IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan–Italy, is looking for a young motivated researcher to join the Cell Adhesion Laboratory directed by Prof. Ivan de Curtis. The candidate will work on a project aimed at the analysis of molecular-cellular mechanisms implicated in tumor cell invasion, to identify new targets to interfere with the formation of metastases.
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The project financed by AIRC is dealing with the functional characterization of a molecular network that regulates the protrusive activity of invasive tumor cells (de Curtis I, 2021, Trends Cell Biol, doi: 10.1016/j.tcb.2020.12.002; Pehkonen H, de Curtis I, 2021, Oncogene doi: 10.1038/s41388-021-02048-1). This protein network includes the scaffold proteins Liprin-a1 and ERC1 (Ribolla, de Curtis I, 2025, Commun Biol, doi: 10.1038/s42003-025-08470-5) and regulatory enzymes (Ramella, de Curtis, 2024, iScience doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109440; Ripamonti M, de Curtis I, 2022, Commun Biol doi: 10.1038/s42003-022-03989-3) undergoing liquid-liquid phase separation to regulate the invasive properties of breast cancer cells, and to promote the turnover of adhesions and invasion. The candidate will contribute by investigating mechanisms linking Liprin-a1 and ERC1 proteins to the organization and function of the migratory activity of cancer cells.
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For this, the candidate will learn and apply cloning to prepare wt/mutant constructs, high resolution confocal microscopy on fixed and live cells, biochemical/molecular cell biology approaches including transfections with siRNAs and plasmids for the KO (CRISPR/Cas9) of endogenous proteins, functional assays to assess effects on tumor cell invasion.
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Applicants are requested to send an email to decurtis.ivan@hsr.it including:
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a CV with name(s) and contact(s) (email, phone) of at least one Referee; a brief description of known techniques and previous research experience;
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a motivation letter describing the interest in joining this lab, and previous experimental experiences. Both postdoctoral candidates and young post-master degree candidates will be considered, pending their strong motivation in learning approaches applied to important aspects of cancer cell biology.
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Main activities:
\nSee text above.\n
Who we are looking for:
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A motivated young researcher enthusiastic about learning molecular-cell biology to address important mechanisms underlying tumor cell invasion.
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Work details:
\nType of contract: Fellowship/CoCoCo;\n
Duration: 12 months renewable;
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Place of work: San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Dibit, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milano.
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At San Raffaele Scientific Institute, a world-renowned center of excellence for clinical and scientific activities, we believe that considering diversity and promoting an open and inclusive environment is crucial to our success. We are committed to ensure that equal employment opportunities are provided and based on merit without regard to age, religion, sex, disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, cultural and social backgrounds, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, or any other legally recognized status entitled to protection under applicable laws.
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We offer attractive conditions and rewards appropriate to an internationally competitive research organization.