Postdoctoral position on resistance to radioligand and radiotherapy in prostate cancer

PostDoc in the Functional Cancer Genomics laboratory directed by Prof. Jean-Philippe Theurillat at the IOR – Institute of Oncology Research in Bellinzona, Switzerland

The Institute of Oncology Research (IOR)

The IOR, affiliated with Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), is located in a brand-new, high‑tech research building that hosts more than 20 different research groups. It offers state‑of‑the‑art facilities together with the neighboring Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB). It offers a thriving environment with leading edge research projects and multiple occasions of interaction with world leaders in the fields of cancer, immunology, and DNA biology. (see Ph.D. lecture series at PhD Program).

Functional Cancer Genomics Lab

The Functional Cancer Genomics Lab, led by Prof. Jean-Philippe Theurillat, investigates the molecular mechanisms of prostate cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. The group combines functional genomics, translational pathology, and cutting‑edge experimental models to drive discoveries from bench to bedside. A full list of our publications is available on PubMed.

Research Projects

The successful candidate will investigate the mechanisms of sensitivity and resistance to Lu-PSMA radioligand therapy (RLT), a promising emerging therapeutic modality and its cross‑resistance with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). The project is timely and clinically impactful, leveraging a unique set of resources already in place:

• Existing genome‑wide CRISPR screening data from RLT and EBRT models, with compelling hits already identified and a clear path toward clinical translation
• Isogenic radio‑resistant and radioligand‑resistant cell line panels
• Clinical patient tissue samples for mechanistic validation via multiplexed immunohistochemistry and single‑cell sequencing

Collaborative Environment

You will join an active network of world‑class international collaborations, including:

• The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London, UK – a global leader in cancer genomics and therapy
• The Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Switzerland – home to world‑leading radiobiology and proton/heavy‑ion research

Requirements

• PhD in biology, biomedicine, or a closely related field
• Expertise in functional investigations in the DNA damage response (DDR)
• At least one first‑author peer‑reviewed publication in the DDR field
• Pro‑active, collaborative attitude and a genuine passion for leading‑edge research
• Strong communication skills (English is mandatory) and team‑player spirit

Advantageous

• Experience with CRISPR‑based functional genomic screens
• Experience with in vivo mouse models of cancer

What we offer

• A fully funded position in a world‑class research environment
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art core facilities (genomics, imaging, flow cytometry, bioinformatics, and more)
• Multidisciplinary training at the interface of cancer biology, functional genomics, and clinical translation
• A dynamic, supportive, and international team culture
• Strong mentoring with an emphasis on career development

Application

Applications must contain:

• Motivation letter describing your research background and interest in the project
• Detailed curriculum vitae with publications list
• List of two references (including their email addresses). No letter of support required right now.

Applications must be submitted online by filling out the form accessible through CANDIDATES. You will also need to upload the documents listed above.

Salary

Salary will be in line with the guidelines of the Swiss National Science Foundation.

For scientific and position‑related questions, please contact jean‑ For administrative questions, please contact

Applications that do not meet the requirements, sent to different contacts, in other formats, or after the deadline will not be considered.

Deadline

July 31st, 2026

Starting date

Negotiable.

More information about the IOR is available at and

IOR strives to be an equal opportunity and family‑friendly employer. As an institution that values diversity, IOR particularly encourages applications from women and all individuals from underrepresented groups.

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