Postdoctoral Fellowship in Local Cell Depots for Advanced Combination Therapies

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Local Cell Depots for Advanced Combination Therapies

Location: Genova, Italy

Commitment & contract: Initial 2‑year term, renewable for an additional 2 years based on merit.

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

You will be working in a multicultural and multi‑disciplinary group, where junior and senior scientists collaborate, each with their expertise, to carry out a scientific activity with a shared research goal.

The successful candidate will work primarily in the Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine research unit under the supervision of Prof. Paolo Decuzzi.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of multiple disciplines, including cell engineering, biomaterials, drug delivery, immunotherapy and nanotechnology. The fellow will be involved in the design, fabrication, and preclinical validation of biodegradable implantable/injectable depots for the sustained local delivery of advanced therapeutic combinations, including immunomodulatory agents, biologics, small molecules, and engineered cells.

A major focus of the project will be the development of local cell depots capable of supporting cell viability, retention, function, and controlled therapeutic activity within diseased tissues. These platforms will be applied primarily to oncology and inflammatory diseases.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A PhD in Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Biomaterials, Bioengineering, or a related discipline;
• Demonstrated experience in the design and realization of local cell depots, cell‑laden biomaterials, implantable/injectable cell delivery systems, or tissue‑engineered constructs;
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, immune cell isolation and culture, and engineered cell systems;
• Ability to design and conduct in vitro and in vivo experiments;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Ability to properly organize, present, and report research data in fluent English.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Expertise in immunology and flow cytometry;
• Experience with small animal handling;
• Strong motivation to learn new techniques and methodologies;
• Ability to work independently in a diverse and collaborative environment.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• Private health care coverage depending on your role and contract;
• 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.