PhD and Post Doc positions

At the De Giovanni Lab, the team’s expertise lies at the intersection of molecular biology, 2-photon (intravital) imaging, (tumor) immunology, host-pathogen interactions and (spatial) trascriptomics. Our research aims to unravel the complex roles of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), integrins, and other molecular factors that govern immune cell migration and immune regionalization at steady-state or during disease, with a particular emphasis on mucosal and tumor-associated immune cells.

Project#1) ERC Starting Grant project (1.5M euro for 5 years)

Background: regionalization of mucosal immunity

The intestinal and respiratory mucosae are not uniform structures, but rather consist of distinct anatomical regions, each with its own defense mechanisms tailored to protect local tissues. These regions exhibit variations in epithelial cell types, the integrity of the mucosal barrier, and immune responses—a concept referred to as ‘regionalization.’ Moreover, while infectious and inflammatory conditions can distinctly affect different tissue segments and their associated lymphoid structures, a significant gap in our understanding remains. Specifically, we lack a complete understanding of how immune cells are regionalized across mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues (MALTs) located in different segments of the intestine and airways.

Project#1) ERC-funded open position:

One PhD/ Post Doc Position Available (up to 4 years).

Key Qualifications required (highly desirable but not mandatory, especially for PhD applicants):

-Extensive expertise in immunology, with strong skills in mice handling, and previous experience in gut and airway studies.

-Proficiency in fluorescent imaging techniques.

-Familiarity with molecular biology and flow cytometry.

Project#2) AIRC Start-up Grant project (1M euro for 5 years)

Background: immune cell migration to solid tumors

Effective immune responses to tumors rely on the coordinated migration of leukocytes to the tumor microenvironment (TME). For instance, the presence of tumor infiltrating cytotoxic T lymphocytes typically correlates with a favorable clinical outcome and response to immunotherapy. Conversely, inhibitory immune cells such as T regulatory cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells are often associated with an unfavorable clinical outcome and poor response to therapy. Recent studies have started to uncover how certain chemokine gradients and their related GPCRs modulate immune cell migration to the TME, however, the precise mechanisms directing the trafficking of different immune cells to solid tumors remain unclear. Thus, shedding light on the mechanisms that control immune cell trafficking to solid tumors is an extremely important unmet medical need. In our lab, we aim to set up novel research tools that allow to comprehensively analyze the properties of newly recruited immune cells within solid tumors, by combining photoactivation, intravascular labeling, flow cytometry and single cell RNA-sequencing. In addition, we aim to evaluate the role of candidate G protein-coupled receptors (e.g. GPR35), platelets and mast cells in sustaining immune cell migration to different solid tumors.

AIRC-funded open position:

–        One PhD/ Post Doc Position Available (up to 4 years).

-Key Qualifications required (highly desirable but not mandatory, especially for PhD applicants):

-Extensive expertise in tumor immunology, with strong skills in mice handling.

-Proficiency in fluorescent imaging techniques and flow cytometry.