col-wideJob Description:
Description
Commitment & contract: Collaboration Contract
Location: Genova
Applications are invited for 2 Post-doctoral positions in the framework of the "Centro nazionale di Ricerca per lo sviluppo di terapia genica e farmaci con tecnologia a RNA" (National Research Centre for the Development of Gene Therapies and RNA-based Medicines).
The successful candidate will be part of the group of Polymers and Biomaterials, headed by Prof. Nicola Tirelli and located in Genova. The general activity of the group is at the intersection between polymer and colloid chemistry, nanomaterials and drug delivery.
The project aims to use hyaluronic acid nanoparticles for the delivery of non-coding RNA and other payloads. The work programme for these two specific post-doctoral positions will focus on:
a) the chemical synthesis of new multifunctional cationic polymers as RNA-complexing constructs (Position 1)
b) the derivatization of hyaluronic acid-based materials (Position 2)
c) the production of RNA-containing nanoparticles via microfluidic methods (both Positions)
d) the study of their uptake, internalization and transfection efficiency (both Positions)
e) the characterization of (innate) inflammatory consequences following transfection (both Positions)
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA TO APPLY FOR BOTH POSITIONS ARE:
Undergraduate/master degree in a chemistry, industrial chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, or a cognate discipline
PhD in drug delivery, polymer chemistry or cognate discipline
Experience in polymerization chemistry, above all via ring-opening polymerization mechanisms (specifically for Position 1)
Experience in characterization and derivatization of polysaccharides (specifically for Position 2)
Experience in the culture and testing of mammalian cell lines
Good command of spoken and written English
DESIRABLE CRITERIA:
Experience with confocal microscopy
Experience in molecular biology tools (incl. PCR techniques, gel electrophoresis etc)
Experience with characterization via light scattering and/or field flow fractionation techniques
Expertise in the use of microfluidic set-ups
Experience in the use of colloidal formulations in drug delivery
DESIRABLE CRITERIA WITH LOWER PRIORITY:
Expertise with in vitro 3D cellular models (spheroids).
Experience in administering drugs/formulations through the cerebrospinal fluid.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Competitive salary package for international standards
Private health care coverage
Wide range of staff discounts
Candidates from abroad or Italian citizens who permanently work abroad and meet specific requirements, may be entitled to a deduction from taxable income of up to 90% from 6 to 13 years
WHAT'S IN FOR YOU?
An equal, inclusive and multicultural environment ready to welcome you with open arms. Discrimination is a big NO for us!
We like contamination and encourage you to mingle and discover what other people are up to in our labs!
If paperwork is not your piece of cake, we got you! There's a specialized team working to help you with that, especially during your relocation!
If you are a start upper or a business-minded person, you will find some exceptionally gifted professionals ready to nurture and guide your attitude and aspirations.
If you want your work to have a real impact, in IIT you will find an innovative and stimulating culture that drives our mission to contribute to the improvement and well-being of society!
We stick to our values! Integrity, courage, societal responsibility and inclusivity are the values we believe in! They define us and our actions in our everyday life. They guide us to accomplish IIT mission!
If you feel this tickles your appetite for change, do not hesitate and apply!