Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia

Post doctoral position on ’Functionalization of multimodal inorganic nanoparticles-based assembly and evaluation of their therapeutic effects on cancer cells’

Italy

Project: IIT institutional funds and ERC CoG GIULIa,  G.A nr.101044020 -  CUP: J53C22004360006

Contract: Fixed-term contract, full time

Duration: up to 2 years

Location: Genova CCT, via Morego 30

Step into a world of endless possibilities, together let’s leave something for the future!

At IIT, we are committed to advancing human-centered Science and Technology to address the most urgent societal challenges of our era. We foster excellence in both fundamental and applied research, spanning fields such as neuroscience and cognition, humanoid technologies and robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and material sciences, offering a truly interdisciplinary scientific experience. Our approach integrates cutting-edge tools and technology, empowering researchers to push the limits of knowledge and innovation. With us, your curiosity will know no bounds.

We are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering diversity in all its forms, creating an inclusive environment. We value the unique experiences, knowledge, backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives of our people. By embracing diversity, we believe science can achieve its fullest potential.

THE ROLE

You will be working in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary group, where junior and senior scientists collaborate, each with their expertise, to carry out a scientific activity with a shared research goal.

The Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications Research unit is coordinated by Dr. Teresa Pellegrino.  The research focuses on preparation, characterization of organic-inorganic nanostructured materials in which different properties (i.e. chemical, and magnetic, stimuli responsive) are properly tailored and merged into single nano/micro-objects for different medical applications including drug delivery, magnetic hyperthermia, photo-thermal treatment and radiotherapy exploiting cation exchange radio-protocols.

Within the research team, your main responsibilities will be:

  • developing materials for magnetic manipulation and radiolabelled nanoparticles for radiotherapy for a multimodal approach to cancer treatment.
  • working the field of functionalization of multimodal inorganic nano/microparticles and the evaluation of their therapeutic effects on cancer cells.
  • study and development of magnetic-based functionalized microstructures for magnetic manipulation studies
  • develop protocols for molecular targets functionalized inorganic nanoparticles for radiotherapy.
  • Carry out biocompatibility and interactions studies with serum proteins, drug delivery studies, molecular and physical tumour targeting and combined toxic effects of magnetic manipulation and magnetic hyperthermia with drug therapy.
  • Carry out full characterization of the material developed
  • Conduct cellular studies with the aims to characterize the effects of multimodal therapeutic nanoplatforms on cancer cells.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • A PhD title in Nanoscience or Chemistry  or Biotechnology and similar disciplin
  • Experience on inorganic nanoparticles surface chemistry
  • Experience on radiolabelling protocols /development of PET nano formulations/ and associated procedures of handling radioactive materials
  • Knowledge in characterization techniques such us, thin liquid chromatography, radio-scanners, PET imaging 
  • A good publication record
  • The ability to properly report, organize and publish research data
  • Experience in coaching junior scientists
  • Good command in spoken and written English

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

  • Experience on magnetic measurements characterization
  • Direct experience with FT-IR/NMR characterizations
  • Experience in cell culturing
  • Good communication skills
  • Strong problem-solving attitude
  • High motivation to learn
  • Spirit of innovation and creativity
  • Good in time and priority management
  • Ability to work in a challenging and international environment
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

  • A yearly gross salary ranging between 30.000 and 32.000 euro 
  • Private health care coverage depending on your role and contract
  • Candidates from abroad or Italian citizens who have carried scientific research activity permanently abroad and meet specific requirements, may be entitled to a deduction from taxable income of up to 90% from 6 to 13 years.

This open position is financed by IIT and EU, ERC  within the project  Magnetic Hyperthermia for Metastasized Tumor Treatment and Remote Microdevice Assembling, acronym  GIULIa,  G.A nr.101044020 -  CUP: J53C22004360006

Please submit your application using the online form and including a detailed CV, university transcripts, cover letter, and contact details of 2 references.

Application’s deadline: 10.09.2025

 

To discover more about life at IIT, visit the dedicated section here: https://www.iit.it/en/work-at-iit

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