Post-Doctoral Position in Cancer Cell Signalling

Post-Doctoral Position in Cancer Cell Signalling

IEO - European Institute of Oncology

Milan, Italy

We are seeking highly motivated post-doctoral researchers to join a stimulating research environment. The selected candidate will lead innovative projects aimed at identifying new strategies to limit tumor progression or eradicate established metastases by dissecting oncogenic pathways and their role in driving tumor cell plasticity, aggressiveness, and adaptation to the microenvironment. The main focus is on uncovering novel therapeutic vulnerabilities and predictive biomarkers to inform precision oncology.

Scientific background

CDK12 (Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 12) is a key transcriptional regulator involved in the control of DNA damage response genes, RNA processing, and chromatin organization. In aggressive breast cancer subtypes, CDK12 overexpression contributes to oncogenesis by activating transcriptional programs that promote tumor cell survival and metastatic dissemination (CDK12 promotes tumorigenesis but induces vulnerability to therapies inhibiting folate one-carbon metabolism in breast cancer. Filippone MG et al. Nat Commun., 12;13(1), 2022). However, the full spectrum of CDK12 downstream targets and the molecular logic by which they influence tumor progression remain largely unexplored. Our lab aims to uncover these critical pathways to reveal actionable vulnerabilities and develop targeted therapeutic strategies.

Requirements

• A completed PhD in Molecular Biomedicine, Genetics, Biology, Pharmacology, or a related life science field;
• A solid background in cancer biology;
• Extensive hands-on experience in cellular and molecular biology techniques. Previous experience with primary cell culture and/or 3D-organoid culture condition is considered a plus;
• Previous experience with animal models and/or advanced imaging is considered an asset;
• Strong interest in transcriptional and epigenetic regulation, cell signaling pathways, and tumor cell plasticity;
• Proficiency in English, excellent communication skills, team spirit, and a high level of motivation.

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