Postdoc in Computational mRNA Biology, Calviello Group
Organisation Name: Human Technopole (HT)
Organisation Type:
City: Milan
State: Lombardia
Country: Italy
Job Description:
Job description
APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: August 3rd, 2023
Human Technopole (HT) is a new 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: Computational Biology, Structural Biology, Genomics, Neurogenomics 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.
HT is looking for a Postdoc in Computational mRNA Biology, to be appointed in the Genomics Research Centre under the supervision of the Group Leader Dr. Lorenzo Calviello.
About the lab:
The Calviello Lab is a hybrid computational/experimental research group interested in post-transcriptional gene regulation at -omics scale, with a focus on translation and its many connections to mRNA and proteome dynamics (if you are curious discover more here: Integrative -omics in mRNA biology (calviellolab.github.io).
See previous work on the research topics of this call:
The recruited postdoc will work large scale analysis of -omics datasets profiling molecular processes at single-nucleotide resolution (e.g. Ribo-seq, CLIP-seq), and develop innovative computational methods to unbiasedly identify the features predictive of different regulatory steps in the gene expression cascade, towards a quantitative, data-driven understanding of molecular processes and accurate applications in personalized medicine.
The successful candidate will be supported by a world-class environment with international leaders in advanced analytics and cutting-edge -omics technologies, and will apply state-of-the art computational methods to targeted questions in functional genomics and mRNA biology. They will work in collaboration with all team members in the Calviello Lab and in the Genomics Centre in tight collaboration with the Computational Biology Centre. Collaborations and interactions within the HT campus and beyond are highly encouraged, to develop independent research projects and prepare for a successful future in interdisciplinary science.
On campus, an advanced training program on research and transferable skills provides plenty of opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Key tasks and responsibilities:
Develop machine learning models for the high-resolution analysis of functional transcriptomics datasets.
Perform in silico experiments to stress model capabilities in capturing relevant signals under different perturbations.
Write well-annotated, reproducible code, employing essential tools in computational research, such as version control and dynamic reporting (e.g. git, Jupyter notebooks, Rmarkdown).
Communicate results to the larger scientific community in the form of scientific manuscripts and conference presentations, with clearly documented methods, results and visualizations.
Job requirements
Mandatory requirements:
A PhD degree in Computational Biology or related discipline, with a focus on quantitative analysis methods.
Proven track record of research in Computational Biology, Functional Genomics and/or Machine Learning.
Background in statistical learning methods, with a focus on interpretable models.
Strong programming skills in R (Bioconductor) and/or Python.
Preferential requirements:
Knowledge of next generation library preparation techniques.
Previous experience with analysis of multiple RNA-seq technologies.
Experience in developing documented computational tools for -omics data.
Familiarity with time series analysis and AI approaches (e.g. Natural Language Processing).
Desired personal skills:
Ability to work independently.
Willingness to frequently and openly discuss results and ideas, highlighting controls and potential pitfalls, using concise and clear presentations.
Fluency in English (HT is an international research institute).
Motivation to interact lively with colleagues in the lab, other departments, and the larger scientific community in various events (journal clubs, lab meetings, seminars, hackathons, international conferences, etc.).
Strong communication skills and respect for their own and other colleagues’ work, towards fostering a transparent, collaborative, stimulating, and welcoming scientific environment.
Willingness in identifying third-party funding sources, towards promoting growth into full academic independence.
Application instructions:
Please apply by sending a CV and a detailed motivation letter in English only through the dedicated area below (Apply now) and the name and contact details of at least 3 potential 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.
