APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: February 17th, 2025
Human Technopole (HT) is an interdisciplinary life science research institute, created and supported by the Italian Government, with the aim of developing innovative strategies to improve human health. HT is composed of five Centers: Neurogenomics, Computational Biology, Structural Biology, Genomics, and Health Data Science. The Centers work together to enable interdisciplinary research and to create an open, collaborative environment that will help promote life science research both nationally and internationally.
About the lab
The Pinheiro Lab, part of the Computational Biology Research Centre at Human Technopole and led by Dr. Fernanda Pinheiro, integrates theoretical and experimental research to develop a predictive framework for ecological and evolutionary processes based on models of cellular metabolism. Our hybrid lab focuses on understanding antibiotic resistance evolution in complex ecologies, particularly in microbial communities where bacteria interact. We combine systems biology approaches, evolutionary modeling, computational methods, data analysis, and data from evolutionary experiments to establish a strong dialogue between theory and experiments. Our theoretical work identifies experimental regimes of interest, and biological data inspires new theoretical methods.
The Pinheiro Lab seeks an outstanding computational Postdoctoral Researcher to develop mechanistic models for microbial evolution in complex ecologies. Applicants with a quantitative background are encouraged to apply and work on interdisciplinary projects at the interface of systems biology, ecology, and evolution. The successful candidate will closely collaborate with Dr. Pinheiro and other team members.
Applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Fernanda Pinheiro to discuss specific project ideas that align with the lab's interests.
See previous work on the research topics of this call:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-021-01397-0
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369527424001188
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.09.09.611847v1.abstract
Key tasks and responsibilities:
Develop mechanistic models for microbial evolution in complex ecologies (e.g., in response to antibiotic challenge, in interacting microbial communities).
Collaborate with the experimental group members to design experiments, analyze data, and test theoretical hypotheses.
Pursue independent thinking, provide scientific insight, and disseminate research in international conferences and publications in scientific journals.
Contribute to and expand the group’s internal and external collaboration network.
Job requirements Essential requirements
On the closing date for online applications, the candidate must fulfil all the following conditions:
Ph.D. in a quantitative field (e.g., Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Quantitative Biology, or equivalent) with a demonstrated interest in biological systems to be obtained within 6 months from the closure of the call.
Strong analytical and numerical skills (programming language choice is flexible).
Experience working with biological datasets (e.g., omics data or publicly available databases).
Preferred requirements
Familiarity with quantitative biology, biological systems modeling, and systems biology approaches.
· Proven ability to lead projects independently.
Effective interaction in interdisciplinary settings, with a collaborative approach to advancing projects.
Required personal skills
Fluency in English (HT is an international research institute).
Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment while working independently.
Sensitivity and respect for diversity in a multicultural and multi-ethnic work environment.
A highly curious, creative, and ambitious mindset, with the drive to explore new theoretical directions and develop innovative methods.
Application Instructions
To apply, please send the following:
a CV.
a motivation letter in English relating your track record to the specifics of the call.
names and contacts of 2 referees.
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.
Parental leave up to 1 year and other support for new parents.
Counseling.
Flexible working hours.
Remote working policy.
Support for relocation.
Researchers coming to Italy for the first time, 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 2 years with possibility of renewal - Employee Level
Salary range: up to 40K Tax benefits where applicable.
The position is based in Milan.
“The Foundation reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to extend, suspend, modify, revoke, or cancel this job posting without giving rise to any rights or claims whatsoever in favor of the candidates; the Foundation reserves, however, the right not to proceed with the awarding of the above-described assignment due to the effect of supervening regulatory provisions and/or obstructive circumstances”.