Jobs in Structural Biology and Related Fields

Postdoc position in RNA-directed drug discovery, IIT Genova (Morego site) and Uppsala University

Morego, Italy

Application deadline: 31 Mar 2025

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 selected candidate will work in the “Molecular Modeling and Drug Discovery” Research Line, led by Dr. Marco De Vivo and, specifically, within the group of Dr. Marco Marcia, that is based at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT, Genova) and at the University of Uppsala, Sweden. The research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanism of action of catalytic and regulatory non-coding RNAs through molecular biology, biochemistry, and structural biology approaches. This includes the development of novel strategies for RNA functional modulation for therapeutic applications. 

Within the research team, your main responsibilities will be:

• Producing and purifying functional RNA;
• Studying the molecular properties of the target RNA and its inhibition by small molecules using established biochemical, enzymatic, and cellular assays;
• Developing novel assays relevant to the project;
• Structurally characterizing the interactions between RNA and inhibitors by crystallography and / or cryo-electron microscopy;
• Contributing to the efficient operation of the laboratory;
• Contributing to the procurement of consumables and other laboratory reagents and instrumentation.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular or Structural biology and similar disciplines;
• Documented experience in biochemistry and molecular biology;
• Strong publication record;
• Good command of spoken and written English;
• Availability to relocate to Sweden for extended periods of training on the project

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Experience in RNA biochemistry and structural biology;
• Knowledge of structural biology processing software;
• Ability to work in a challenging and international environment;
• Capacity to work autonomously and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment;
• Possess Analytical Reasoning skills and a growth mindset.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• A yearly gross salary of maximum 34,000 EUR;
• Private health care coverage;
• 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 AIRC within the IG-28746 project. 

Please note: the position is extendable for the duration of the AIRC grant, up to a maximum of 3 years. In the first year, the working location will also include Dr. Marcia lab in the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of Uppsala, Sweden, for essential training on the project.

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

Application’s deadline: March 31^st 2025 

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

Job page: https://iit.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?lang=it&job=25000017