Postdocs in Health Data Science

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 analyse highly-dimensional complex data to improve the understanding of maternal and child health, with a particular focus on intergenerational effects. They develop new data pipelines and phenotype captures, while applying cutting edge methods for robust inference to inform knowledge translation. They 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 2 highly motivated Postdocs in Health Data Science to join the Zuccolo group and to support the activities of the Health Data Science Centre. The postholders will help the PI (Luisa Zuccolo) in defining the direction of scientific work, conducting research, analyzing data, preparing the work for publication and disseminating results. The work of the post-holders is expected to lead to high-impact publications.

S(he) will have the following main responsibilities:

• Designing and leading statistical analyses based on either linked electronic health records or molecular phenotypes integrated into epidemiological studies;
• Collaborating with external (including many international) researchers to lead or contribute to large-scale consortia and meta-analyses;
• 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;
• Working closely with colleagues to help interpret findings and draft manuscripts and other reports for publication;
• 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 (visualizations) 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, analyzing or presenting information relative to own or related projects when requested;
• Contributing to the Centre’s training program by teaching and tutoring on internal and external workshops (online and in person);
• Contributing to MSc and PhD students supervision, as requested and appropriate.

A PhD in a relevant scientific field (e.g. health data science, biostatistics, epidemiology) is an essential requirement for both posts. The ideal candidates will also have strong experience of highly-dimensional complex data such as electronic health records and/or molecular phenotypes integrated into epidemiological studies, an outstanding academic track record and an interest in intergenerational effects in maternal, child and adolescent health.

Essential 

• PhD in a relevant field (e.g. health data science, biostatistics, epidemiology);
• Experience of statistical or other programming languages to manipulate large-scale datasets - eg Python, R;
• Excellent data management and analysis skills;
• Strong quantitative skills and analytical reasoning applied to observational data;
• A track record of authoring scientific publications.     

Advantageous

• Some experience of open science and open software practices;
• An understanding of perinatal and early life epidemiology;

And EITHER:

• A sound understanding of, and prior experience working with, genetics and molecular epidemiological data from population-based studies, for discovery, prediction and causal inference;

OR

• A sound understanding of, and prior experience working with, large-scale electronic health records, including data linkages and working in trusted research environments.

Organizational and social skills

•  Ability to work accurately, with attention to detail;
•  Self-motivated, able to work independently and organize own workload;
•  High-level report writing and presentation skills;
• Good communication skills;
•  Good team player and able to work collaboratively and across different disciplines.

Special consideration will be given to candidates who are part of the protected categories list, according to L. 68/99.

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).

Please apply sending a CV, motivation letter in English and the contact of 3 referees.

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 a 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: 2

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