The Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory investigates non-genetic alterations promoting cancer development, with a particular focus on chromatin-based mechanisms operating in solid cancers. Recent studies by our group have uncovered unexpected disease mechanisms, with direct implications for disease management (Torres et al., Science 2016, Loukas et al., Cancer Cell, 2023, Monserrat et al. Nature Cell Biology 2021, Morales et al. Nature Communications 2020). Our research combines genomics, CRISPR-based genetics, microscopy and in vivo/ex vivo functional assays to uncover new biology through the study of altered cellular states in cancer, as well as to identify associated vulnerabilities that can be exploited to interfere with the disease.
The group is currently operating across two sites, in Milan at the Department of Experimental Oncology at IEO Scaffidi Lab (IEO) and at the Francis Crick Institute in London, UK Scaffidi Lab (Crick).
We are looking for an enthusiastic postdoctoral fellow with strong expertise in molecular and cellular biology to join the group at IEO. The successful candidate will have the freedom and responsibility to lead an ambitious project aimed at dissecting the mechanistic basis of stress- and therapy-resistance conferred by disruption of the epigenetic regulatory network. The study is a follow-up to our recent work that uncovered “transcriptional numbness” as a driver of cancer evolution in many solid tumors (Loukas et al., Cancer Cell, 2023). Depending on interests, other projects related to the main focus of the lab research may also be considered.
Key experience and competencies:
Essential
- PhD in molecular and/or cellular biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines.
- Good knowledge and experience in chromatin biology
- Strong expertise in cell culture (transfection, transduction and clone isolation), molecular biology, biochemistry and quantitative microscopy
- Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, with a least one first-author publication
- Excellent spoken and written English
Desirable
- Expertise in CRISPR technology, including targeted genome editing and NGS-based selection screens
- Experience with bioinformatic analysis
- Expertise in systems biology
- Proficiency in analysing large datasets and mining public databases
Duration and salary: The position is initially for 3 years (1+1+1), with possible extensions.
A competitive salary will be offered depending on experience and qualifications.
The Institute: The European Institute of Oncology (IEO) is one of the leading research institutes in Italy. The Department of Experimental Oncology (DEO) hosts ~250 scientists working in 20 independent research groups, and is equipped with state-of-the-art Technology Units. DEO is located within a scientific campus together with two other partner institutions: the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology (IFOM) and the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT). The IEO is one of the 13 members of the EU-LIFE alliance to promote excellence in life sciences in Europe. IEO is an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence through diversity.