Contract: postdoc (2 year renewable)
Location: Genoa/Milan
Step into a world of endless possibilities, together let’s leave something for the future!
At IIT, we are committed to advancing human-centered Science and Technology to address the most urgent societal challenges of our era. We foster excellence in both fundamental and applied research, spanning fields such as neuroscience and cognition, humanoid technologies and robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and material sciences, offering a truly interdisciplinary scientific experience. Our approach integrates cutting-edge tools and technology, empowering researchers to push the limits of knowledge and innovation. With us, your curiosity will know no bounds.
We are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering diversity in all its forms, creating an inclusive environment. We value the unique experiences, knowledge, backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives of our people. By embracing diversity, we believe science can achieve its fullest potential.
THE ROLE
Within the RNA Technologies Flagship Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) is seeking a highly motivated postdoc.
For more information about the RNA Technologies Flagship, visit: https://www.rna.iit.it
The project addresses the challenge of tumor heterogeneity by exploring RNA-targeting strategies aimed at cancer-relevant molecular dependencies. Within the framework of the RNA Technologies Flagship project “Subpopulation-guided ASO strategies for targeted cancer therapy”, the selected candidate will contribute to the development and validation of antisense oligonucleotide-based approaches for precision cancer research. The work will combine molecular biology, RNA silencing technologies, target validation, and functional assays, with the broader goal of supporting the development of selective RNA-based therapeutic strategies.
The ideal candidate should have a strong background in molecular biology, biochemistry or chemical biology, an experience in RNA biology, gene silencing technologies, and functional validation of gene targets. Previous experience with antisense oligonucleotides, siRNA/shRNA approaches, RNA-targeting strategies, or oligonucleotide-based therapeutics will be considered highly valuable. Experience in cancer research, target validation, transcript analysis, cell-based assays, and standard molecular biology techniques is desirable. Familiarity with delivery strategies for nucleic acid therapeutics, including lipid-based or ligand-based approaches, would be an advantage, although not strictly required.
The goal is to build a strategic institutional resource for advancing discoveries in cancer, neurodevelopmental, and neurodegenerative disorders, through the integration of computational modeling of RNA and understanding RNA interactions.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- PhD in:
- Multiomics and single-cell RNA-seq analysis and interpretation
- Cancer biology, particularly tumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance mechanisms
- Integration and use of functional dependency datasets (e.g., DepMap/Achilles)
- ASO design principles (gapmers, stericblocking ASOs, RNA targeting strategies)
- Experience with patientderived organoids (PDOs) and 3D cancer models
- Nucleic acid delivery technologies (lipid nanoparticles, peptide/sugar conjugates, aptamer systems)
- Functional genomics and perturbation assays (knockdown, viability, phenotypic profiling)
- A solid understanding of molecular simulations, especially in relation to RNA systems, and capable of handling largescale biological data;
- Ability to communicate scientific concepts, analytical reasoning, and scientific creativity;
- Ability to work and think independently, and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment, with a proactive attitude;
- Fluency in both spoken and written English.
COMPENSATION PACKAGE
- A yearly gross salary ranging between 35-45k;
- Private health care coverage;
- Wide range of staff discounts;
- Candidates from abroad or Italian citizens who have carried scientific research activity permanently abroad and meet specific requirements, may be entitled to a deduction from taxable income of up to 90% from 6 to 13 years.
Please submit your application using the online form and including a detailed CV and 2 reference letters.
Application’s deadline: 21-07-2026
To discover more about life at IIT, visit: https://www.iit.it/en/work-at-iit
