The BiocomputingUP Group at the University of Padova seeks a motivated candidate who wants to contribute to cutting-edge biomedical research to investigate the role of phase separation in regulating pVHL physiological functions and its dysregulation in cancer progression.

The selected candidate will work in the project “Deciphering phase separation and aggregation mechanisms driving von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor function” funded by AIRC (Italian Association for Cancer Research) and coordinated by Prof. Silvio Tosatto.
The researcher will become part of a dynamic and ambitious research group of approximately thirty members, working on multiple aspects of protein structure and function prediction, using approaches that integrate biology, medicine, chemistry, physics, and computer science.

Qualifications:

• Master degree in Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies or related fields.
• Basic experience with molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry.
• Good communication and teamwork skills

Key Responsibilities:

• Investigating the propensity of pVHL for phase separation and aggregation and identifying possible protein partners that promote this process.
• Assessing the pH-dependent nucleolar detention of pVHL in diverse cancer cells specific for VHL-disease.
• Formulating a pharmacological strategy targeting aberrant pVHL PS to halt cancer.
• Applying standard molecular biology techniques, such as DNA cloning, bacterial transformation, transfection, western blot, cell culture, cell viability, proliferation assay, colocalization assay, protein expression in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
• Using tools, such as circular dichroism, electron microscope, fluorescent microscope.
• Preparing samples for mass spectrometry.
• Collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams at BioComputingUP.

Applicants are invited to submit their CV and a concise research/personal statement describing background/qualifications, future goals and reasons for the interest in this position. In addition, please include names and contact information of one (or more) professional reference. This position is available immediately, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Contact Information: Prof. Emanuela Leonardi at biocomp@bio.unipd.it

Published on May 13th, 2026