The Scaffidi Lab (IEO) investigates how disruption of epigenetic control promotes cancer development, with a particular focus on chromatin-based mechanisms operating in solid cancers. Recent studies by our group have uncovered unexpected disease mechanisms, as well as shed light on how functionally diverse chromatin regulators cooperate to regulate basic cell functionality (Torres et al., Science 2016, Loukas et al., Cancer Cell, 2023, Monserrat et al. Nature Cell Biology 2021, Wilson et al. NAR 2025)
Our research combines genomics, CRISPR-based genetics, imaging 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, as outlined in this recent review.
We are looking for an enthusiastic postdoctoral fellow with strong expertise in molecular and cellular biology to join our group. Various lines of investigation can be developed, and the specific project will be decided based on interests and expertise of the successful candidate.
Key experience and competencies:
Essential
- PhD in molecular and/or cellular biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines.
- Expertise in chromatin biology
- Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, with a least one first-author publication
- Strong expertise in molecular biology, cell engineering, biochemistry and quantitative microscopy
- Excellent spoken and written English
Desirable
- Expertise in CRISPR technology, including targeted genome editing and NGS-based selection screens
- Expertise with NGS-based chromatin-probing methods (e.g. CUT&Run/CUT&Tag/ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, etc)
- Proficiency in analysing large datasets and mining public databases
- Experience with bioinformatic analysis
- Expertise in systems biology
Duration and salary: The position is initially for 3 years (1+1+1), with possible extensions.
A competitive salary will be offered based 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.
Closing date for applications: 5 September 2025
Posted on 8th July 2025