Research Group Leader in Molecular Data Science | Human Technopole, Milan

Build the science that shapes the future of human health.

Application closing date: 3 May 2026

Join a place where ambitious science thrives

Human Technopole (HT) is a rapidly expanding life science institute based in Milan, where world-class researchers and cutting-edge technologies converge to accelerate biomedical discovery. Our mission is to translate bold scientific ideas into transformative advances that improve human health.

Within this mission, the Health Data Science Centre (HDS Centre) is driving a step-change in health data science in Italy. The HDS Centre systematically generates, integrates, and leverages large-scale, multimodal datasets to enable agnostic and dynamic discovery. Our goal is to advance understanding of the clinical, molecular, behavioural, and environmental determinants of non-communicable diseases, delivering impact for both patients and society.

We are now seeking an outstanding Research Group Leader in Molecular Data Science to provide scientific vision, research excellence, and leadership in this strategically important domain.

Your mission

As a Research Group Leader, you will establish and lead an independent, internationally competitive research group within the HDS Centre. Your research will contribute to understanding disease aetiology, improving early detection, and advancing prevention and prediction strategies for non-communicable diseases.

You will bring strong quantitative expertise, together with a demonstrated commitment to and proven track record in addressing research questions in one or more of the following areas: cardiovascular and metabolic diseases; immunology and cancer; neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric conditions.

You will be expected to develop and lead an independent research programme, while playing an active role in major Centre initiatives, Flagship Research Programmes, and collaborative studies within and beyond the HDS Centre. You will also be expected to engage closely with other Research Centres across HT, as well as with the Politecnico di Milano and a broad network of national and international partners.

Expand your influence and leadership

You will enhance your scientific and professional skills by:

• Establishing and leading a new independent group in the HDS Centre, conducting high quality research relevant to molecular data science;
• Creating strong collaborations with research groups in the Centre, within HT, and externally, some of which may contribute to creating infrastructures that will serve the broader community;
• Participating in HT interdisciplinary cross-centre Flagship Research Programmes aimed at elucidating the fundamental molecular mechanisms underpinning diverse pathophysiological processes;
• Developing and supervising the establishment of a world-class research programme in molecular data science;
• Fostering a diverse and nurturing research environment through leading and mentoring a team;
• Developing and fostering links between HT and other national and international research organizations;
• Contributing to the preparation of Centre reports to be reviewed by an external expert board;
• Actively participating in initiatives that pursue improvement of all aspects of HT;
• Actively participating in the co-organization and implementation of activities that will promote the image of HT in the international community, such as symposia and workshops;
• Contributing to the establishment of a collaborative and open scientific environment by actively participating in meetings and seminar series internal to HT. This will foster synergies between the groups and propagation of knowledge;
• Raising third-party funding;
• Participating and helping to design HT Core infrastructures and facilities.

What you'll bring

Essential skills

• PhD (or equivalent) in a quantitative domain, such as (but not limited to) data science, epidemiology, genetic epidemiology, biostatistics, computational biology, or related fields;
• Strong quantitative expertise (e.g., with backgrounds in data science, epidemiology, genetic, and biostatistics);
• Demonstrated commitment to, and a proven track record of, addressing research questions relevant to causation, prediction, prevention, or control of major chronic conditions;
• Outstanding and internationally recognised record of scientific research output;
• A clear scientific vision aligned with the mission of the Health Data Science Centre, demonstrating coherence between academic background, research trajectory, and future plans;
• Experience in securing competitive research funding and building research collaborations (appropriate to career stage);
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop early-career researchers and multidisciplinary teams (appropriate to career stage);
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).

Organizational and social skills

• Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to lead and gain the assistance and cooperation of others in a team endeavour;
• Proven leadership, communication, team building and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to interact effectively with other teams and work synergistically to effectively drive projects;
• Highly organised and meticulous work attitude;
• Attitude towards service;
• Ability to build trust through operating with transparency and creating 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

Submit:

• Your CV including a full publication list;
• A motivation letter in English, specifying where your skills meet the requirements listed above;
• A project description that should be maximum 4 pages long and include an outline of your current research interests, a summary of your future research plan and a statement on how the proposed research will synergise and complement current HT research;
• Your top 5 publications;
• The names and contacts of at least 3 referees who have agreed to be contacted.

The shortlisted candidates will be invited to Human Technopole on Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 May 2026 for interviews.

Number of positions offered: 1

Contract offered: Fixed-term (5 years) with possibility of renewal for a second 5 years term-- Executive level.
Salary range: € 80 -€ 85k. The appointed candidate is expected to start at HT not earlier than 2027.

The successful candidate will be provided with a competitive start-up and operational package to establish an independent research group, including funding to recruit two PhD candidates and two postdoctoral researchers. 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.