Computational RNA Biologist | Polo's laboratory

IFOM is an internationally recognized non-profit cancer research institute supported by AIRC, Foundation for Cancer Research, based in Milan within a highly dynamic urban environment IFOM continuous success is ensured by the recruitment of highly selected undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate researchers from over 24 countries worldwide. IFOM is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment, based on mutual respect and the enhancement of diversity, offering equal job opportunities to all qualified candidates.

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We seek for our Institute:

Computational RNA Biologist

About the position Bioinformatic position to lead the computational discovery pipeline connecting RNA isoform diversity to protein structure prediction. Alternative splicing is pervasive in cancer, yet its structural consequences remain largely uncharted. The candidate will:

Integrate long-read (Iso-Seq/Nanopore) and short-read RNA-seq data from colorectal cancer cohorts to curate full-length transcript variants and define translationally supported open reading frames, combining transcript-level and ribosome profiling (Ribo-seq) evidence to distinguish real, translated isoforms from noise. Develop systematic workflows for investigating the structural consequences of alternative splicing (AlphaFold2/3, AlphaFold-Multimer, or equivalent): how exon inclusion or skipping events reshape domain architecture, interaction interfaces in cancer-relevant isoforms. Use the resulting atlas to generate concrete, testable mechanistic hypotheses: which isoforms lose or gain functional motifs, which show tumor-biased expression shifts, and which are worth prioritizing for experimental validation by the lab's wet-lab team.

Department overview Molecular Machines in Signalling Pathways group, led by Prof. Simona Polo, at IFOM. The position is supported by a 5-year AIRC research programme focused on alternative splicing in colorectal cancer.

Profile Description The ideal candidate is a motivated researcher holding a PhD in structural bioinformatics, computational chemistry, or a related field, with a track record of independent research (e.g., first-author publications). The candidate should be fluent in both protein structure and RNA sequence data, able to reason about biological questions, and capable of working collaboratively with experimental wet-lab colleagues across multiple projects.

Language skills Proficiency in English for speaking and writing is expected.

Required skills Previous research experience in integrating multi-omic sequencing data (long-read Iso-Seq/Nanopore and short-read RNA-seq); Hands-on experience with AlphaFold2/3 or equivalent structure prediction tools at scale; Programming proficiency in Python. Working knowledge of container technologies (e.g., Singularity) and workflow managers (e.g., Nextflow).Experience with distributed/HPC computing (e.g., SLURM); Solid grounding in alternative splicing and protein biochemistry (protein folding, domain architecture, binding interfaces); Track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Additionally desired skills Familiarity with Ribosome profiling (Ribo-seq); Experience with analysis of single-cell and spatial omics datasets;

Educational experience PhD in structural bioinformatics, computational chemistry, or a closely related field;

What we offer International work environment; Flextime; Guest house inside the Campus Agreements with discounts for Gym, Pharmacy, Psychology service and various shops around IFOM area; Bar and canteen inside the campus & lunch benefit Company Nursery; Continuous support to candidates and their families (including homing, schooling, registration to the national health system, work permit etc.) thanks to the activities of the Welcome office; Medical Service; Laptop; Caf service- tax declaration;

Type of Contract 3-year postdoctoral position, aligned with the AIRC-funded programme

Salary up to €40,000 gross/year, depending on the candidate's seniority

Location Milan – Scalo di Porta Romana area

Contacts Candidates should send their CV together with a cover letter describing their interest in applying for the role and explain how they meet the set criteria, and contact details of their referees to

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Applications including a cover letter will be reviewed as they are received and will continue to be considered until the position is filled.

Applications without a cover letter, including those submitted via LinkedIn, will not be considered .

This announcement is addressed to both sexes pursuant to Laws 903/77 and 125/91 and to people of all ages and nationalities pursuant to Legislative Decrees 215/03 and 216/03.

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