We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic predoctoral researcher with a background in molecular and cellular biology and a strong interest in cancer biology and metastasis to join our team (https://www.research.ieo.it/research-and-technology/principal-investigators/pier-giuseppe-pelicci/) and contribute to an ongoing research project.
The Unit is primarily interested in studying the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor progression, metastatic dissemination and therapy response, with a particular focus on breast cancer.
Within this research framework, we have recently developed a scalable zebrafish xenograft platform that enables longitudinal in vivo analysis of distinct steps of the metastatic cascade at single-cell resolution, including primary tumor growth, tumor cell dissemination, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), extravasation and metastatic colonization. Transgenic zebrafish lines with fluorescently labelled macrophages and neutrophils also provide the opportunity to investigate tumor–innate immune cell interactions during metastatic progression.
The project will focus on the functional characterization of candidate regulators of metastatic progression and circulating tumor cell fitness, integrating molecular and cellular approaches with zebrafish xenotransplantation and fluorescence imaging. The successful candidate will contribute to the generation and characterization of genetically modified cancer cell models and their functional validation in vivo, including the analysis of tumor growth, dissemination, therapy response and interactions with the innate immune microenvironment.
Skills and Qualifications
Candidates should have:
- Master's degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology or a related discipline;
- solid background in molecular and cellular biology;
- experience with mammalian cell culture and standard molecular biology techniques;
- interest in cancer biology, metastasis and in vivo models;
- motivation to acquire expertise in zebrafish handling, xenotransplantation and fluorescence imaging;
- good communication skills and proficiency in English.
Previous experience with cancer cell models, fluorescence microscopy, genetic manipulation or zebrafish is considered an advantage but is not mandatory.
For additional information please contact: Enrica Migliaccio ([email protected])
Application
To apply, please submit your CV and a short description of your research interests.
Processing of Personal Data
The personal data, compulsorily provided, will be processed in compliance with Legislative Decree no. 101 of 10 August 2018, which adapts the Personal Data Protection Code (Legislative Decree no. 196 of 30 June 2003) to the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, and only for the fulfilments related to this procedure and for those consequent to the possible establishment of the working relationship, according to what is also provided for in the privacy policy, which must be accepted by each candidate at the time of submitting the application.
Equal Opportunities
This notice is issued in compliance with equal opportunities between men and women for access to employment (L. 903/77) and economic treatment, pursuant to Legislative Decree no. 198/2006.
Posted on 11th November 2026