Postdoc in Cancer Data Science – Sottoriva Lab, Computational Biology Research Centre

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: April 13th, 2025

The integration of Artificial Intelligence, mathematical modelling, and advanced computational simulations of biological systems is transforming biomedical sciences. Since cancers are complex systems, biomedical discovery in oncology depends on the ability to develop methods that can extract novel insights from data.

The Sottoriva Lab in the Computational Biology Research Centre at Human Technopole combines computational and experimental techniques to study how tumours arise and evolve. Our goal is to measure the evolutionary processes in human cancers, predict the future course of the disease, and uncover the mechanisms of resistance to treatment. We leverage spatial and longitudinal data from patients and patient-derived model systems, evolutionary theory, and machine learning to quantify and understand cancer biology.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to develop new computational methods for the analysis and interpretation of large biological datasets. The successful candidate will design novel machine learning techniques for cancer data science, incorporating approaches such as Neural Cellular Automata, Neural Ordinary Differential Equations, and Graph Neural Networks. The objective is to measure and predict evolutionary forces and spatial cell interactions in healthy versus cancerous tissues, ultimately identifying evolutionary and molecular vulnerabilities in cancers.

HT provides state-of-the-art experimental and computational infrastructure, including genomics, imaging, data analysis and high-performance computing. The Sottoriva Lab leverages these cutting-edge resources to generate and analyse novel single-cell genomics, multi-omics, and spatial profiling datasets. The postdoc will report directly to the Group Leader, Prof Andrea Sottoriva, who is also the Head of the Computational Biology Research Centre.

Key tasks and responsibilities

1. Design new machine learning methods to measure spatial and temporal dynamics from biological data.
2. Analyse and interpret datasets generated within the lab using the abovementioned methods.
3. Integrate data generated in the lab with existing datasets.
4. Contribute scientific insight and drive independent research projects while exploring new avenues of research.
5. Collaborate with the Research Centre’s bioinformatics and experimental posts for data generation and analysis.
6. Interact with bioinformaticians with different computational expertise within the Research Centre as well as in other HT units.
7. Build effective links and collaborations within HT, e.g., with the HT National Facility for Genomics.
8. Develop partnerships and collaborations with other national and international institutions.
9. Prepare scientific publications and present findings at seminars and conferences.

Essential requirements

1. A PhD in a relevant subject such as mathematics, computer science, physics, engineering, or a related discipline. Candidates who have not yet defended their PhD are eligible to apply, provided they successfully defend before the contract start date.
2. Proven experience in developing novel machine learning methods, preferably applied to biological or other dynamical systems.
3. Proficiency in programming for data science, incl. experience with frameworks such as PyTorch.
4. Fluency in English (HT is an international research institute).

Preferential requirements

1. 3+ years of hands-on experience in data science.
2. Experience with Neural Cellular Automata, Neural Ordinary Differential Equations, and Graph Neural Networks is particularly desirable.
3. Experience in analyzing biological datasets or applying data science techniques to life sciences or medicine, especially cancer research, is considered highly advantageous.
4. A track record of independent project leadership.

Organizational and social skills:

1. Strong problem-solving and organizational abilities.
2. Teamwork, mentoring, and communication skills.
3. Networking and public speaking proficiency.

Application Instructions

Please apply by sending:

1. a CV
2. a motivation letter in English
3. names and contacts of 2 referees

For any inquiry about the call, please feel free to contact Prof Andrea Sottoriva at andrea@humantechnopole1.recruitee.com (this email address should not be used to send applications).

Why Human Technopole

HT seeks scientific excellence, we recruit the best scientific talents through international, open calls.

Our working environment is international, friendly and inclusive. Our scientists work together across disciplines on research topics of biomedical relevance, leveraging synergies between their diverse skillsets and methodological approaches.

We believe that highly diverse teams yield the best and most innovative results.

We engage in outward-facing scientific activities aimed at benefiting the national and international research community. Training is also at the heart of our activity, with initiatives and opportunities for our staff, including scientific courses, conferences and workshops.

Main benefits

1. Welfare plans.
2. Canteen service.
3. Counseling.
4. Support for relocation.
5. Researchers of any nationality moving to Italy, or returning after residing abroad, benefit from very attractive income tax benefits.

Special consideration will be given to candidates who are part of the protected categories list, according to L. 68/99.

Number of positions offered: 1

Contract offered: CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, Fixed-term 3 years - employee level, with the possibility of renewal.

Salary: up to 40K depending on the seniority of the candidate.

The position is in person and based in Milan.