JR POST-DOC-GROUP OF PATHOGENESIS AND THERAPY OF LSDS WITH SKELETAL INVOLVEMENT

IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan, Italy, is looking for junior post-doctoral fellow to join the Group of Pathogenesis and Therapy of LSDs with Skeletal Involvement led by Prof. Maria Ester Bernardo at the San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Milan, Italy.

We are looking for a motivated post-doc fellow to work on a project focused on dissecting the molecular and cellular mechanisms of skeletal disease in lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) to improve the efficacy of hematopoietic stem and progenitors cell gene therapy (HSPC-GT) protocols. LSDs are caused by the deficiency of a specific lysosomal enzyme leading to the accumulation of undigested macromolecules, that, in turn, trigger the induction and progression of skeletal alterations. Despite recent clinical data of HSPC-GT in Mucopolysaccharidosis type I-Hurler patients demonstrate a beneficial effect of HSPC-GT on skeletal disease progression (Gentner B. et al. NEJM, 2021; Consiglieri G. et al, Sci Trans Med, 2024), the mechanisms responsible for the alterations affecting the skeletal tissue and their correction are still largely unknown. For this reason, the post-doctoral candidate will employ 2D and 3D models of skeletal tissues based on mesenchymal stromal cells and induced pluripotent stem cells to reproduce the process of endochondral ossification altered in LSD patients and mimic the patient disease pre- and post-gene therapy. 

Main activities: 

  • Tissue modelling to dissect the pathogenic mechanisms of bone disease in LSDs
  • Development of novel cell and gene therapy strategies for LSDs

Who we are looking for: 

  • Master’s Degree in biology, biotechnology or related fields and Ph.D. in biology, or Medical Doctorate with laboratory research experience
  • Previous experience in cell biology research is preferred, background in tissue modeling is considered an advantage
  • At least one first-author publication in an international peer-reviewed journal
  • Required technical skills: cellular and molecular biology techniques including manipulation of primary cells, extraction of DNA, RNA, quantitative PCR
  • Capacity to work in team and meet deadlines, excellent communication, and multi-tasking skills
  • Oral and written command of the English language is a must

Work details: 

  • Type of contract: fellowship granted by funds from PRIN PNRR as “Assegno di Ricerca”
  • Duration: 1-year fellowship, with possibility of renewal
  • Place of work: San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), Milan, Italy
 
At San Raffaele Scientific Institute, a world-renowned center of excellence for clinical and scientific activities, we believe that considering diversity and promoting an open and inclusive environment is crucial to our success. We are committed to ensure that equal employment opportunities are provided and based on merit without regard to age, religion, sex, disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, cultural and social backgrounds, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, or any other legally recognized status entitled to protection under applicable laws. We offer attractive conditions and rewards appropriate to an internationally competitive research organization.



Sede: Milano, MI (Italia)