Postdoc in computational imaging genomics (data science)

Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT)
Harvard-Armenise Integrative Nuclear Architecture research unit
Italy Genova
ina.iit.it/

Description



At IIT, we enthusiastically develop human-centred Science and Technology to tackle some of the most pressing societal challenges of our times and transfer these technologies to the production system and society. Our Genoa headquarters are interconnected with our 11 centres around Italy and two outer stations based in the US for a truly interdisciplinary experience.

The Integrative Nuclear Architecture research unit is coordinated by Dr. Irene Farabella (Armenise-Harvard CDA), who has extensive experience in integrative modelling, imagining data analysis and 3D genomics.
You will be working in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary group, where computational and experimental researcher collaborate, each with their expertise, to advance our knowledge of how the human genome is organized and regulated. Specifically, the overall goal of the lab is to understand how 3D genome organization plasticity (Nir, Farabella, et al. PlosGen 2018) influences gene regulation with a strong focus on the role of RNAs in shaping such organization (Farabella et al. Nat Struct Mol Bio 2021; Mendieta-Esteban et al., NAR genom. bioinform., 2021; Morf et al. Nat. Biotechnol. 2019). The Integrative Nuclear Architecture research unit is an active member of the FANTOM6 and the Centers of Excellence in Genomic Science-Center of Genome Imaging collaborative projects, placing the lab at the forefront of scientific innovation.

For more information, visit: ina.iit.it/

The project will focus on developing new computational methods for analyzing and interpreting multiplexed single-cell imaging, mainly point cloud chromatin tracing experiments. The overall objective is to implement new means to measure and predict genome folding patterns using a combination of data modelling, optimization, and machine learning techniques.

Within the team, your primary responsibilities will be:

- Developing tools for the high-throughput detection, analysis, and quantification of large single-cell chromatin tracing datasets (point cloud data).
- Implementing algorithms for integrating chromatin tracing data generated in the lab and publicly available datasets with other multi-omic datasets.
- Working in a highly collaborative spirit, interacting with and supporting the other group members and external collaborators.
- Publishing reproducible research in international conferences and high-impact, open-access journals.
- We expect all code produced in this project to be developed in Python, released as fully open source, and made publicly available to the research community.

This position is fully funded by the Giovanni Armenise Harvard Foundation within the project: “Investigating genome structural variability at the nanoscale” (Career Development Award, 2022).

SALARY & BENEFITS
Location: Center for Human Technologies – Genoa
Salary range: 30k - 35k euro
- Private health care coverage
- Wide range of staff discounts
- Candidates from abroad or Italian citizens who permanently work abroad and meet specific requirements, may be entitled to a deduction from taxable income of up to 90% from 6 to 13 years.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
-An equal, inclusive, and multicultural environment where applicants are welcome regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
-Work in a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment which fosters scientific independence and innovation.
-A specialized team working to help you with paperwork, especially during your relocation.


Qualifications

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
- A PhD (or you are close of finishing your PhD) in Computational Biology or related disciplines, including Mathematics, Bioinformatics, Statistics, Biology, Biotechnology, Physics, Computer Science, and similar disciplines.
- Documented experience in data analysis, statistics, and/or machine learning.
- The ability to properly report, organize and publish research data.
- Fluency in oral and written English

DESIRABLE CRITERIA
- Experience in method development, programming (Python) and scripting abilities are highly desirable.
- Experience in any of the following: bulk “omics” data analysis, image processing and analysis, data-driven modelling and optimization.
- Knowledge of version control systems (e.g., GitHub) and/or container systems (e.g., Docker, Singularity)
- Possession of a sense of scientific curiosity, be capable of mastering new computational methods, be interested in method development.
- Good communication skills.
- Strong problem-solving attitude.
- Experience working in a team-oriented environment.
- Able to work independently and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment.


Start date

As soon as possible

How to Apply

To apply, qualified candidates should email a cover letter (outlining motivation, experience, and qualifications), a detailed CV, and the contact details of at least two referees to Dr. Irene Farabella: irene.farabella@iit.it

You can also apply directly at the following URL: www.iit.it/en/openings
selecting the "Integrative Nuclear Architecture research unit".


Contact

Dr. Irene Farabella
irene.farabella@iit.it