Job ID: 122064
One PhD student position of the Italian Institute of Technology at Open University UK. Project title: Transcriptional reactivation of retina and visual cortex circuits to improve visual restoration by retinal prostheses in photoreceptor degeneration
Position: Ph.D. Student
Deadline: 31 March 2025
Employment Start Date: 1 June 2025
Contract Length: 3 years
City: Genova
Country: Italy
Institution: The Italian Institute of Technology
Department: Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology
Description:
IIT FLAGSHIP “TECHNOLOGIES FOR HEALTHY LIVING”
PhD position at the Italian Institute of Technology, Genova, Italy on the project: “Phototherapy for brain tumor by genetic targeting and bio-chemical sensing“
The Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology (https://www.iit.it/it/nsyn-unige/) and the Center for Convergent Technologies of the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT; https://www.iit.it/) in Genova are opening a PhD position in the field of smart photosensitizers and their application in the therapy of glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive brain tumors. The position will be under the supervision of Prof. Fabio Benfenati and Dr. Elisabetta Colombo.
We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic fellow who will join our interdisciplinary team to realize and study innovative strategies based on the synergistic effect of nanotechnological tools, such as nanoparticles or organic compounds, with light in the visible or IR range to target brain tumors.
In recent years, we have pioneered active light-sensitive interfaces able on the one side to recover the physiological condition of single neurons affected by neuronal dystrophy (Nature Communications 2024) and on the other to address on-demand optoporation of cell membranes and eventual cell death (ACS Nano 2024). The combination of these technologies has the disruptive potential to target and kill glioblastoma cells with spatial resolution and specificity, paramount features to avoid the immune escape of the tumor.
The experimental work will involve in vitro and in vivo studies in experimental models of glioblastoma, including in vivo transduction with viral vectors, electrophysiology, functional 2-photon imaging, and light-driven behaviors. We expect to work with a fellow with a Biology, Biotechnology, or Biomedical engineering background. The candidate is expected to have the motivation and curiosity to explore the insight of our idea from the biophysical, molecular, and clinical points of view. One of the following practical experiences will be considered a plus: molecular biology, nanomaterials, or in vivo animal handling and related procedures. An IELTS English certification is required.
Please submit your application, including a detailed curriculum and one-page research statement in PDF format, to: fabio.benfenati@iit.it and elisabetta.colombo@iit.it quoting “PhD position Phototherapy for brain tumor by genetic targeting and bio-chemical sensing” in the subject line. Candidates should also request reference letters to be sent directly in PDF format by the Referees to the above mail addresses.