Postdoc "Statistical Geneticist/ Statistician"

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: July 2nd 2022

The Human Technopole Foundation (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 Health Data Science Centre at HT has been planned in partnership with Politecnico di Milano and will develop several lines of research, with the aim to help deliver a step-change in health data science in Italy. The Centre’s mission is to systematically generate, mobilise, and harvest “big data” allowing agnostic and dynamic collection of information, to deliver a new class of research that will enable a better understanding of the clinical, molecular, behavioural and environmental determinants of non-communicable diseases, for both patient and public benefit.

In the Zuccolo research group within the Health Data Science Centre, epidemiologists, statisticians and data scientists will analyse highly-dimensional complex data to improve the understanding of maternal and child health, with a particular focus on intergenerational effects. They will develop new data pipelines and phenotype captures, while applying cutting edge methods for robust inference to inform knowledge translation. They will describe health and health behaviour trends and trajectories emerging in contemporary populations, study their determinants, identify predictors of vulnerability and risk, and investigate how families and particularly parent-offspring interactions, shape individuals’ health and wellbeing.

We are seeking to recruit a post-doc in Statistical Genetics/Statistics
with a track record of analysing genome wide association study data for discovery, prediction and causal inference to join the Zuccolo group, and support the activities of the Health Data Science Centre. The postholder will help the PI (Luisa Zuccolo) in defining the direction of scientific work, conducting research, analysing data, preparing the work for publication and disseminating results. The work of the post-holder is expected to lead to high-impact publications.

Specific examples of analyses may include: designing and performing GWAS for discovery of genetic signals of complex maternal, early life and developmental phenotypes (eg intergenerational or longitudinal, including using trio data); deriving, validating and applying polygenic risk scores for risk prediction using trajectories of maternal, early life and developmental phenotypes; assessing the role of integrating genetic, molecular data, and other risk factors to improve phenotype prediction or assess causality of associations.

An ideal candidate should have a background in statistical genetics/statistics/genetic epidemiology, an outstanding academic track record and an interest in intergenerational effects in maternal, child and adolescent health.

The post holder will hold a PhD in a relevant scientific field (e.g. statistical genetics, statistics, genetic epidemiology, biostatistics).

S(he) will have the following main responsibilities:

• Designing and leading both hypothesis-free and hypothesis-driven analyses of genetic data and other molecular data relating to maternal, early life and developmental phenotypes in epidemiological databases;
• Collaborating with external (including many international) researchers to lead or contribute to large-scale consortia and meta-analyses;
• Working closely with colleagues to help interpret findings and draft manuscripts and other reports for publication;
• Working with epidemiologists and other colleagues in the Health Data Science Centre at HT to help develop and implement methodologically appropriate analysis strategies for planned investigations;
• Anticipating, communicating and solving any potential problems that arise with analyses or other aspects of research projects;
• Contributing to reports, presentations and publications by preparing numerical and graphical summaries (visualisations) using relevant computer software;
• Assisting with preparing grant applications to secure further funding for relevant projects;
• Helping establish new projects and research consortia relating to maternal, early life and developmental health;
• Reviewing, analysing or presenting information relative to own or related projects when requested.

• Relevant degree or statistical training (e.g. Masters or PhD in Statistical genetics, Statistics, Genetic epidemiology, Biostatistics);
• A sound understanding of statistics, genetics and molecular epidemiological concepts, particularly in relation to perinatal and early life epidemiology;
• Prior experience working with large-scale genome-wide data, other molecular data, and phenotypic data from epidemiological studies, including excellent data management and analysis skills;
• Strong quantitative skills;
• Experience of statistical or other programming languages to manipulate large datasets with genetic information;
• Some experience of open science and open software practices;
• High-level report writing and presentation skills;
• Ability to work accurately, with attention to detail;
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and organise own workload;
• Good team player;
• Good communication skills;
• A track record of authoring scientific publications;
• Special consideration will be given to candidates who are part of the protected categories list, according to L. 68/99.

Application Instructions

Please apply online by sending:

• A full CV (in English)
• A motivation letter, including a description of the background relevant to this post
• Name and contact details of  3 referees
• Applications sent by other means will not be considered.

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 recognized status entitled to protection under applicable laws.

HT is offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to a leading, internationally competitive, research organization 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.

Selected candidates coming from outside Italy can be eligible for income tax deductions, and other benefits under Italy’s "Rientro del Capitale Umano" (incentives for attracting human capital to Italy) law, regardless of their nationality.

For any enquiries about this position, please feel free to contact Dr Luisa Zuccolo at [email protected]  (this email address should not be used to send applications).

Number of positions offered: 1

Contract offered: CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, -fixed-term, minimum 4 years, Employee level

The role is based in Milan.