Senior Group Leader in the Genomics Research Centre - Functional Genomics Programme | Human Technopole

Application closing date: 28th May 2026 

Build the science that shapes the future of human health.

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 Genomics Research Centre – Functional Genomics Programme seeks to recruit an outstanding scientist to establish an independent group at the Human Technopole Foundation (HT).

We seek a talented Senior Group Leader to establish an independent laboratory within the Genomics Research Centre – Functional Genomics Programme. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing an independent scientific programme and contributing to the collegial development of the HT research programmes and will be an active researcher conducting high-quality, internationally competitive research and contributing to the international scientific community.

The mission of the Center for Functional Genomics is to elucidate key biological questions, including “How is gene expression regulated in each cell, tissue, and organ in health and disease”, “What are the molecules and networks that drive biological activity in cells, tissues, organs”, and “How to precisely modulate genome regulation  in health and diseases”. We are actively studying functional coding and non-coding genomic element networks in different cells and tissues of the human body to identify the regulatory grammar of DNA and RNA, which will ultimately provide a deeper understanding of genome structure and function and enable precision genomics medicine.

In this context, we invite candidates who are interested in the following:
(1) Developing original computational methods to analyse diverse functional genomics datasets, including complex transcriptomes, non-coding RNAs, RNA modifications, RNA translation, transcriptional regulation, interactomes, and 3D chromatin organization, with the aim of uncovering conceptually novel biological insights. Candidates with combined expertise in computational method and genomics technologies development, including hands-on experience in data generation and analysis, will also be considered.

(2) Developing and applying integrative experimental and computational approaches for the interpretation of genomics and multi-omics data, including single-cell and/or spatial omics, CRISPR-based functional screens (particularly at single-cell resolution), and innovative analytical workflows leveraging artificial intelligence and state-of-the-art machine learning methodologies.

(3) Integrating large-scale, heterogeneous datasets to model biological networks and regulatory programs, combining newly generated data with public resources and human genetic variation, to identify key actionable elements and mechanisms relevant to human physiology and disease.

(4) Developing original computational approaches in comparative and evolutionary genomics, including the analysis of genome, transcriptome and/or proteome data, with a strong conceptual and mechanistic link to human biology and disease.

(5) Designing and leading the development of scalable databases, resources, and analytical tools that enable broad access, visualization, dissemination, and reuse of data produced at Human Technopole and through national and international collaborations.

Your mission:

The Senior Group Leader is responsible for defining and leading a cutting-edge research program within the Foundation. This includes designing, executing, and analyzing high-impact scientific studies, developing new methodologies, and writing scientific papers for top-tier journals. The Senior Group Leader is also expected to provide a broader vision for the research program, emphasizing its long-term impact and contribution to the field. In addition to securing substantial external funding, the Senior Group Leader leads a team of researchers and fosters innovation

The successful candidate will:

• Establish and lead a world-class research programme in functional genomics, including managing an independent research group.
• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a diverse, collaborative, and supportive research environment.
• Build and strengthen collaborations within HT and with national and international research organizations.
• Contribute to institutional activities, including Centre reporting, internal seminars, and initiatives that promote knowledge sharing and scientific exchange.
• Support HT’s international visibility and sustainability by co-organizing scientific events (e.g. symposia, workshops) and securing third-party funding.

What you’ll bring:

The successful candidate will have an outstanding record in various areas of Genomics, preferably with a strong track in computational methods, computational biology, use of AI in different areas of computational genomics, development and/or use of innovative technologies in the field of transcriptomics and related areas, interest in human health and disease. The Centre for Genomics is implementing strategic internal collaboration schemes and works closely with other HT Research Centres to achieve synergies and reach joint goals, such as in the Flagship Research Programmes. The selected candidate will be expected to possess scientific vision and leadership skills, be competitive in acquiring extramural grants and have a collaborative attitude.

Essential

• PhD in a relevant scientific field
• Proven research leadership experience (3+ years), with the ability to lead high-impact programmes, manage research teams, define scientific strategy, and optimize resources and budgets across complex initiatives.
• Strong track record of scientific excellence in genomics, computational biology or related fields, demonstrated by impactful first/last-author publications, invited talks, and recognized contributions to the field. (please specify in the CV)
• Demonstrated experience in developing innovative experimental and computational approaches, including bioinformatics tools and programmes , with a solid understanding of functional genomics technologies. (please specify in the CV)
• Broad expertise in functional genomics , including transcriptomics, non-coding RNAs, transcriptional regulation, epigenomics, 3D genomics, and DNA damage repair. (please specify in the CV)
• Proven success in securing and managing major national and international research funding, with a strategic approach to grant acquisition.
• Strong ability to identify, adopt, and integrate emerging technologies to drive innovation and enable cutting-edge research.
• Fluency in English

Preferred 

• Broad knowledge of biology, with a particular focus on human disease models.
• Proven record of generation of genomics datasets and/or methods broadly used by the community.
• Experience in cross-analysis of functional with medical genomics datasets.

Organizational and social skills

• Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to lead and gain the assistance and cooperation of others in a team endeavor.
• Proven leadership, communication, team building and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with other teams and work synergistically to effectively drive projects.
• Highly organized and meticulous work attitude.
• Ability to build trust through transparency and creation of an open and positive environment.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

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:

• Curriculum Vitae including a full publication list.
• Motivation letter explaining your interest in applying for this position.
• Outline of current research interests (1 page).
• Summary of future research plan (2 pages).
• Statement on how the proposed research will synergise and complement current HT research (1 page).
• List of up to three most important publications in the proposed field of research.
• Names and contact details of three referees who have agreed to be contacted.

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.

The shortlisted candidates will be invited for on-site interviews at Human Technopole

Number of positions offered: 1

Contract offered: Fixed-term (5 years) with possibility of renewal for a second 5 years term-- Executive level.
Salary: € 95k. The appointed candidate is expected to start at HT not earlier than Q2 2027.

The successful candidate will be provided with a competitive start-up and operational package to establish an independent research group. The group will benefit from access to state-of-the-art institutional core facilities and infrastructure, as well as dedicated office space appropriate to the proposed research programme.

The position is based in Milan.