APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: July 23, 2026

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 five Centers: Neurogenomics, Computational Biology, Structural Biology, Genomics, and Health Data Science. The Centers work together to enable interdisciplinary research and to create an open, collaborative environment that will help promote life science research both nationally and internationally.

The Pinheiro Lab in the Computational Biology Research Centre at Human Technopole, led by Dr. Fernanda Pinheiro, integrates theoretical and experimental research to develop a predictive framework for evolutionary processes under ecological complexity grounded on models of cell metabolism. We are a hybrid theoretical and experimental lab with a strong interest in understanding antibiotic resistance evolution in complex ecologies including microbial communities where many bacteria interact. We combine systems biology approaches, evolutionary modeling, computational methods, data analysis, and data from evolution experiments, establishing a strong dialog between theory and experiments: We use theory to identify interesting regimes that can optimize experimental designs and biology to motivate new theoretical methods.

Internship Project Description

We are seeking a motivated intern to join our team and contribute to advancing research on mechanistic models for microbial evolution in complex ecologies. 

Your main tasks and responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of mechanistic models for microbial evolution in complex ecologies (e.g., in response to antibiotic challenge, in interacting microbial communities, for predator-prey systems);
• Collaborate with the experimental group members to design experiments, analyze data, and test theoretical hypotheses;
• Contribute to scientific discussions and support the preparation of research results for presentations and publications.
• Participate in meetings with internal and external collaborations.

Requirements

Essential requirements

• Master's degree in a quantitative field (Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent) and an interest in biological systems;
• Strong analytical and numerical skills (the choice of programming language is flexible);
• Ability to work with biological datasets;
• Ability to interact effectively in an interdisciplinary environment with other team members and teams, and work synergistically to drive projects forward.
• Curiosity, creativity, and a strong motivation to learn, with an interest in theoretical research and the development of new computational methods.

Organizational and social skills

• Excellent communication and team working skills.
• Ability to interact effectively in an interdisciplinary environment with other team members and teams, and work synergistically to drive projects forward.
• Curiosity, creativity, and a strong motivation to learn, with an interest in theoretical research and the development of new computational methods.

Application Instructions

• a CV.
• a motivation letter in English.
• For specific enquires concerning the role only, please contact the Talent & Acquisition Team, recruitment@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 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

• Canteen 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: up to 12 months.     

Reimbursement: 800€ gross per month

The position is based in Milan.