Senior Postdoctoral Fellow / Research Associate (100%)
Institute of Oncology Research
Istituto oncologico di ricerca (IOR)
The Institute of Oncology Research (IOR)
The IOR, affiliated with the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), is located in a brand-new, high-tech research building that hosts more than 20 different research groups. It offers state-of-the-art labs and facilities, which include fully equipped Flow Cytometry, Microscopy, Genomics and Histopathology Facilities. Together with the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), the IOR is a member of Bios+, a non-profit association aiming to promote, support, and coordinate its members' scientific research and teaching activities (www.biosplus.ch). IOR offers a multicultural environment and daily occasions of interaction with world leaders in the fields of cancer, basic immunology, and cancer immunology, a thriving environment, an exciting research project and multiple occasions of interaction with world leaders in the fields of cancer, basic immunology, and cancer immunology (see Ph.D. lecture series at https://ior.usi.ch/education/phd-program).
The lab of Prof. Andrea Alimonti at IOR (https://ior.usi.ch/en/group/molecular-oncology) is looking for a senior immunologist to study the contribution of the immune system to cancer progression and treatment resistance (e.g., Lai et al., Immunity 2025; Calì et al, Cancer Cell 2024; Colucci et al., Cancer Cell 2024; Brina et al., Nature Cancer 2023; Bancaro et al., Cancer Cell 2023; Di Mitri et al., Cell Rep 2019; Calcinotto et al., Nature 2018; Di Mitri et al., Nature 2014).
The position title (Senior Postdoctoral Fellow or Research Associate) will be assigned based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
A Research Associate position at IOR offers a semi-autonomous role that combines the flexibility to independently lead research projects and apply for independent funding with the benefit of strong mentorship and collaboration within a dynamic team. This hybrid role is ideal for scientists aiming to drive impactful research while developing their own scientific identity in a highly supportive environment.
The successful candidate will be part of an ongoing effort to enhance immune system function - either by targeting PMN-MDSCs or developing CAR T cells and bispecific engagers for prostate cancer therapy - by identifying and validating novel regulators of treatment resistance at both preclinical and clinical levels. The recruited scientist will have access to clinical samples and multiple mouse models, as well as cutting-edge technologies, including 10x Genomics, spatial transcriptomics, and fully automated imaging systems for tissues and cell cultures.
This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated researcher to contribute to groundbreaking cancer immunology research in a highly collaborative setting while building their independent research profile.
Requirements
We are looking for highly motivated candidates with outstanding basic and cancer biology expertise, coupled with proven immunology expertise, to join an established, multicultural group of more than 27 talented scientists. Experience with in vivo cancer models is mandatory, and a background in immune cell engineering would be considered a plus. This position is open to experienced postdoctoral researchers. We require at least one first-author original research publication in a high-impact factor journal. Strong mentorship skills, the ability to guide junior researchers, and a collaborative mindset to interact effectively with colleagues from diverse scientific backgrounds are also essential. Excellent communication skills and a proven ability to establish meaningful collaborations will be highly valued.
Prof. Alimonti fosters the professional growth of postdoctoral associates: 7 out of 8 of his past fellows have secured independent PI positions in Switzerland and abroad.
He is also a professor at ETH Zurich, allowing lab members to benefit from all the facilities and vibrant scientific community of ETH.
Salary will be competitive and commensurate with the candidate's experience. A full benefits package is included (e.g., gym and car fleet discounts).
The Application
Applications must contain:
- Letter in which the applicants describe their research interests and the motivation to apply.
- Complete CV.
- Copies of relevant diplomas and certificates.
- Full transcript of records.
- Complete list of publications with details on the candidate’s contributions.
- Minimum 2 and up to 4 reference letters.
Applications must be submitted online by filling out the form accessible through the following link: CANDIDATES. You will also need to upload the documents listed above.
For scientific and position-related questions, please contact nicoletta.delia@ior.usi.ch
For administrative questions, please contact humanresources@ior.usi.ch
Applications that do not meet the requirements, sent to different contacts, in other formats, or after the deadline will not be considered.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a one-day on-site interview.
Deadline: 01.06.2025
Starting date: as soon as possible
More information about the IOR is available at www.ior.usi.ch and https://ior.usi.ch/en/group/molecular-oncology
IOR strives to be an equal opportunity and family-friendly employer. As an institution that values diversity, IOR particularly encourages applications from women and all individuals from underrepresented groups.
