Senior Manager of the Genomics Computation Unit – Genomics Research Centre, Functional Genomics...

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: May 21st 2022  

Human Technopole (HT) is a new interdisciplinary life science research institute, created and supported by the Italian Government, with the aim of developing innovative strategies to improve human health. HT is composed of five Centres: Computational Biology, Structural Biology, Genomics, Neurogenomics and Health Data Science. The Centres work together to enable interdisciplinary research and to create an open, collaborative environment that will help promote life science research both nationally and internationally.

The Human Technopole is looking for a Senior Manager of the Genomics Computation Unit for the Genomics Research Centre – Functional Genomics Programme.

Human Technopole (HT) is a new interdisciplinary life science research institute, created and supported by the Italian government, with the aim of developing innovative strategies to improve human health. HT is composed of five centres: Computational Biology, Structural Biology, Genomics, Neurogenomics and Analysis Decision and Society. The Centres work together to enable interdisciplinary research and to create an open, collaborative environment that will help promote life science research both nationally and internationally.

We are looking for a Senior Manager of the Functional Genomics Computation Unit, a new state-of-the-art unit for the analysis of large volumes functional genomics deriving from a variety of technologies and approaches.

The Centre focuses in developing and applying new technologies to broadly understand gene regulation, with particular focus on the role of non-coding genome and long non-coding RNAs in the human and mammalian genomes. An overview of the Center is available at: https://humantechnopole.it/en/research-centres/genomics/ rel="noopener">

">https://humantechnopole.it/en/research-centres/genomics/

This newly created Unit will support the data analysis efforts of the research groups in the Functional Genomics Programme. The Unit will rely on data generated by the research teams and units in the Centre and the High Throughput Genomics Core Facility of HT. 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 of core facilities at HT.

She/he will have the following responsibilities:

• Design and manage the computational workflows on a day-to-day basis, coordinating analysis across the data scientists from the various labs, Facilities and Centres involved.


• Design, set up and maintain data analysis pipelines and software for genomics analysis downstream of the pipelines (eg identification of promoters, enhancers, regulatory elements; interactomes; annotation of transcripts and promoter, termination and splicing variants, RNA modifications).


• Develop accessible resources for the community-wide fruition of the data generated within the research program, including liaising with the major existing databases from the relevant communities to maximize integration, impact etc.


• Manage import, storage and use of external datasets (eg: ENCODE, Human Cell Atlas, FANTOM), including control of appropriate access rights and data annotation.


• Manage storage and maintenance of genetic and genomic datasets produced by the research teams, curation of data for depositions in public repositories. Data harmonization of genomic resources; curation of metadata of experiments.


• Processing of datasets for faculty groups or for cross-centre and external collaborative projects.


• Curation of functional genomics elements, from projects of the Center, the broader HT and broader collaborations.


• Responsible for software and IT space maintenance and training for PhDs / PDFs for the usage of functional genomics tools.


• Develop accessible resources/databases for the community-wide fruition of the data generated within the research programmes.


• Support grant applications, project reports and papers.

Considerable experience in the area of main responsibilities, with particular emphasis on computational biology and bioinformatics, proven experience in functional genomics data analysis of large-scale research programs including a diverse range of data types, including large-scale sequencing data. Previous coordination of data analysis in large consortia is a plus.

• Scientific seniority in computational biology-data analysis with appropriate publication and track record.


• Coding Standards and Best Practices. Familiarity with bioinformatics, computational biology, programming and familiarity with tools broadly used for functional genomics analysis and strong understanding of functional genomics, gene regulation, lncRNAs and related areas.


• Fluency in English – HT is an international research institute.


• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment and to work independently.


• Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to lead and gain the assistance and cooperation of others in a team endeavour. Proven ability to train, lead and mentor colleagues.


• 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.


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

Application Instructions:

Please apply sending a CV and motivation letter in English only through the dedicated area below (Apply now) and the name and contact details of at least 2 potential referees. In the motivation letter, please elaborate on the area of research that you are considering based on the requirements of this call, and your scientific background and experience, within 3 pages. Please also explain specifically how your contribution will be important for the success of the Unit and the Human Technopole.

For specific enquires concerning the role only, please contact Piero Carninci, Head of the Genomics Research Centre: [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 recognized status entitled to protection under applicable laws. HT offers attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to a leading, internationally competitive, research organisation that promotes a collegial and open atmosphere.

The Human Technopole Foundation is based in Milan, recently named the city with the best quality of life in Italy (https://lab24.ilsole24ore.com/qualita-della-vita/ rel="noopener">">https://lab24.ilsole24ore.com/qualita-della-vita/ ).

Number of positions offered: 1

Contract offered: CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico - permanent - Employee level