4 Research Positions in Microbiome & Cancer Treatment
Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori – Data Science Unit | Milan, Italy 🇮🇹
Full-time, 3-year contracts | Starting January 2026
We are recruiting four full-time researchers to join the EMICRAIN Project, an innovative initiative exploring how the oral microbiome affects treatment side effects in head and neck cancer patients. By combining microbiology, oncology, and advanced data science — including causal inference and machine learning — EMICRAIN aims to design personalized, microbiota-based strategies to improve patient outcomes and quality of life during chemo- and radiotherapy.
Our Data Science Unit provides a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment at the intersection of biology, medicine, statistics, and computational modeling. You will work alongside clinicians, biologists, and data scientists, contributing to research that directly impacts clinical practice.
💼 Open Positions
1️⃣ Researcher in Clinical Biology & Microbiome Processing
Background: Biology, Biotechnology, or Medicine
Focus: Coordinate clinical sampling, process saliva for metagenomics, ensure lab QC and regulatory compliance.
Ideal for candidates with hands-on lab expertise in DNA/RNA extraction and clinical collaboration.
2️⃣ Researcher in Biostatistics & Causal Inference
Background: Statistics, Mathematics, or Biostatistics
Focus: Develop causal models (DAGs, propensity scores, mediation) linking microbiota to treatment outcomes.
Requires proficiency in R/Python and causal inference methods; PhD desirable.
3️⃣ Researcher in Machine Learning & Predictive Modelling
Background: Computer Science, Data Science, or Physics
Focus: Build predictive models integrating microbiome and clinical data to forecast treatment complications.
Strong skills in Python/R and ML frameworks (TensorFlow, scikit-learn, PyTorch) required.
4️⃣ Researcher in Bioinformatics & Multi-Omics Analysis
Background: Bioinformatics or Computational Biology
Focus: Develop reproducible pipelines for metagenomics and metabolomics data; integrate multi-omics and clinical data.
Experience with NGS analysis, Linux, and workflow management systems (Nextflow, Snakemake) is preferable.
⭐ What We Offer
3-year full-time contracts (starting January 2026)
Salary: €33,000–€37,000/year, based on experience
Access to high-performance computing infrastructure
Opportunities for conferences, training, and co-authorships
Collaborative research environment at a leading cancer institute in Milan
📩 Express your interest
Interested candidates can contact Dr. Jacopo Iacovacci at
📧 jacopo.iacovacci@istitutotumori.mi.it
NOTE: holding a Ph.D. or a doctoral title is a highly desirable qualification.
