Staff Scientist Position
(level commensurate with documented expertise)
(Ref.2026-01-GN/01)
We are seeking a highly motivated Staff Scientist to join our research laboratory at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan. The position is open at different levels of seniority and scientific independence, depending on the expertise and track record of the selected candidate.
Research in the Natoli lab is focused on molecular mechanisms of transcriptional and epigenetic regulation in three different areas. a) How cell type-specific transcriptional responses to inflammatory stimuli are mounted in immune cells and particularly macrophages, the key mediators of innate immunity; b) understanding the regulatory basis of the massive loss of lineage identity in pancreatic cancer, which underlies the extensive non-genetic heterogeneity (plasticity) characteristic of this tumor; c) Mechanisms that control extragenic transcription and its functional consequences.
The applicants should hold a PhD and have expertise documented by high quality publications in research areas related to molecular and cellular biology, genomics and/or proteomics. The Staff Scientist will provide advanced technical and scientific expertise and play a key role in ensuring continuity, rigor, and innovation in the laboratory’s research activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, perform, and analyze experiments in molecular and cellular biology and genomics
- Apply and further develop advanced experimental and analytical techniques
- Contribute intellectually to project conception, data interpretation, and publication
- Supervise and mentor students and/or junior researchers
- Contribute to laboratory organization, method development, and scientific strategy
- For senior-level appointments:
- High level of technical and scientific autonomy
- Contribution to project design and supervision
- Coordination of semi-independent research activities and mentoring of trainees (including grant writing as co-PI or PI, where appropriate)
Required Qualifications
- PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Genomics, or a closely related field
- Completed postdoctoral training
- Strong hands-on expertise in molecular and cellular biology and genomics techniques
(e.g. NGS-based methods, functional genomics, gene regulation, genome editing, single-cell approaches, advanced cell biology assays) - Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment
We Offer
- A stable research position with the prospect of permanent employment after a 1-year probation period
- Competitive salary, commensurate with experience and seniority
- Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and core facilities
- A collaborative, interdisciplinary, and international research environment
- Opportunities for professional development and increasing scientific independence.
Interested candidates should submit their curriculum vitae, a short description of their previous research activites and contact details of two referees to Gioacchino Natoli ([email protected]).
Deadline for applications: Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
Start date: [Flexible / to be agreed]
Group website
https://www.research.ieo.it/research-and-technology/principal-investigators/gioacchino-natoli/
Selected recent publications from the lab
Control of myeloid lineage fidelity and response to stimuli by ISWI-enforced nucleosome phasing (Polletti S., Melia-Aloma J., Pileri F., Di Lena CA, Piccolo V., Cuomo A., Stopka T., Gualdrini F., Natoli G). Immunity 2025 Sep 25:S1074-7613(25)00413-3. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2025.09.002. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41005292.
Mapping functional to morphological variation reveals the basis of regional extracellular matrix subversion and nerve invasion in pancreatic cancer (Di Chiaro P…Natoli G). Cancer Cell. 2024 Apr 8;42(4):662-681 PMID: 38518775
Acetyl-CoA production by Mediator-bound 2-ketoacid dehydrogenases boosts de novo histone acetylation and is regulated by nitric oxide (Russo M…Natoli G). Molecular Cell Mar 7;84(5):967-980.e10. PMID: 38242130
Restrictor synergizes with Symplekin and PNUTS to terminate extragenic transcription (Russo M., Piccolo V., Polizzese D., Prosperini E., Borriero C., Polletti S., Bedin F., Marenda M., Michieletto D., Mandana G.M., Rodighiero S., Cuomo A., Natoli G.).Genes & Development Dec 26, 37(21-24):1017-1040. doi: 10.1101/gad.351057.123 (Online ahead of print). PMID: 38092518 (2023)
Posted on January 15th, 2026