Contract: postdoc (2 years, renewable)
Location: Genoa (Center for Convergent Technologies)
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 working at the intersection of oncology, molecular and synthetic biology. This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic, interdisciplinary team operating in computational genomics, RNA biology, and precision medicine. 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.
For more information about the RNA Technologies Flagship, visit: https://www.rna.iit.it
The project focuses on the characterization and engineering of extracellular vesicles derived from neural stem cells and glioblastoma (GBM) models, with the aim of understanding and exploiting the molecular mechanisms that govern their selective targeting (tropism) and their ability to deliver therapeutic cargoes.
The ideal candidate has a strong background in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry, and is familiar with complex experimental data generated from omics studies or laboratory-based research. A collaborative mindset is essential, as the role involves working closely within multidisciplinary teams of biologists, chemists, engineers, and medical scientists in IIT. The successful candidate will operate within an international ecosystem.
For more information about the research areas involved, please refer to the following links:
- Neurobiology of MIRNA research unit: https://ncrna.iit.it/
- Synthetic and Systems Biology for Biomedicine research unit: https://synbio.iit.it/
- Structural Biophysics facility: https://sbf.iit.it/
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- PhD in neuroscience; biochemistry, molecular biology and cancer biology ;
- Documented experience in culture and characterization of neural cells derived from human iPS, and cell cultures from primary cancers
- Documented experience in biochemistry and extracellular vesicle biology (including isolation, purification, and their functional characterization)
- Experience in LCMS/MS and proteomics/lipidomics analysis
- 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;
- Possibility to develop multidisciplinary skills;
- 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: 31-07-2026
To discover more about life at IIT, visit: https://www.iit.it/en/work-at-iit
