The Laboratory of Translational Oncology, directed by dr Luca Mazzarella at European Institute of Oncology IEO Milan is recruiting a postgraduate student researcher to investigate mechanisms involved in dsRNA-dependent cell death.
Double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) are potent immunostimulatory nucleic acids of viral origin but also physiologically produced by mammalian cells. Increased levels of dsRNAs, due to viral infection or failure of endogenous repression, trigger an immune response that leads to cytokines production or cell death. Recent studies demonstrated that several cancer types already contain sufficient quantities of dsRNA to activate immune responses. Moreover, some clinical trials proved the efficacy of Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (pI:C), a synthetic analog of dsRNA, as adjuvant treatment in breast cancer patients, in terms of overall survival and longer relapse-free survival. The present project will explore biological mechanisms involved in dsRNA-dependent cell death.
Our research combines the use of advanced CRISPR technologies, NGS sequencing, statistical principles application as well as molecular biology basic techniques.
The successful candidate should hold a Master’s degree in Biology, Biotechnologies and related fields.
The candidate skill set should include:
- at least three years of post-graduation experience in biomedical research lab
- at least one paper published as co-author
- proven expertise in the use of CRISPR-Cas9
- excellent communication and team-work skills
- fluent English
Abroad experiences will be considered as a plus.
The group is currently operating at the European Institute of Oncology (IEO), one of the leading research institutes in Italy, located in via Adamello 16 - Milan.
Posted on 20 June 2023