Postdoc Giustacchini Lab - FIS2 Fund

Build the science that shapes the future of human health.
Application closing date: 24.07.2026

Join a place where ambitious science thrives

Project FIS2023-01555 funded by the MUR - FIS2 Consolidator CUP B53C25003320001 

Project title: Tailoring precision Immunotherapy to Hematological Malignancies

Human Technopole (Milan) is a rapidly expanding life science institute where international researchers and cutting-edge technologies converge to accelerate biomedical discovery. Our mission is to transform bold scientific ideas into advances that improve human health.

Within this mission, the Giustacchini group aim to develop stem-cell-based models of paediatric leukaemia to understand how malignant haematopoiesis interacts with the immune system and to improve responses to CAR T-cell therapy.

We are seeking an ambitious postdoctoral researcher to establish in vitro reprogramming and differentiation systems for modelling leukaemia-immune interactions and CAR T-cell function.

The successful candidate will combine CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, perturbation screening, high-end flow cytometry, functional immune assays and single-cell multiomics to identify cellular and molecular determinants of therapeutic response. 

This work will generate mechanistic insight into paediatric leukaemia and support the development of more effective therapeutic strategies.

Your mission

You will investigate the mechanisms governing CAR T-cell fitness and CAR T–tumour interactions to understand therapeutic response and resistance in hematological malignancies. In particular, you will:

• Develop and apply cellular models to study CAR T–tumour interactions using CRISPR/Cas9 and complementary molecular biology approaches where appropriate.
• Design and perform flow cytometry-based immunophenotyping and functional assays to characterize CAR T-cell activation, persistence, cytotoxicity, and tumour cell responses.
• Generate high-quality functional and single-cell datasets and collaborate with computational colleagues to uncover mechanisms of therapeutic response and resistance.
• Contribute to manuscripts, grant applications, and collaborative translational studies with clinical and academic partners.

Grow your skills

The successful candidate will work closely with a dynamic team of experimental researchers and computational biologists within the Population and Medical Genomics Centre. Clinical collaborations with teams at UCL and Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesu will ensure translational relevance. The role will benefit from access to HT facilities for Genome Engineering and Disease Modelling, Genomics, Flow Cytometry and Light Imaging, enabling integrated experimental and single-cell approaches.

Human Technopole supports career development through training, mentoring and dedicated learning opportunities.

What you'll bring

Essential

• PhD in immunology, hematology, molecular biology, stem cell biology, gene therapy, or a related discipline, achieved as at the fund’s start date ( September 7, 2026)
• Strong experience in CAR T-cell biology, cellular immunotherapy, immune mechanisms, hematopoiesis, leukemia research, or disease modeling using human cellular models.
• Hands-on experience with multicolor flow cytometry, including immunophenotyping, cell sorting, and immune-cell functional assays.
• Proficiency in molecular biology, vector biology, mammalian cell culture, and functional assay development.
• Proven ability to design rigorous experiments, manage complex research projects, analyze mechanistic datasets, and communicate scientific findings through publications, grants, and conference presentations.

Preferred

• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering or other genetic perturbation approaches.
• Experience generating or interpreting single-cell and/or multiomic datasets.
• Background in tumor immunology, hematologic malignancies, or stem cell biology.
• Demonstrated productivity in translational research, including first-author publications and experience with manuscript and grant writing.

Organizational and social skills

• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and translational research environment.
• Networking and public speaking proficiency
• Strong problem-solving and organizational abilities.

At HT, your discoveries contribute to a global effort to improve human health.

Why Human Technopole

HT offers an international and dynamic workplace, competitive welfare provisions, flexible working policies and relocation support. Researchers moving to Italy may benefit from attractive tax benefits. We promote work–life balance and provide parental support initiatives.

How to apply

Submit:

• CV
• Motivation letter (English)
• Contact details of two referees

This is a 3 year contract offered under CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, Employee Level B2

Salary: up to € 43.000,00 depending on the candidate’ seniority.
The position is based in Milan, Italy, within our vibrant international campus.

We strongly encourage applications from candidates belonging to protected categories (L. 68/99).

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