Postdocs in Computational Biology - Testa Group

Human Technopole (HT) is an interdisciplinary research institute in Milan (Italy) created and supported by the Italian government to develop innovative strategies to promote human health. HT adopts a multidisciplinary and integrated approach combining genomics, computational and structural biology, neuroscience, and data and decision sciences.

The Human Technopole Foundation is looking for two highly motivated postdocs to work in the group of Prof. Giuseppe Testa, Neurogenomics Research Centre in the areas of artificial intelligence and bioinformatics. We are seeking outstanding candidates with excellent problem-solving, analytical and critical thinking skills who are passionate about the challenges of quantitative approaches to advance human neurobiology and make an impact in neuropsychiatric disorders:

• Artificial Intelligence and mathematical modelling, with key edges in pattern finding across diverse data and multiple observables across scales.
• Multi-omics bioinformatic analysis, with a strong focus on integrative data analysis to pursue mechanistic convergences and actionable hubs for clinical translation.

About the lab:

We focus on the dynamics of brain disorders, with a strong emphasis on human experimental models and straddling multiple scales of analysis from single cell resolution to organismal function, working in close integration with national and international deeply phenotyped cohorts that provide unique edges for the study of gene/environment interactions in mental health vulnerability and resilience. Our research environment includes transformative facilities encompassing reprogramming, editing and brain organoids automation, state of the art genomics and microscopy infrastructures along with a HT-wide architecture of high performance computing (HPC) attuned to the needs of contemporary computational biology.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

• Mathematical and computational modelling to study neurodevelopmental dynamics at the single cell level with cutting-edge AI methods. Analyse and interpret complex empirical data from stem cell and organoids based disease modelling experiments and connect the molecular and clinical phenotypes.
• Develop predictive models from empirical data leveraging genetic and/or pharmacological multiplexed perturbations.
• Analyse and integrate high-content microscopy data with single cell multi-omics of complex organoids models. Work alongside experimental biologists to design and formulate innovative hypothesis aiming at high resolution understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders. Establish reproducible and well-documented bioinformatic pipelines for the standardised analysis of internal and external single cell multi-omics datasets. Support researchers and collaborators by performing bioinformatic analysis and providing advice on the best suited statistical models. Strongly interact with wet and dry scientists of the lab. Communicating, explaining and contextualising computational results to a wide variety of collaborators with varying degrees of know-how. Maintaining and documenting software, following best practices of software engineering (e.g., revisioning and containerization).

Job requirements:

Mandatory:

• A PhD degree in a quantitative field (bioinformatics, computer science, statistics, mathematics, physics, engineering or similar). Proven and extensive knowledge of at least one of the following programming languages: Python (preferable), R, Java, JavaScript, C++, C#; Experience in machine learning. Previous experience in the analysis of single cell omics datasets and an interest in neurobiology; Fluency in English – HT is an international research institute.

Preferred:

• Proficiency with code versioning systems (e.g., git, SVN) and familiarity with container technologies (e.g., Docker, Singularity, Podman); experience working in a Unix/Linux environment; Experience in machine learning for omics data. Experience in bioinformatics workflow systems (i.e., Nextflow, Snakemake, CWL).

Soft skills:

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; capacity to structure analytical steps in well-documented and reproducible workflows; Collaborative attitude and ability to work in teams with colleagues of heterogeneous scientific backgrounds; Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment and to work independently.

Application Instructions:

Please apply online by sending:

• a CV
• a motivation letter in English
• names and contacts of 2 referees

For any inquiry about the call, please feel free to contact Prof. Giuseppe Testa, giuseppe.testa@fht.org (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:

• Welfare plans
• Canteen service
• Work-life balance provisions
• Italian language training for foreigners
• Maternity leave up to 1 year and other support for new parents
• Counseling
• Possibility of flexible working hours
• Support for relocation
• Tax benefits where applicable

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

Number of positions offered: 2

Location: Milan