Open Post-Doctoral Position in Cancer Cell SignallingProf. Pece’s Hormone-Related Cancers and Stem Cell Pathobiology Laboratory
European Institute of Oncology (IEO), 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.
This research is supported by the AIRC-IG 2024 grant "Targeting CDK12 overexpression-induced vulnerabilities for the personalized treatment of breast cancer patients" (Grant ID 31130).
The position will be initially for one year, renewable for three years, and is available immediately.
A competitive salary will be offered depending on experience and qualifications.
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
Lab Highlights
- Focus on tumor heterogeneity, plasticity, and metastasis, particularly transcriptional and epigenetic control mechanisms
- Integrated wet-lab and computational approaches, including transcriptomics, epigenomics, and high-content imaging
- Clinically relevant models, including patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), organoids, and tumor biobank samples
- Direct collaboration with clinical units and access to high-quality patient material
- Supportive environment with interdisciplinary expertise and active national and international collaborations
- Proven track record of high-impact publications and successful competitive funding
We are affiliated with the Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology at the University of Milan (https://www.unimi.it) and are based at the European Institute of Oncology (https://www.ieo.it), one of Europe’s leading comprehensive cancer centers.
To apply, please send a cover letter describing your research experience, interests and motivation, a CV and contact details for at least two referees to: [email protected]
Posted on 22nd May 2025