Posdoctoral position in the field of immunity and tissue remodelling at University of Milano Bi[...]

Organisation/Company: Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca

Department: School of Medicine and Surgery

Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology

Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)

Positions: Postdoc Positions

Country: Italy

Application Deadline: 28 Feb 2025 - 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Full-time

Hours Per Week: 35

Offer Starting Date: 1 Apr 2025

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The research group led by Prof. Silvia Brunelli at the School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, is seeking a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Research Fellow to join an exciting and ambitious project funded by Fondazione Telethon.

Project Title: “Exploring the Role of SPP1 in Macrophage-Osteogenic Cell Crosstalk and its Involvement in Heterotopic Ossification in Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva”

Project Overview: Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by abnormal bone formation (heterotopic ossification, HO) in ligaments, tendons, and skeletal muscles. FOP is caused by gain-of-function mutations in the ACVR1 gene, which dysregulate the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway. While significant progress has been made in understanding the disease, the role of immune cells in HO remains controversial. This research aims to investigate the hypothesis that, upon trauma, macrophages (MPs) infiltrating FOP lesions exhibit an altered metabolic signature, leading to an intermediate phenotype that secretes various factors, including SPP1 (osteopontin). This, in turn, may accelerate the differentiation of mutant osteogenic precursors. The findings of this study are expected to provide critical insights into the underlying mechanisms of FOP and potentially pave the way for new therapeutic strategies.

Methodologies: The project will take advantage of a transgenic murine model of FOP and incorporate state-of-the-art techniques, including CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing, genome-wide transcriptomic analysis, and in vitro and in vivo assays.

Where to apply

E-mail: silvia.brunelli@unimib.it

Requirements

Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology

Education Level: PhD or equivalent

Research Field: Medical sciences » Other

Education Level: PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications:

• Experience in cell and molecular biology
• Expertise in murine models
• Proficiency in bioinformatics and data analysis (including R programming)
• Familiarity with any of the above-mentioned techniques will be considered an advantage

Languages: ENGLISH Level Good

Years of Research Experience: 1 - 4

Additional Information

Duration: 1 year (renewable for an additional year)

Research Environment: The School of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Milano-Bicocca is located within the BioMedical Campus of Monza. It consistently ranks among the top medical universities in Italy and has received the prestigious “Department of Excellence” financial award in 2018 and 2023. The department offers a dynamic and stimulating environment, with access to cutting-edge research facilities.

Eligibility criteria:

Candidate Profile:

1. We are looking for highly motivated researchers with a PhD in Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, or related fields, or equivalent qualification.
2. A cover letter describing research interests and experience.
3. Contact details of at least two referees.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available: 1

Company/Institute: School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca

Country: Italy

State/Province: MB

City: Monza

Postal Code: 20900

Street: via Cadore 48