Staff Scientist

Staff Scientist | Human Technopole, Milan
Build the science that shapes the future of human health.
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.

Within this mission, the Jug Group develops advanced computational methods and open scientific software to extract knowledge from complex biological imaging data. We work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, microscopy, and quantitative biology, translating cutting-edge research into robust tools that are used by researchers worldwide. Our work contributes directly to enabling reproducible science, scalable data analysis, and next-generation experimental workflows that link data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation.

We are seeking an ambitious Staff Scientist to join us in shaping how AI-enabled methods and research software empower modern biomedical research.

Your mission
As a Staff Scientist, you will play a central role in delivering impactful research outcomes and in building sustainable research infrastructure with reach beyond the group and institute. You will lead the design, development, and long-term stewardship of high-quality scientific software and computational methodologies that enable new experimental capabilities and accelerate discovery across the life sciences, with the explicit goal of producing open, reusable tools adopted by the broader scientific community.

In particular, you will drive the development of event-driven "smart microscopy" solutions, including next-generation microscope control frameworks that integrate AI-based modules for real-time event detection and prediction, as well as flexible hooks for online and offline data analysis and processing workflows. This work will result in AI-augmented experimental and analytical pipelines that improve data quality, efficiency, and scientific insight. Hence, your work will contribute visibly to international research and open-source ecosystems. Through these efforts, you will strengthen collaborations across Human Technopole and with leading partners worldwide.

Grow Your Skills
You will enhance your scientific and professional skills by:

• Leading and delivering research projects from conceptual design to validated results and publication, with a strong focus on pushing what is possible with computational methods, their reproducibility, and usability.
• Designing, implementing, and validating computational methods and software systems for complex biological data, including imaging-based workflows.
• Translating research ideas into robust, well-engineered tools that support downstream scientific use.
• Managing and coordinating technical projects, contributing to grant applications and long-term research planning.
• Collaborating internationally, mentoring junior researchers and engineers, and contributing to continuous methodological and technical innovation.

Human Technopole supports career development through training, mentoring and dedicated learning opportunities.
Essential
What you'll bring

• A Ph.D. in Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, Biology, or related fields.
• A track record of research excellence evidenced by lead-author publications, major software contributions, or impactful research outputs.
• Demonstrated experience in developing scientific software as a lead contributor.
• Strong analytical and data-interpretation skills, with a focus on scientific rigor, validation, and reproducibility.
• Deep knowledge of the Python scientific stack.
• Experience translating research prototypes into release-ready software products.

Preferred

• Experience with AI or machine-learning methods applied to imaging or related data.
• Experience contributing to or maintaining large, community-driven open-source projects.
• Experience with microscope control systems, real-time acquisition pipelines, or event-driven microscopy.
• Practical experience with advanced fluorescence microscopy, optics, or microscope construction.
• Familiarity with agile development practices and modern CI/CD workflows.
• Experience working with complex research infrastructures, software systems, or experimental platforms.

Organisational and social skills

• Ability to build and sustain effective technical and scientific collaborations.
• Strong problem-solving skills and systems-level thinking.
• Excellent communication and mentoring abilities.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary and international research environments.
• Effective collaboration and stakeholder management in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Have a collaborative mindset and a strong sense of ownership over delivered results.

A
t HT, your discoveries contribute to a global effort to improve human health.
Why Human Technopole
HT offers an international and dynamic workplace, competitive welfare provisions, flexible working policies and relocation support. Researchers moving to Italy may benefit from attractive tax benefits. We promote work–life balance and provide parental support initiatives.

Submit
How to apply

• CV.
• Motivation letter (English).
• Contact details of two referees.

This is a 5-year contract offered under CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, Level A3

Salary: up to € 68.000,00

The position is based in Milan, Italy, within our vibrant international campus.

We strongly encourage applications from candidates belonging to protected categories (L. 68/99).
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; the Foundation reserves, however, 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.