Computational Biologist - Genomics of the Innate Immune System Unit (SR-Tiget):

IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan, Italy, is looking for a COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGIST to join the GENOMICS OF THE INNATE IMMUNE SYSTEM Unit (Prof. Renato Ostuni).

Description:
The Ostuni lab combines advanced single-cell and spatial genomics on human samples with mechanistic studies in the mouse to elucidate how microenvironmental factors shape the behavior of innate immune cells. Over the years, we contributed to the understanding of the molecular control and functional implications of macrophage and neutrophil diversity in homeostasis and cancer. Our research has been published in top scientific journals and is funded by the most prestigious agencies such as the European Research Council (ERC-StG, ERC-CoG, ERC-PoC). Our vision is that by taking an interdisciplinary approach to understand biology we will develop the next generation of cell and gene therapies for immune-mediated human diseases, such as cancer. In our group, wet-lab and computational scientists engage in a virtuous cycle whereby biology instructs data analysis and data analysis fuels experimental hypothesis.

We recently discovered a central pathogenetic mechanism driving inflammation and immune evasion in pancreatic cancer (PDAC), fueled by the local interplay between a subset of IL-1beta+ macrophages and tumor cells endowed with molecular features of aggressive disease (Nature 2023). We further developed state-of-the-art technologies for spatial gene expression analyses in human PDAC samples that enable in situ quantification of hundreds of transcripts with subcellular resolution. The successful applicant will build on these unique datasets and resources to elucidate the spatial dynamics and niche control of immune-stromal-tumor cell interactions in human cancer. Development of methods, pipelines, and tools for data analysis, as well as active engagement in multiple lab projects, is a key anticipated output of the research activity.

We offer a fixed-term job contract with competitive salary, benefits, and training programs commensurate to experience and qualifications. International candidates will benefit from major tax deduction. The applicant will conduct her/his research in the context of the SR-Tiget Bioinformatics Core and the Center for Omics Sciences (COSR) at the San Raffaele Scientific Institute, one of the Country’s largest communities of bioinformaticians. The San Raffaele is a leading Research and Clinical center with a clear mission to develop advanced medicines. Working language in the Institute is English. Milan is an international city with a high quality of life, exceptional art, cultural and culinary scenes, as well as easy access to some of the best landscapes and outdoor activities in the North of Italy.

Applications must include an updated CV with contact information for 2/3 references and a statement letter outlining specific motivations to join the lab and current/future research interests. All documents should be sent to Prof. Renato Ostuni within March 31st, 2024. Interviews of short-listed candidates will begin immediately and proceed until the position is filled.

References. Caronni, Laterza, Vittoria, Barbiera et al Nature 2023; Montaldo, Lusito, Bianchessi, Caronni et al Nat Immunol 2022; Cilenti, Barbiera et al Immunity 2021; Natoli and Ostuni, Nat Immunol 2019; Ng, Ostuni and Hidalgo, Nat Rev Immunol 2019. Piccolo, Curina et al Nat Immunol 2017; Ostuni, Piccolo, Barozzi, Polletti et al Cell 2013.

Main activities:
Analysis and integration of complex genomic datasets (bulk and single-cell RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq, ATAC-Seq);
Analysis of spatial gene expression data (in situ RNA-Seq, in situ RNA hybridization);
Development, maintenance, and publication of new computational pipelines;
Project management and development toghether with wet-lab scentists;
Presentation of the resaerch output at internal, national and international meetings.

Who we are looking for:
PhD in Computational Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or Statistics;
5+ years research experience in academic and/or industrial settings;
Proficiency in R and Python programming;
Proficiency in transcriptome and/or epigenome and/or spatial gene expression data analysis;
Genuine passion for biomedical scientific discovery;
Independency, accuracy and precision within a collaborative and friendly environment.

Work details:
Type of contract: fixed-term job contract;
Duration: 3+ years;
Place of work: San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget)