We are recruiting a highly motivated Clinical Research Coordinator to join Yinxiu Zhan’s lab at the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) in Milan. The position is funded by the FIS (Italian Fund for Science) scheme of the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR), within the PRIME project (Predicting Response using Integrated Machine Learning and Expression data).
CUP: J53C25002110001
Project Title: RNAseq-Driven Machine Learning framework for Predicting Immunotherapy Response
Project Code: FIS-2024-03049
Start date of the contract: November 2026 (subject to completion of the selection procedure and execution of the contract)
Duration: 1 year
Gross salary: 27.000 Euro per year, inclusive of full social security (CCNL Sanita’ privata)
About the Project
Accurate RNA-based detection of genetic variants has the potential to streamline molecular profiling by extracting multiple layers of information from a single experimental technique. Unlike approaches that require separate assays for DNA variant calling and transcriptomic readouts, RNA sequencing can simultaneously capture gene expression profiles and evidence of expressed mutations, features that are particularly relevant when studying tumor biology and treatment response.
Within the PRIME project, the Fellow will focus on designing, implementing, and benchmarking a hybrid CNN-Vision Transformer (ViT) framework that operates directly on RNA-seq-derived data to enable robust detection of expressed mutations. The work will include model development and optimization, definition of evaluation strategies and benchmarks, and systematic comparison against baseline approaches to quantify performance, generalizability, and practical utility. This effort contributes to PRIME’s broader goal of improving prediction of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors through RNA-driven computational methods.
Responsabilities
The Clinical Research Coordinator will be responsible for entering, verifying, and managing organizational data, as well as developing and maintaining the databases used to support the organization's operational and decision-making activities. This role involves data collection, quality control, storage, and reporting, ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and security of information. Key responsibilities include:
- Data Entry and Data Management
- Data Collection and Entry:
- Enter, update, and verify data from multiple sources (paper forms, digital files, management systems) into organizational databases.
- Ensure accurate coding and categorization of information in line with organizational standards.
- Quality Control and Validation:
- Perform rigorous quality checks to identify and correct errors, duplicates, or inconsistencies in the data.
- Verify the completeness and accuracy of datasets prior to final storage.
- Database Development and Maintenance
- Design and Organization:
- Contribute to the design and organization of databases and spreadsheets to optimize the storage and retrieval of information.
- Structure data to facilitate integration with other systems and reporting tools.
- Maintenance and Reporting:
- Carry out periodic backups and routine maintenance of databases to ensure their integrity and security.
- Generate periodic reports and summary statistics to support the team's decision-making activities.
- Document data management procedures and propose improvements to existing processes.
Required Qualifications
Educational Background:
Degree in scientific discipline
- Technical Skills:
- Proven experience in data entry and data management, with strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other office automation tools (es REDCap).
- Knowledge of database management systems (e.g., Microsoft Access, MySQL, SQL Server) and the ability to write basic queries.
- Familiarity with data entry tools and management platforms (CRM/ERP).
- Analytical and Organizational Skills:
- High attention to detail and the ability to work with large volumes of data while maintaining high accuracy standards.
- Proven ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
Application deadlines and modalities:
Applications for participation in the selection must be received no later than 12.00 noon on October 27th, 2026. Applications must be sent through the appropriate link (APPLY Button)
The application must contain:
- a detailed and updated CV, dated and signed, certifying training and professional activities, with specific authorization to process personal data pursuant to art. 13 of GDPR 679/16;
- a cover letter outlining your research interests;
- any document or declaration useful for the assessment by the Examination Board;
- name and contact details of two/three references familiar with your previous work.
The European Institute of Oncology accepts no responsibility for applications not received by the deadline; the official date of receipt shall be the date on which the application is actually received.
Only applications that are complete, include all required documentation, and are submitted according to the indicated procedure will be considered.
Selection and evaluation procedure:
The selection of the successful applicants will take place through a comparative evaluation of the candidates based on qualifications and, if considered appropriate, an oral interview. The assessment will include an evaluation of the candidate's curriculum vitae, aimed at verifying the knowledge and skills required for the activities planned in the project.
The oral interview, if conducted, will be aimed at further examining the candidate's professional experience, personal motivation and aptitude, as well as to assess the candidate's availability for the multidisciplinary activities required for the project.
Failure to attend the interview, regardless the reason, will be considered as a withdrawal from the selection process.
Candidate evaluations will be conducted solely for the technical and discretionary purposes of identifying the most suitable candidate for the collaborative relationship covered by this announcement, in accordance with the private autonomy of the European Institute of Oncology pursuant to the Italian Civil Code.
These evaluations will not oblige the European Institute of Oncology to recruit individuals ranked appropriately on the ranking list. Participation in this procedure, therefore, will not entitle the first candidate on the ranking list to be hired.
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 sending his/her application.
Equal opportunities:
This notice is issued in accordance with the principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination in employment and remuneration, with particular regard to equality between men and women, pursuant to Legislative Decree No. 198/2006.
Posted on September 28th, 2026