APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: October 13th, 2024

About the institute

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 has the mission of conducting cutting-edge research and to translate innovation into methods and tools available to the entire National scientific community. To this end, HT is opening National Facilities that will provide world-class research infrastructure in the areas of Structural Biology, Light Imaging Microscopy, Genomics, Genome Engineering, and Data Handling and Analysis, aimed at boosting Italian research by providing researchers working in Italy with free access to cutting-edge technologies and expertise.

The National Facility for Data Handling and Analysis (NF-DaHa) will perform in-depth analysis of biological data using state-of-the-art computational methods for bioinformatics and image processing.

NF-DaHa comprises three Infrastructural Units (IU):

• IU1 Bioimage Analysis
• IU2 Omics Analysis
• IU3 Technology Development – DevOps and Web Development

IU2 (Omics Analysis) performs computational analysis of large datasets generated by high-throughput DNA and RNA sequencing. Relying on standardized and validated analysis pipelines, the unit will be responsible for the bioinformatics analysis of a variety of data types, ranging from genomic and transcriptomic data, to epigenetics, single-cell profiling and proteomics. The team will work on data generated by other HT facilities, or by externally generated data provided by users of the facility subject to appropriate quality control. The IU is currently looking to expand its core team with highly motivated people who will help shape the future of scientific research in Italy, establishing high-quality standards, and delivering state-of-the-art analysis services.

We are now looking for a bioinformatics technician that will support the data analysis mission of the unit. The successful candidate will contribute to the development and execution of computational analysis pipelines for NGS data, through the implementation of analysis and visualization components. The candidate will also be involved in the data analysis process under the supervision of a senior bioinformatician in the group. Strong development skills in Python, R, and bash scripting are required; familiarity with pipeline development frameworks

The candidate will work in close collaboration with the other members of the team (including data analysts and senior bioinformaticians) in an open environment that fosters interdisciplinary interactions and provides constant opportunities for scientific and personal growth. Other activities include training (both internal to the group and aimed at external users), collaborations with HT research groups, and technology development.

International candidates, women and members of ethnic minorities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Contribute to analysis projects for internal and external facility users.
• Manage and maintain local databases used by the unit’s analysis pipelines.
• Handle datasets under analysis, coordinating data transfer and storage with HT’s internal IT group and with external users.
• Maintain bioinformatics analysis infrastructure.
• Implement and validate proposed improvements to analysis pipelines with the collaboration of data scientists and senior bioinformaticians in the unit.
• Collaborate on the development and execution of training activities offered by the National Facility.

Essential requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, e.g. computational biology, computer science, data analysis and statistics;
• Documented experience developing scientific software according to robust operating procedures for quality assurance (please specify in the cover letter);
• Good knowledge of Python and/or R;
• Fluency in English – HT is an international research institute.

Preferred requirements

• Familiarity with pipeline development frameworks (e.g. Nextflow);
• Experience with HPC / Linux environments, including Bash scripting and the SLURM scheduler;
• Good computational and analytical skills, including trouble-shooting;
• Experience in the analysis of high-throughput sequencing data for genomics or transcriptomics.

Organizational and social skills

• Ability to interact effectively with other team members and work synergistically to drive projects forward
• Ability to interact effectively with the researchers involved in assigned projects, to get detailed descriptions of project goals, timelines and requirements to derive precise technical requirements and timeline estimations for projects completion
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity

Application Instructions

Please apply by sending:

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

For any inquiry about the call, please feel free to contact Alberto Riva (Head of Facility) at alberto.riva@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 multicultural, 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 communities. 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.
• Support for relocation.
• Researchers of any nationality moving to Italy, or returning after living abroad, benefit from very attractive income tax benefits.
• Hybrid in-presence/remote work policy.
• Institutional Laptop.
• Canteen delivery service.
• Counselling.

Other details

• 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 - employee level, with the possibility of renewal.
• The position is based in Milano, Italy.
• Salary Range: up to 35 K, depending on the candidate' seniority.