Post-doctoral position, Mucosal Immunology and Microbiota Unit

Humanitas University; Rozzano; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing programme

Work-life balance measures

Training and development opportunities

Job summary

Humanitas University invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Researcher in the Mucosal Immunology and Microbiota Unit. The role focuses on cancer biology and immunology, requiring expertise in animal models and advanced immunological techniques, with an emphasis on multidisciplinary translational research.

The candidate will collaborate across oncology and microbiota research, contribute to grant-backed studies, and disseminate findings through publications and seminars.

Qualifications

• PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology, Immunology, Cancer Biology or a related discipline.
• Experience with animal models and immunological assays is required.
• Preference for candidates with cancer biology/immunology background and with skills like multiparameter flow cytometry and imaging.
• Strong oral and written communication, teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
• Track record of research in recognized laboratories and peer-reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to multidisciplinary studies combining cancer biology, immunology, microbiology and imaging.
• Work in the Mucosal Immunology and Microbiota Unit under Prof. Maria Rescigno.
• Design and perform experiments including in vivo tumor models and immunological assays.
• Communicate results effectively within the team and to collaborators.

Skills

Animal models

Immunological assays

Molecular biology

Oral communication

Written communication

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Education

PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology or Immunology or Cancer Biology

Tools

Flow cytometry

Immunofluorescence/confocal microscopy

In vivo tumor models

Job description

Why Humanitas

Choosing Humanitas means joining an environment where quality of care is built every day through clinical expertise, innovation and teamwork, where everyone contributes to the patient care journey.

Who we are

Humanitas Research Hospital is a highly specialized research and university hospital, and the first in Italy to be certified as an Academic Hospital by the Joint Commission International. Research is driven daily by over 500 physicians, biologists, physicists, data scientists, and technologists working across hospital wards and 10,000 sqm of high-tech laboratories. Our mission is to transform discoveries into concrete cures, with a strategic focus on five key areas: cancer, immunology, neuroscience, gastrointestinal medicine, and molecular cardiology.

The context

Humanitas University is looking for a Post-Doctoral Researcher at Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital in the Mucosal Immunology and Microbiota Unit, directed by Prof. Maria Rescigno.

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology, Immunology, Cancer Biology or a related discipline.

The position is linked to the AIRC Investigator Grant (IG 2023) project “Achilles – Analysis of the role of the choroid plexus and the microbiota in brain tumor metastasis formation”. The project investigates how the choroid plexus vascular barrier (PVB) and the microbiota contribute to brain metastasis formation and immune cell recruitment. Using complementary in vivo and molecular approaches, the work will characterize PVB and BBB permeability, immune infiltrates, microbiota and metabolomic profiles before and during brain metastasis development, and will explore strategies to modulate the PVB for therapeutic purposes

The candidate will contribute to multidisciplinary studies integrating cancer biology, immunology, microbiology and advanced imaging

The person we are looking for:

Expertise in animal models, immunological assays and molecular biology is required. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in cancer biology or cancer immunology and with experimental skills relevant to the project, including multiparameter flow cytometry, immunofluorescence/confocal microscopy, vascular permeability assays, microbiota profiling and in vivo tumor models.

Candidates must have effective skills in oral and written communication, teamwork and problem-solving, and be adaptable to changes in technological and scientific directions.

A track record of research experience in recognized laboratories and peer-reviewed scientific publications is required

What we offer

Working at Humanitas means contributing to a future where care, wellbeing and professional excellence grow together. For this reason, we offer:

• a wellbeing programme that also includes initiatives supporting physical and psychological health;
• practical work-life balance measures
• training and development opportunities to foster talent and enhance skills in a dynamic and innovative environment.

This offer is open to candidates in compliance with Legislative Decrees 198/2006, 215/2003 and 216/2003.