Postdoctoral Positions Fondazione Telethon Training Initiatives

Fondazione Telethon launches a new training initiative for early-career scientists at its flagship Institutes
May 22, 2025

Fondazione Telethon is a leading Italian charity dedicated to funding and conducting scientific research on rare genetic diseases. Since its founding, it has promoted innovative therapies and groundbreaking research through its renowned Institutes: TIGEM (Telethon Insitute of Genetics and Medicine) in Pozzuoli and SR-Tiget (San Raffaele Insitute of Gene Therapy) in Milan.  

Fondazione Telethon launches a novel Postdoctoral program by offering 3-year fellowships at TIGEM and SR-Tiget for motivated scientists looking to advance their careers in genetic medicine and gene therapy. These positions are ideal for researchers who have recently completed their PhD or have up to 4 years of postdoctoral experience and are looking to further develop their scientific skills within dynamic, world-class research environments.  Up to 18 months of documented maternity/paternity leave will be excluded from the calculation of postdoctoral experience.

Applicants must have resided and carried out their research outside of Italy in the past 3 years immediately prior to the application.  Priority will be given to scientists currently working in the USA.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

  • PhD in life sciences or related fields (or close to completion)
  • Proven scientific productivity through at least one first-author original research article (published or in press) in international peer-reviewed journals from their PhD or postdoc training and presentations at international conferences. Articles published in predatory journals will be excluded from the analysis and will not be considered for eligibility conditions.
  • Motivation for collaborative, interdisciplinary research
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills

WHAT WE OFFER

Outstanding Research Environment

  • A supportive, international and highly interdisciplinary environment
  • Access to state-of-the art facilities and technologies including genomics, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, microscopy, flow cytometry, high content screening, proteomics, transgenic mouse facility, SPF animal husbandry and specialized mouse clinic, live animal imaging and bioinformatics
  • Integration with state-of-the-art development facilities and clinical units at collaborative research hospital partners providing post-doctoral candidates with exposure to proficient synergies among basic, translational, and clinical scientists. This unique environment offers an exceptional opportunity to get a first-hand experience of how research advancements are translated into clinical practice

Professional Development Opportunities

  • Travel allowance of 3000 EUR per year to attend conferences, workshops, and seminars enabling fellows to present their work and build international professional networks
  • Postdoctoral Committee fostering career development and structured networking opportunities with peers, senior researchers, and professionals across diverse sectors
  • Training opportunities in grant writing, research management, communication, and translational science
  • Exposure to industry, regulatory, and clinical settings through Fondazione Telethon’s broad R&D ecosystem

Competitive Conditions & Benefits

  • Competitive salary adequate to seniority
  • Welfare scheme
  • Assistance with applying for tax benefits, including attractive income tax reductions for candidates relocating to Italy for the first time or returning after living abroad.
  • Moving support, including relocation allowance, assistance with bureaucratic procedures (e.g., visa, residence permit, healthcare registration), and Italian language training
  • Work-life balance solutions, including flexible working time, remote working, 5-month fully paid maternity leave, parental leave, on campus nursery with discounted rates
  • Access to National Health System providing residents with free or reduced-cost healthcare services, including access to general practitioners, treatment at public hospitals, subsidized medicines, ambulance services

Fondazione Telethon is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty and provides employment opportunities regardless of individual’s age, colour, disability, gender, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation.

 

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants should send the following materials

  • Cover letter (max 2 pages) describing their research background and achievements, motivations for applying and how you envision integrating into the host Institute. Please mention up to 3 potential research groups of interest.
  • CV
  • Contact information of 2 referees including the current supervisor

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, which may be held either in-person or online. The interview process will include a seminar presentation followed by one-to-one discussions with the selected Group Leaders.

Applications for TIGEM positions should be sent to:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. Early submissions are encouraged.