A Postdoctoral fellow position is open to join the team of Dr. Valentina Cianfanelli, at the Department of Science – appointed as Department of Excellence 2018-2022 and 2022-2027 by the Italian Ministry of University and Research - of University Roma TRE

Two SNSF-funded PhD student positions in the group “Mechanisms of Inherited Kidney Disorders” co-led by Prof. Olivier Devuyst and Dr. Alessandro Luciani is located at the Institute of Physiology, at the University of Zurich in Switzerland. Project: Unlocking mechanisms and therapeutic paradigms for rare inherited diseases Inherited defects in lysosome-residing proteins can lead to proximal tubulopathy and kidney disease. Recessive mutations in CTNS, the gene encoding cystinosin/CTNS, cause cystinosis, a lysosomal storage disease characterized by early and severe dysfunction of kidney tubular epithelial cells, progressing towards chronic kidney disease (CKD) and life-threatening complications. Using cystinosis as a paradigm of lysosome dysfunction causing proximal tubulopathy and kidney disease, the project aims to dissect the biological roles of lysosomes in the context of homeostasis, kidney disease, and therapeutic discovery. The applicants will combine preclinical disease models (mouse, rat, and zebrafish), physiologically-relevant cell systems, cell-and lysosome-based function assays, and disease-relevant screening technologies (i) to decipher how the lysosome direct cell fate determination in the kidney tubule epithelium; and to (ii) dissect factors and mechanisms of lysosomal reformation and their roles in normal and diseased cells. By synergizing prior knowledge-based approaches and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered engine with a cross-species screening and validation workflow, the applicant will rank and prioritize actionable drug targets addressing dysregulated homeostasis in cystinosis. Our ultimate goal is to expedite the effective translation of therapeutic agents from preclinical systems to clinical benefits for individuals with cystinosis and other lysosome-related diseases.

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join the Maiuri team at the Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University of Naples, Italy. Our group studies how cells sense and react to mechano-chemical stimuli coming from the surrounding micro-environment. Particularly, we are interested to investigate how those stimuli impact on the cell nucleus.

We are seeking expressions of interest for a post-doctoral position from highly motivated candidates that would like to join our group at the Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Italy. The successful candidate will work on a PRIN 2022 funded project, and he/she will employ a combination of molecular, cellular, and in vivo approaches to dissect novel epigenetic events occurring in breast cancer stem cells and related to metastasis formation. The project will involve the use of molecular and cellular biology techniques, including 3D cell cultures and NGS. The optimal candidates would be highly motivated, have a strong background in molecular or cellular biology, experience in transcriptional regulation and cell biology. Candidates holding a PhD degree are welcome to apply but highly motivated candidates at earlier stages of their scientific careers will also be considered. Potential candidates are invited to send a curriculum vitae, a brief statement of research interests and contact information of 2 references to Giuseppina Caretti, giuseppina.caretti@unimi.it.

Two post-doctoral fellow positions are available, starting February 2024, in the Lab of Prof. Anna Kajaste-Rudnitski at the Department of Biology and Biotechnology of the University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy. About the project The goal of this ERC-funded project is to elucidate molecular mechanisms of nucleic acid sensing and pathogen recognition in clinically relevant targets of gene therapy for the development of innovative cell and gene therapy strategies and to fight infectious and autoimmune diseases. We combine molecular virology approaches with state-of-the-art NGS technologies and proteomics in advanced in vitro and in vivo models. What we look for The candidate must hold a PhD Degree in Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related disciplines with skills in molecular and cellular biology, as well as primary human cell culture and manipulation. Experience in iPSC culture and differentiation is a significant plus. Proficient English, independent working capacity, excellent organizational skills and team spirit are required.