Postdoc Pönisch Lab

Postdoc | Human Technopole, Milan

Application closing date:

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.

About the Pönisch Group

The newly established Pönisch Group studies how biological matter changes shape during development and disease. We combine quantitative image analysis, morphometrics, and theoretical modelling to uncover the principles underlying stochastic shape dynamics in biological systems. Our work spans scales from the shape dynamics of single cells to dynamic behaviours in cell collectives and tissues, and involves close collaboration with experimental partners.

Responsibilities

We seek an ambitious Postdoc to develop morphometric approaches to study the shape dynamics of tissues and tissue models (organoids) during development and disease. The Postdoc will:

• Analyse large imaging datasets of developing tissues by combining advanced AI‑assisted segmentation and registration frameworks with morphometrics to extract quantitative features of shape dynamics.
• Develop theoretical models to uncover dynamical principles governing tissue shape dynamics.
• Address the following questions:

• How does left‑right symmetry arise during development? What mechanism drives the shape dynamics of left‑right (a)symmetry in development?
• Can the shape dynamics of organoids be used as a predictor of disease?

Grow Your Skills

• Imaging datasets of organoids and tissues generated in collaboration with experimental partners.
• Advanced bioimage analysis, including image segmentation and registration.
• Quantitative morphometric analysis to study biological shape dynamics.
• Mathematical and computational modelling of dynamical biological systems.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration at the interface of physics, data science, and biology.
• Cutting‑edge facilities at HT.
• A growing and dynamic interdisciplinary research group with a collaborative and supportive lab culture that nurtures professional development.

Essential Qualifications

• PhD in theoretical physics, applied mathematics, computer science, engineering, data science, or other relevant discipline.
• Experience in quantitative image analysis, using AI and machine learning to extract features from images.
• Experience modelling dynamical systems using tools from statistical physics, stochastic processes, information theory, control theory, or related fields.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or other scientific programming languages.
• Fluency in English – HT is an international institute.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with large biological datasets, especially in cell biology, developmental biology, and biomedical research.
• Experience with scientific visualisation and data presentations.
• Track record in securing independent research fellowships.

Organisational and Social Skills

• Ability to work independently in a collaborative international and diverse environment, proactively seeking and maintaining collaborations.
• Excellent troubleshooting, documentation, and critical thinking skills.
• Public speaking ability.
• Capacity to manage multiple projects in parallel.

At HT, Your Discoveries Contribute to a Global Effort to Improve Human Health

Human Technopole offers an international and dynamic workplace, competitive welfare provisions, flexible working policies, and relocation support. Researchers relocating to Italy may benefit from attractive tax benefits. We promote work–life balance and provide parental support initiatives.

How to Apply

CV, Motivation letter (English), and contact details of two referees.

This is a 4‑year contract offered under CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, Level B2. Salary: € 40.000,00. The position is based in Milan, Italy, within our vibrant international campus.

EEO Statement

We strongly encourage applications from candidates belonging to protected categories (L. 68/99).

Legal Notice

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; however, the Foundation reserves 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.