Two postdoctoral research fellow positions are available in the Hormone-Related Cancers and Stem Cell Pathobiology Unit at the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) in Milan, Italy.
We are seeking highly motivated and creative scientists to join a multidisciplinary translational research program focused on understanding how oncogenic signaling, epigenetic regulation, tumor heterogeneity, and cellular plasticity drive cancer progression and therapeutic response.
The successful candidates will contribute to projects aimed at identifying molecular mechanisms of tumor aggressiveness and discovering clinically relevant biomarkers and therapeutic vulnerabilities in epithelial cancers, with a particular focus on breast cancer and other hormone-related malignancies.
The research program integrates mechanistic cancer biology with advanced experimental and analytical approaches, including molecular and cellular biology, functional genomics, epigenomic and transcriptomic profiling, organoids, patient-derived models, multiplex tissue analysis, spatial biology, and multi-omics data integration.
The positions are suitable for candidates with experimental, computational, or hybrid profiles. The specific project will be shaped according to the expertise, interests, and career goals of the selected candidates.
Research activities
The postdoctoral fellows will contribute to several of the following activities:
- Investigating signaling, epigenetic, transcriptional, and metabolic mechanisms that sustain tumor progression and therapy resistance.
- Studying tumor heterogeneity, tissue organization, and tumor–microenvironment interactions in clinically relevant cancer models and human specimens.
- Applying molecular, cellular, genomic, epigenomic, spatial, and imaging-based approaches to identify biomarkers of disease aggressiveness and therapeutic response.
- Using in vitro and in vivo models, including organoids, primary tumor cultures, and patient-derived xenografts.
- Integrating experimental and computational data in a translational oncology framework.
- Contributing to manuscript preparation, scientific presentations, grant-related activities, and collaborative research projects.
Candidate profile
Applicants should hold a PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in cancer biology, molecular biology, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, pathology, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related discipline.
Strong candidates will have experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Cancer biology, molecular biology, or cellular biology.
- Epigenetics, chromatin biology, transcriptional regulation, or genome stability.
- Cancer signaling, metabolism, tumor progression, or therapy resistance.
- Functional genomics, bulk or single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, or multi-omics analysis.
- Multiplex immunohistochemistry, multiplex immunofluorescence, advanced microscopy, or tissue-based analysis.
- In vitro and/or in vivo cancer models.
Excellent spoken English, strong communication skills, scientific curiosity, and the ability to work in a collaborative environment are essential.
Research environment
The European Institute of Oncology offers an international, highly collaborative, and clinically integrated research environment with strong expertise in cancer biology, molecular pathology, genomics, computational biology, translational oncology, and precision medicine.
The successful candidate will have access to state-of-the-art technologies, clinically annotated tumor collections, patient-derived models, and close interactions with clinical and pathology units. The position offers an excellent opportunity to develop independent scientific expertise while contributing to high-impact translational cancer research.
Position details
Start date: September 2026, with some flexibility
Duration: Initial 12-month appointment, renewable
Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience
Application
Applicants should send:
- A cover letter describing research experience, scientific interests, and motivation for applying.
- A curriculum vitae.
- Contact information for at least two referees.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
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 (L. 903/77) and economic treatment, pursuant to Legislative Decree no. 198/2006.
Posted on 6th July 2026