Head of Research for Cross-scale Biology AI

Head of Research for Cross-scale Biological AI

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: September 3rd, 2025.

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. Computational sciences applied to biology and medicine are at the very core of the mission of HT. The Centre for Computational Biology has the goal of developing new mathematical and computational approaches for the analysis and interpretation of biological data. Computational biology at HT is not just about developing new methods for data analysis, but more importantly, also about asking fundamental questions about biology and human health that can be addressed only using computational approaches, from mathematical modelling of dynamical systems to machine learning and Artificial Intelligence. We believe that computational biology — especially a suitable combination of AI and mechanistic modelling — holds unique potential to bridge biological scales, from molecules to cells, organs, organisms, and populations. This integrative perspective is key for driving innovative biomedical discovery.

To realize this vision, we have launched a new research programme within the Centre for Computational Biology, entitled Multimodal AI Across Scales . We are now seeking an outstanding and established scientist to lead this initiative. The successful candidate will drive a bold, internationally visible research agenda and play a key role in shaping the future of computational biology at HT. They will have the opportunity to recruit research groups aligned with their scientific vision, the new programme’s mission, and the strategic plan of Human Technopole. We particularly welcome applicants with experience in setting up and running international AI consortia, have a strong track record in developing AI methods for biomedical imaging and other biomedical data modalities, and have a research vision that embraces the scientific diversity of Human Technopole.

HT provides cutting-edge infrastructure, including high-performance computing, central data storage, and sizable experimental and computational core facilities.

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Establish and lead a new AI research programme in the Centre for Computational Biology.
• Define and implement the scientific strategy of the Centre in alignment with HT’s mission and multi-year Strategic Plan.
• Identify the expertise needed to fulfil the Centre’s mission and lead the recruitment of new Research Group Leaders.
• Ensure coordination and strategic alignment across all Research Groups within the Centre.
• Promote interdisciplinary research initiatives, including the development and management of Flagship Research Programmes (FRPs).
• Lead/participate in the recruitment process of scientific and technical staff, ensuring excellence, diversity, and alignment with international best practices.
• Mentor Group Leaders and promote the development of early-career researchers and support staff.
• Supervise the scientific operations of the Centre, coordinating with Administration and Scientific Operations for resource planning and implementation.
• Support decision-making on shared infrastructure, instrumentation acquisition, and space/resource allocation.
• Organise and lead regular internal meetings to facilitate collaboration, align priorities, and address scientific and administrative matters.
• Identify and pursue competitive funding opportunities at national and international level.
• Develop partnerships with academic institutions, industry, and research organisations to enhance the Centre’s impact.
• Support the organisation of scientific events and promote the visibility of the Centre in collaboration with Communications & External Relations and Scientific Training.
• Provide scientific and operational oversight on the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
• Collaborate with Core Facilities and National Platforms in defining and accessing critical services and instrumentation.
• Implement regular review processes of the Centre's activities and research output.
• Contribute to institutional decision-making on research priorities, resource allocation, and strategic positioning.

Key requirements

The selected candidates will have an outstanding track record in an area of Computational Biology, especially in the development of AI approaches for life-science applications and data analysis. Basic requirements for the position include a proven track record as senior group leader in the field of AI method and tool development. The selected candidates will stand out for scientific vision, uniqueness of their research programme, leadership skills, competitiveness in acquiring extramural grants, and establishing and leading international consortia and collaborations. A collaborative attitude, excellent organisational skills, and a fluent command of English are required.

Essential requirements

• PhD in mathematics, physics, informatics, data science or other relevant field.
• Expertise in AI for biological data processing, with a track record in developing methods and tools that reach a large biomedical used community.
• Outstanding track record in one of the abovementioned areas of Computational Biology.
• Proven record of scientific research output in internationally visible venues.
• Successful track record in raising collaborative extramural funding relevant in the context of this call.
• Fluent English (C1 level) – strong written and verbal communication skills required.

Organizational and social skills

• Strong interpersonal and proven leadership, communication, team building, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with other teams to work synergistically towards common goals.
• Highly organised and meticulous work attitude.
• 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.

Additional Information

HT offers a highly collaborative, international culture. The working language at HT is English. HT will foster top quality, interdisciplinary research by promoting a vibrant environment consisting of independent research groups with access to outstanding graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and core facilities.

HT is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to a leading, internationally competitive, research organization and seeks to promote a collegial, open and family friendly atmosphere. The remuneration package comprises a competitive salary, a comprehensive pension scheme, medical and other social benefits, as well as financial support for relocation and installation, including the family. Researchers coming to Italy for the first time, or returning after residing abroad, benefit from very attractive income tax benefits.

Application Instructions

Please apply online by submitting:

• Curriculum Vitae including a full publication list;
• Proposal for the programme research vision (3-5 pages);
• Outline of current research interests (1 page);
• Summary of future research plan (2 pages);
• Statement on how the proposed research will synergize 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.

The position as Head of Research Centre is permanent. Inquiries can be sent to Please refer to the HT website for further information about the institute.

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.

Main benefits

• Welfare plans.
• Meal service delivery.
• Work-life balance provisions.
• Italian language training for foreigners.
• Parental leave up to 1 year and other support for new parents.
• Support for relocation.

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

Contract offered: Permanent - Executive level.

The position is based in Milan .

“The Foundation reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to extend, suspend, modify, revoke, or cancel this job posting without giving rise to any rights or claims whatsoever in favor of the candidates; the Foundation reserves, however, the right not to proceed with the awarding of the above-described assignment due to the effect of supervening regulatory provisions and/or obstructive circumstances”.