a specific focus on the relationship between genotype and phenotype in the Long QT Syndrome (LQTS). The group has pioneered, among others, key important discoveries in the field as: i) the identification of modifier genes for QT interval prolongation and arrhythmia susceptibility, ii) the discovery of novel disease genes associated to severe forms of LQTS with sudden cardiac death in infants and in the young and iii) the identification, in stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes from LQTS patients, of a genotype-specific therapy capable to rescue the disease traits.  

Profilo di Ruolo:

The candidate will work in a multidisciplinary team with expertise in clinical cardiology, human genetics, electrophysiology and stem cell biology. 
The candidate will primarily work within the Molecular Genetics area of the research group. He/She will contribute to genetic data interpretation, the development of novel assays for genetic variant classification and patient risk stratification, and to the design and implementation of research projects in the field of cardiovascular genetics. 
The candidate will collaborate closely with other members of the laboratory, as well as with the bioinformatics and functional units and the cardiological team.  
This appointment will be initially for 1 year. Extensions will be evaluated based according to progress and additional research fundings. 
The lab is located in the Center for Research and Biomedical Technologies in Cusano Milanino (MI), via Zucchi 18, Italy. 

Attività e responsabilità:

• Perform genetic assays to predict the arrhythmic risk of variants of unknown significance;
• Perform assays to improve the risk stratification of patients affected by congenital or acquired channelopathies and cardiomyopathies; 
• Communicate with the bioinformaticians for data analysis and interpretation;
• Contribute to the writing of research papers;
• Assist in the supervision of students and contribute to the lab requirements;
• Maintain updated the procedures and variant classifications according to the most recent guidelines.

Requisiti professionali:

• Specialization in Medical Genetics
• Professional license to practice as a Biologist and Registration with the Professional Order of Biologists
• Marked interest for the field of cardiac arrhythmias and/or genetics
• Knowledge of molecular tecniques: DNA extraction, PCR, Sanger Sequencing
• Ability to work in gruop and independently
• Good knowledge of written and spoken English.

Requisiti preferenziali:

• Knowledge of Sequence Analysis Software, Primer design tools
• Knowledge of Next-Generation Sequencing, library preparation, analysis and genetic variant interpretation. 

Competenze gestionali,  organizzative e relazionali richieste dal ruolo:  

• Ability to work independently, but willing to contribute to the team work when required.
• Good knowledge of written and spoken English;

Competenze e conoscenze tecniche:

• Proven expertise in genetic screenings and analyses;
• Knowledge of Next-Generation Sequencing, library preparation and analysis;
• Knowledge of WES/WGS analysis;
• Proven expertise in PCR, qPCR, Sanger Sequencing.