Postdoc | Human Technopole, Milan

Build the science that shapes the future of human health.
Application closing date: 04.05.2026

Join a place where ambitious science thrives
Human Technopole (Milan) is a rapidly expanding life science institute where international researchers and cutting-edge technologies converge to accelerate biomedical discovery. Our mission is to transform bold scientific ideas into advances that improve human health.

Within this mission, the newly established Pönisch Group studies how biological matter changes shape during development and disease. We combine quantitative image analysis, morphometrics, and theoretical modelling to uncover the principles underlying stochastic shape dynamics in biological systems. We study these questions across scales, from the shape dynamics of single cells to dynamic behaviours in cell collectives and tissues. We are a theory lab, working at the interface of physics, data science, and biology and in close collaboration with experimental partners.

We seek an ambitious postdoc to develop morphometric approaches to study the shape dynamics of tissues and tissue models (organoids) during development and disease. The postdoc will analyse large imaging datasets of developing tissues by combining advanced AI-assisted segmentation and registration frameworks with morphometrics to extract quantitative features of shape dynamics. Additionally, the postdoc will develop theoretical models to uncover the dynamical principles governing tissue shape dynamics. In particular, the postdoc will address the following questions:

• How does left-right symmetry arise during development? What mechanism drives the shape dynamics of left-right (as)symmetry in development?
• Can the shape dynamics of organoids be used as predictor of disease?

Working closely with experimental collaborators, the postdoc will integrate imaging analysis, statistics, and theoretical modelling to identify general principles linking cellular dynamics to tissue-scale organisation.

Grow your skills
You will enhance your scientific and professional skills by working with:

• Imaging datasets of organoids and tissues generated in collaboration with experimental partners.
• Advanced bioimage analysis, including image segmentation and registration.
• Quantitative morphometric analysis to study biological shape dynamics.
• Mathematical and computational modelling of dynamical biological systems.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration at the interface of physics, data science, and biology.
• Cutting-edge facilities at HT.
• A growing and dynamic interdisciplinary research group at HT with a collaborative and supportive lab culture that nurtures the professional development of members with diverse backgrounds.

Human Technopole supports career development through training, mentoring and dedicated learning opportunities.

What you'll bring

Essential

• PhD in (theoretical) physics, applied mathematics, computer science, engineering, data science or other relevant discipline.
• Experience in quantitative image analysis, using AI and machine learning to extract features from images.
• Experience in modelling dynamical systems using tools from statistical physics, stochastic processes, information theory, control theory, or related fields.
• Experience in MATLAB/Python or other scientific programming languages.
• Fluent in English - HT is an international insitute

Preferred

• Experience working with large biological datasets, especially datasets in the field of cell biology, developmental biology and biomedical research.
• Experience with scientific visualisation and data presentations
• Track record in securing independent research fellowship.

Organisational and social skills

• Ability to work indipendently in a collaborative international and diverse environment, including proactively seeking out and maintaining collaborations.
• Excellent troubleshooting, documentation, and critical thinking skills.
• Public speaking
• Ability to manage multiple projects in parallel.

At HT, your discoveries contribute to a global effort to improve human health.

Why Human Technopole
HT offers an international and dynamic workplace, competitive welfare provisions, flexible working policies and relocation support. Researchers moving to Italy may benefit from attractive tax benefits. We promote work–life balance and provide parental support initiatives.

How to apply
Submit:

• CV
• Motivation letter (English)
• Contact details of two referees

This is a 4-year contract offered under CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, Level B2

Salary: € 40.000,00
The position is based in Milan, Italy, within our vibrant international campus.

We strongly encourage applications from candidates belonging to protected categories (L. 68/99).