4 Postdoctoral Positions
Control of non-coding transcription
Gioacchino Natoli lab
IEO-IFOM Campus, Milan
(REF. 2025-08-GN/32)
We are seeking 4 postdoctoral scientists (3 wet-lab and 1 computational) to join Gioacchino Natoli’s lab at the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) in Milan on a project funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research under FIS 2 (Italian Fund for Science) programme, investigating the mechanisms that control the activity and function of extragenic RNA Polymerase II, leveraging advanced genomics screening technologies.
CUP: J53C24004190001
Project Title: The Restrictor complex and the control of extragenic transcription (RESET)
Project Code: FIS-2023-00691
Start date: 1st October 2025
Duration: 3 years
CONTRACT TYPE AND SALARY
Successful applicants will receive with full 3-years contracts inclusive of full social-security coverage (CCNL sanita’ privata).
Gross salary
- Wet-lab postdoctoral scientists: 45.000 Euro gross per year
- Computational postdoctoral scientist: 52.000 Euro gross per year
About the Project
Understanding how cells keep transcription precisely in check is fundamental to genome integrity and normal development. Mammalian genomes contain hundreds of thousands of enhancers and promoters that can release RNA Polymerase II in both directions. If left unchecked, this pervasive initiation generates a massive amount of extragenic RNAs that can disrupt nuclear organization, lead to DNA damage and perturb normal gene regulation.
Our lab has recently discovered Restrictor, a conserved, essential metazoan complex that patrols thousands of non-coding transcription units and halts RNA Pol II with a still unclear mechanism. This non-enzymatic, cleavage-independent off-switch sets Restrictor apart from all known termination pathways and opens new questions about how cells partition productive gene transcription from potentially harmful background noise.
The successful candidates will have to
- Dissect the molecular mechanism of Restrictor-mediated Pol II dismantling.
- Map its genomic targets with next-generation chromatin and nascent-RNA profiling.
- Probe the impact of Restrictor loss on genome stability, nuclear architecture and gene expression programs.
- Collaborate with structural biologists and computational scientists to integrate mechanistic and systems-level insights.
We seek creative, self-driven scientists with a PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, bioinformatics or a related field. Expertise in chromatin, transcription, or RNA biology is a plus but not required; genuine enthusiasm for tackling fundamental questions with cutting-edge methods is essential.
Wet-lab post doctoral scientists
Key responsibilities
- Design and perform advanced genomics screens.
- Design and carry out functional experiments to uncover executioners of transcription termination at extragenic sites.
- Collaborate closely with computational scientists.
Qualifications
- PhD in molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, or a related field.
- Hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing–based methods and large-scale screens.
- Strong record of productivity demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications.
Computational postdoctoral scientist
Key responsibilities
- Design statistical frameworks and pipelines for large-scale genomic and CRISPR screens.
- Analyze all genomics datasets produced in the project.
- Develop integrative models that link Restrictor binding, transcription dynamics, and genome architecture.
- Provide bioinformatic support to wet-lab collaborators and help maintain reproducible, well-documented code.
Essential qualifications
- PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, statistics, computer science, or a related field.
- Proven expertise in processing and interpreting NGS data.
APPLICATION DEADLINES AND MODALITIES
Applications for participation in the selection must be received no later than 12.00 noon on September 1st 2025. 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 (please specify if you are applying for wet-lab position or computational position).
- 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 the non-receipt of applications by the deadline, for which the date of receipt shall be considered the official date of receipt.
Only applications complete with the required documentation and sent according to the indicated procedure will be taken into consideration.
SELECTION AND EVALUATION PROCEDURE
The identification of the scientist will take place through a comparative evaluation of the candidates based on qualifications and a possible oral interview.
The assessment will consist of an evaluation of the candidate's CV, aimed at ascertaining the required knowledge and skills necessary for the performance of the activities involved in the above-mentioned project.
The oral interview, if any, will be aimed at examining in-depth the candidate's educational and professional experiences, personal motivations and aptitudes, as well as assessing the candidate's availability for multidisciplinary activities and technical-scientific discussions. Failure to attend the interview, for any reason whatsoever, will be considered as renouncement of the selection.
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 compliance with equal opportunities between men and women for access to employment and economic treatment, pursuant to Legislative Decree no. 198/2006. 3
Milano, August 11th, 2025
Posted on 11th August 2025