Postdoctoral Researcher in Spatial Biology

ABOUT THE PROJECT
We are recruiting an experimental spatial biologist for SPICE-CC (Spatial multiplex imaging for recurrence-risk stratification in early-stage cervical cancer after radical surgery), a newly funded Italian PRIN research project at the University of Milano-Bicocca. We aim to discover how the spatial organization of tumor, immune, stromal and vascular cells relates to recurrence, using high-dimensional multiplex imaging of clinically annotated human FFPE samples.

YOUR ROLE
Perform and optimize high-dimensional multiplex immunofluorescence imaging on FFPE tumor tissues.
Characterize cell populations, tumor–immune interactions, tissue neighborhoods and spatial architecture at single-cell resolution.
Contribute to image segmentation, cellular phenotyping, quality control and quantitative spatial analysis.
Interpret spatial data in their biological and clinical context, working closely with pathologists, clinicians and computational researchers.

YOUR PROFILE
PhD in Cell Biology, Cancer Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology or a related discipline.
Strong experimental background with hands-on experience in immunofluorescence, microscopy or tissue imaging.
Scientific independence, analytical thinking and enthusiasm for multidisciplinary research.
Assets, but not required: multiplex imaging, spatial proteomics/transcriptomics, human FFPE tissue analysis, QuPath, Fiji/ImageJ, R or Python. Previous spatial-omics experience is not mandatory.

WHAT WE OFFER
A two-year appointment with a gross annual salary of €50,000; access to high-dimensional spatial imaging and clinically annotated specimens; and a collaborative environment spanning Milano-Bicocca, the University of Milan/European Institute of Oncology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, and Bocconi University. The position offers opportunities for scientific ownership, publications and career development.

HOW TO APPLY
Please send your CV (including publications), a brief statement of research interests, and contact details for two referees to metello.innocenti@unimib.it (subject: SPICE-CC Postdoctoral Application).

APPLICATION DEADLINE December 10, 2026