APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: June 25th, 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 seven research areas: Neurogenomics, Computational Biology, Structural Biology, Genomics, Health Data Science, Biophysical Modelling and Simulation, and Molecular Cell Biology. Research groups in these areas 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 Group
The Sottoriva Group within the Computational Biology Research Centre focuses on deciphering the dynamics of cancer growth, progression and treatment resistance in patients using mathematical and computational approaches applied to cancer multi-omics data, with the objective of predicting the future course of the disease.
Internship Project Description
We are offering a full-time internship (suitable as a Master’s thesis project) in the Sottoriva Group. The project focuses on developing and applying computational models to study how biological tissues grow and organize in space and time.
You will work closely with an experienced computational researcher on a project that combines mathematical modelling, machine learning, and biological data analysis. A key aim is to design and implement models such as Neural Cellular Automata or Neural Cellular Potts Models, informed by biological datasets from human tissues and patient-derived models. The project aims to uncover principles of tissue organization relevant to cancer evolution.
Key tasks and activities
Mathematical and computational modelling of multicellular systems.
Applying machine learning methods to spatial biological data.
Working with real datasets from spatial omics and patient-derived model systems.
Essential requirements
We are looking for motivated students who are eager to learn and contribute to interdisciplinary research at the interface of data science and biomedicine. You are encouraged to apply if you:
Are enrolled in a Masters degree in quantitative biology, mathematics, computer science, physics, or related fields
Have some knowledge of programming for data analysis (e.g., Python, R, or similar)
Are interested in applying machine learning and modelling to biological problems
Have a curious mindset and willingness to work across disciplines
Are fluent in communicating in English in an international research environment
Organizational and social skills
Good communication, troubleshooting, and team working skills.
Application Instructions
a CV.
a motivation letter in English.
For specific enquires concerning the role only, please contact the Talent & Acquisition Team, [email protected] (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.
What we offer
Delivery Meal Service.
Guest House upon availability, if needed.
Access to all training initiatives targeted to HT scientists.
International research environment with networking and training opportunities.
Hands-on experience with real-world research projects addressing compelling scientific questions and applying state-of-the-art technologies.
Supervision by experienced researchers providing personalized feedback and career advice.
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
Internship duration: 8-12 months.
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.
