A three-year post-doctoral position funded by a MFAG AIRC is available in the laboratory of Prof. Sirio Dupont and Dr. Patrizia Romani in the Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, to study the link between ferroptosis and aggressive melanoma dissemination through the blood.

The project aims to understand how the switch from mesenchymal to amoeboid migration modes, dedifferentiation, and ferroptosis sensitivity are interlinked in metastatic melanomas, based on the identification of a new molecular pathway that connects small GTPases, gene transcription, and metabolism. The project will also focus on shedding light on the cellular and mechanistic basis for the hematogenous metastasis-suppressor function of ferroptosis towards the development of novel therapeutic options.

The Postdoctoral position is opened immediately and will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found. The position is for three years, with a one-year starting contract and a two-year extension already covered by available grants. The net salary is equivalent to that of an Italian entry-level Assistant Professor, and adequate to comfortably support a foreign worker in Italy. Fellows will be encouraged to apply for competitive National and International Fellowships (e.g. Marie Curie, EMBO), as well as to young investigators grants towards scientific independence (e.g. University of Padua STARS Grant).

The applicant should have a PhD in biological, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical sciences. They should have a strong background in cell culture, imaging techniques, and basic molecular biology. Good communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are required. Previous experience in metabolism studies and/or a certificate in animal experimentation is a plus. Priority will be given to candidates with a proven record of scientific publications (preprinted, published, or under review in international peer-reviewed journals).

We are a growing laboratory, and we are seeking for highly motivated individuals with a a passion for science to push forward the next step in our research. We have several projects at advanced stages of development with the possibility of immediate contribution. We have an extensive network of National and International collaborations providing us with state-of-the-art experimental techniques and approaches. The University of Padua is one of the top biomedical research campuses in Northern Italy, and it is committed in developing an Academic environment where all talents can flourish regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, or impairments (https://www.unipd.it/en/hr-excellence-research).

Inquiries and applications can be sent to patrizia.romani@unipd.it and sirio.dupont@unipd.it explaining why you are interested in joining the lab, including a CV with a brief research synopsis, and complete contact information for 2 references.

Sirio Dupont
Patrizia Romani
Lab website: https://www.medicinamolecolare.unipd.it/labdupont 
Lab publications: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/sirio.dupont.1/bibliography/public/
Lab account on Twitter: @SirioDupont