Junior Genomics Software Developer (Biostatistics Unit - Population and Medical Genomics Programme)

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: May 28th 2022

HT is a new interdisciplinary research institute, created and supported by the Italian government, whose aim is to develop innovative strategies to promote human health and aging through a multidisciplinary and integrated approach, combining genomics, computational and structural biology and neuroscience, as well as data and decisions sciences.

The Human Technopole is looking for a Junior Genomics Software Developer for the Biostatistics Unit in the Genomics Research Centre – Population and Medical Genomics Programme

Human Technopole (HT) is a new interdisciplinary research institute in Milan, Italy, created and supported by the Italian government whose aim is to develop innovative strategies to promote human health through a multidisciplinary and integrated approach, combining genomics, computational and structural biology, neuroscience, and data and decision sciences. The Population and Medical Genomics Programme is part of the Genomics Research Centre which will deploy large-scale genomic analyses to study the genetic basis of human traits and diseases.

We are looking for a Junior Genomics Software Developer in the Biostatistics Unit, a new state-of-the-art unit for conducting and supporting in statistical analysis and computational implementation of statical models for large and complex phenotypic and genetic datasets. The Unit will rely on data generated by the research teams and the other units in HT to perform complex statistical analyses and develop new approaches for combining different sources of data ranging from omics to common phenotypes and Electronic Health Records.

The unit will also be involved in the analysis of data generated by external collaborators and publicly available data when required. The Unit will benefit from a large High-Performance Computing and Data Storage infrastructure, and from close interaction with an expert community of computational biologists within the Genomics Centre, other Research Centres, and facilities at HT.

The successful candidate will be part of a small team of approximately four scientists with expertise in biostatistics and statistical genetics. They will set up and maintain computational tools for large-scale data analysis and will be involved in the development and implementation of high-performance computational solutions to deploy novel statistical methods for the analysis of cohort and human disease studies, including integration of genetic variation with functional genomics data and high-level phenotypes.

A key mission of the Junior Genomics Software Developer of the Biostatistics Unit will be to develop tools for the analysis of large scale genomic and phenotypic datasets. They will also maintain pipelines to automate the integration of different statistical analysis software and speed up and standardise the workflows within the centre. Moreover, they will help optimising existing methods in order to be computationally efficient and scalable to biobank size cohorts.

The successful candidate will report to the Senior Manager of the Biostatistics unit.

She/he will have the following responsibilities:

The Junior Genomics Software Developer of the Biostatistics Unit will:

• Apply, maintain and optimize existing statistical analysis tools to analyse large genetic and omics datasets;
• Implement new computational methods to efficiently analyse large-scale genomic data, with a focus on applying novel or existing statistical models to genetic data analysis;
• Implement reproducible and robust computational workflows and pipelines based on workflow languages and containers (e.g. Nextflow, Docker, WDL or similar);
• Implement solutions for quality control and data visualization for the assessment of the statistical analysis results including automated reports;
• Contribute to, and implement tools for sharing project results generated within the HT (e.g. design dashboard for data visualisation);
• Constantly optimise computational methods and maximise cost-effectiveness.

Job requirements:

• PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject, e.g. computational sciences, computer sciences, computer engineering or a related field of science;
• Experience with one or more scripting language (at least one between Python or R);
• Knowledge of Javascript would be a plus;
• Experience with one or more compiled language (e.g. C, C++, Rust, Go lang or similar);
• Experience with using container systems (i.e., Docker and Singularity);
• Excellent code documentation and use of version control tools; (e.g. Github);
• Documented experience with setting up and implementing reproducible computational solutions, including robust standard operating procedures for quality assurance;
• Excellent computational skills and trouble-shooting;
• High-Performance Computing and Unix systems savvy;
• Ability to interact effectively with other teams and work synergistically to drive projects forward;
• Meticulous organization;
• Fluency in English – HT is an international research institute;
• Proven communication and problem-solving skills;
• Special consideration will be given to candidates who are part of the protected categories list, according to L. 68/99.

Desirable experience:

• Experience working with large-scale biological datasets;
• Previous experience in using large-scale database solutions such as Spark will be prioritised;
• Experience with cloud-based computing solutions (e.g. AWS, Google cloud, Terra Genomics or similar);
• Experience with frameworks for dashboard development to present large-scale data to end- users and develop web-based applications (e.g. Flask, Django, R shiny, Dash or similar).

Application Instructions

Please apply online sending:

• a full CV
• a motivation letter
• the name and contacts of 2 potential referees

For specific enquires concerning the role only, please contact Nicola Pirastu [email protected]  (this email address should not be used to send applications).

Additional information

HT offers a highly collaborative, international culture to 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 employer that fosters diversity and engages systematically to ensure that equal employment opportunities are provided without regard to age, race, creed, religion, sex, disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin or any other legally recognised status entitled to protection under applicable laws.

HT is offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to a leading, internationally competitive, research organisation that promotes a collegial and open atmosphere. The compensation package granted will be internationally competitive and comprise pension scheme, medical and other social benefits and support for relocation and installation.
Candidates coming to Italy for the first time, or returning after residing abroad, benefit from very attractive income tax benefits.

Number of positions offered: 1

Contract offered: CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, Permanent - Employee level

The position is based in Milan.