Postdoc in Modelling Cancer Evolution and Immune Diseases with CRISPR and Spatial Transcriptomics

HT Flagship Research Programme for Immunogenomics and Cancer

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE : October 2nd, 2025

About Human Technopole

Human Technopole (HT) is an interdisciplinary life science research institute, created and supported by the Italian government, with the aim of developing innovative strategies to improve human health. Researchers at HT work together to enable interdisciplinary research and to create an open, collaborative environment that will help promote life science research both nationally and internationally.

About the Flagship Research Programme

Flagship Research Programmes at HT are strategic collaborative efforts that leverage the cutting-edge expertise and infrastructure available at HT for translational research focused on different human pathologies.

In the “Immunogenomics & Cancer” Flagship Research Programme we investigate immune diseases and tumors as evolving systems using multi-modal data across spatiotemporal scales. We combine CRISPR-based and drug perturbation assays with spatial transcriptomics in patient-derived models and primary cultures to map the molecular and cellular dynamics of disease progression. We also aim to uncover the mechanisms by which these diseases stop responding to treatment and develop drug resistance.

About the position

We are seeking a skilled and highly motivated experimental Postdoctoral Researcher to develop and apply a scalable perturbation platform for modelling cancer evolution. The candidate will report to Dr. Francesco Iorio, Group Leader in Computational Biology . The project focuses on patient-derived gastrointestinal, oesophageal, and brain organoids, primary immune cell cultures (e.g., B-cells), pooled CRISPR screening, and spatial transcriptomic profiling.

At the interface between experimental innovation and disease modelling, the successful candidate will combine CRISPR- and drug-based perturbation screens with high-resolution molecular readouts to investigate gene function, treatment response, and resistance mechanisms with the goal of uncovering the dynamic trajectories of tumor progression, immune interactions, and therapeutic escape across multiple disease models.

The postdoc will play a central role in the:

• design, implementation, and optimization of this experimental pipeline;
• generation and interpretation of spatially and temporally resolved perturbation data;
• collaboration with computational scientists, platform staff and researchers across multiple HT groups.

This position is embedded within a collaborative, multi-group environment in the Immunogenomics & Cancer Flagship, under the joint supervision of Francesco Iorio and Blagoje Soskic. The work will be highly collaborative and aligned with broader flagship efforts to model disease evolution and drug resistance in complex human systems.

The selected candidate will be actively involved in producing high-impact scientific outputs, including co-first-author publications and protocol-style manuscripts, and will contribute to the dissemination of new experimental methods developed in the context of this project.

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize an experimental pipeline for pooled CRISPR screens in patient-derived model systems (e.g., brain, gastrointestinal, oesophageal organoids) and primary cultures (including immune cells).
• Develop and optimize protocols for drug screening in tumor and immune models.
• Perform genome editing using CRISPR-Cas9 and apply both targeted and genome-wide screens.
• Generate and analyze spatially and temporally resolved perturbation datasets.
• Perform single cell perturbation screens.
• Collaborate closely with HT’s National Facilities for Genome Editing and Genomics for protocol development and sequencing.
• Maintain meticulous records of experimental workflows in accordance with the established frameworks/protocols, ensure reproducibility, proper sample tracking, storage, and quality control, and contribute to collaborative data interpretation in line with established protocols.
• Lead and co-lead the preparation of scientific publications and dissemination of methods and results.
• Present the pipeline, related data and results internally as well as at external national and international meetings and conferences.
• Providing technical support and supervision to other laboratory members, including introduction of new laboratory techniques and support in the use of lab equipment.

Job Requirements

Essential requirements

• PhD in a relevant subject, e.g., molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, or in a related field of the life sciences.
• Considerable experience in advanced cellular and molecular biology techniques relevant to genome editing, organoid culture, and drug screening.
• Fluency in English, the working language of HT.

Preferred requirements

• Practical experience with patient-derived model systems, such as organoids or primary cell cultures, including advanced cell biology techniques (e.g., organoid derivation, differentiation, or co-culture systems).
• Strong background in molecular biology, including vector design and cloning methods (e.g., viral/non-viral vector development, molecular cloning).
• Experience with gene perturbation technologies, including gene editing or silencing approaches techniques (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, siRNA, shRNA, antisense oligonucleotides and similar technologies), including in the context of genome-wide screening and patient-derived model systems.
• Familiarity with single-cell and spatial profiling methods, particularly 10x Genomics assays and spatial transcriptomics.
• Experience with flow cytometry is considered advantageous.
• Experience with handling large-scale projects.

Organizational and social skills

• Demonstrated reliability, accountability, and a professional attitude toward collaborative work and shared goals, including a consistent and proactive approach to on-site responsibilities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment and to work independently.
• Excellent communication, troubleshooting, and organization skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to lead and gain the assistance and cooperation of others in a team endeavour.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Application instructions

Please apply online by submitting a single document that includes:

• a CV.
• a motivation letter in English (max 1 page long).
• names and contacts of at least 2 referees.

Any questions concerning the role and/or queries regarding the relevant terms and conditions should be addressed to

Why Human Technopole

HT seeks scientific excellence, we recruit the best scientific talents through international, open calls.

Our working environment is international, friendly and inclusive. Our scientists work together across disciplines on research topics of biomedical relevance, leveraging synergies between their diverse skillsets and methodological approaches.

We believe that highly diverse teams yield the best and most innovative results.

We engage in outward-facing scientific activities aimed at benefiting the national and international research community. Training is also at the heart of our activity, with initiatives and opportunities for our staff, including scientific courses, conferences and workshops.

Main benefits

• Welfare plans.
• Meal delivery service.
• Work-life balance provisions.
• Italian language training for foreigners.
• Parental leave up to 1 year and other support for new parents.
• Flexible working hours.
• Support for relocation.
• Tax benefits where applicable.

Special consideration will be given to candidates who are part of the protected categories list, according to L. 68/99.

Number of positions offered: 1

Salary : up to 40K depending on the seniority of the candidate.

Contract offered: CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, Fixed-term - employee level.

The position is based in Milan.