Postdoc in Computational Biology | Human Technopole, Milan

Build the science that shapes the future of human health.

Application closing date: 20.05.2026

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 Pinheiro Lab, part of the Computational Biology Research Centre at Human Technopole and led by Dr. Fernanda Pinheiro, combines theory, computational methods and experiments to understand how microbial communities evolve, particularly under antibiotic pressure. We develop mechanistic models grounded in cellular metabolism, use them to generate experimentally testable predictions, and compare those predictions with data to guide further model development.

Your mission

The Pinheiro Lab seeks a computational postdoctoral researcher to develop mechanistic models of microbial evolution in complex ecologies, including interacting microbial communities and systems subject to antibiotic challenge. The position is suited to candidates from physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering, quantitative biology or related fields who are interested in applying quantitative approaches to biological systems.

The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Fernanda Pinheiro and experimental colleagues to connect theoretical predictions with data, design testable hypotheses and contribute to interdisciplinary projects at the interface of systems biology, ecology and evolution.

Human Technopole supports career development through training, mentoring and dedicated learning opportunities. Candidates are welcome to contact Dr. Fernanda Pinheiro to discuss possible project directions aligned with the lab’s interests.

Grow your skills

You will develop advanced skills in mathematical modelling of biological systems and the analysis of complex datasets. You will gain experience in systems biology, evolutionary modelling, and microbial ecology, particularly in the context of antibiotic resistance. Working in an interdisciplinary environment, you will learn to integrate theoretical approaches with experimental data. You will also strengthen your collaboration and scientific communication skills through publications and conference presentations.

See previous work on the research topics of this call:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-021-01397-0

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369527424001188

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-61592-6

Key tasks and responsibilities:

• Develop mechanistic models for microbial evolution in complex ecologies (e.g., in response to antibiotic challenge, in interacting microbial communities).
• Collaborate with experimental colleagues to design experiments, analyse data, and test theoretical hypotheses.
• Develop independent research ideas, provide scientific insight, and disseminate findings at international conferences and in scientific journals.
• Contribute to and expand the group’s internal and external collaboration networks.
• Document research activities, methods, and results accurately, including maintaining research records and supporting data organisation.
• Generate high-quality outputs for publications and contribute to manuscript preparation and figure development.
• Provide mentoring and technical guidance to junior researchers and contribute to knowledge sharing within the team.

Job requirements

Essential requirements:

On the agreed hiring date, the candidate must fulfil all the following conditions:

• Ph.D. in a quantitative field (e.g., Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Quantitative Biology, or equivalent) with a demonstrated interest in biological systems.
• Proven ability to lead projects independently.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills (programming language choice is flexible).
• Experience analysing biological datasets (e.g., omics data or publicly available databases).
• Ability to interact effectively in interdisciplinary settings, with a collaborative approach to advancing projects.
• Ability to write publications, present findings, and effectively communicate research to diverse audiences, including peers, funders, and the public.

Organisational and social skills

• Fluency in English (HT is an international research institute).
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic research environment while working independently.
• Sensitivity and respect for diversity in a multicultural and multi-ethnic work environment.
• Intellectual curiosity, creativity and ambition, with the drive to explore new theoretical directions and develop innovative methods.

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

To apply, please send the following:

• a CV.
• a motivation letter in English relating your track record to the specifics of the call.
• names and contact details of two referees.

This is a three-year contract, with the possibility of renewal for an additional one year, offered under CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, Level B2.

Salary: up to € 43.000,00, depending on the candidate’s seniority.
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).