We are pleased to announce the opening of a scholarship with the possibility of accessing a Ph.D. position in Life, Health and Chemical Sciences as part of the project Microbiota-guided Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer.

Project Focus
The project will focus on analysing and integrating clinical, metagenomic, and imaging data to study the role of the oral microbiota in the radiotherapy treatment for head and neck cancers. Specifically, it involves applying causal inference and machine learning techniques to evaluate the effect of the salivary microbiota on the radiotherapy efficacy and its potential as a biomarker for treatment effectiveness.

Position Details
Start Date: July 2025.
Duration: 4 years.
Location: Computational Model for Oncological Needs Laboratory (CMON Lab) at the National Cancer Institute (INT) in Milan, recognized as a leading institution in Italy and globally. The lab offers a multidisciplinary, cutting-edge environment for cancer treatment research and mathematical modelling.

Requirements
Strong computational background with M.Sc. degrees in biostatistics, data science, bioinformatics, or related fields (or demonstrable work experience in these areas). Proficiency in programming languages such as R or Python is required. Knowledge of machine learning theory/methods and/or causal inference will be considered an advantage.

This position provides a unique chance to work at the intersection of mathematical modelling, metagenomics, and personalised medicine, contributing to innovative research that will influence future head and neck cancer treatment strategies.

Application
Interested candidates can contact Dr. Jacopo Iacovacci: jacopo.iacovacci@istitutotumori.mi.it

Application deadline: May 18, 2025; Expected date of interview: June 17, 2025