Research Position in Biostatistics
Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Data Science Unit – Italy
Full-Time Positions | 34 Months | Starting 1st March 2026
! STRICTLY REQUIRED: to hold am Italian Laurea Magistrale degree in BIOTECNOLOGIE/INGEGNERIA BIOMEDICA/INFORMATICA/FISICA/DATA SCIENCE/MATEMATICA/SCIENZE STATISTICHE or an equivalence certificate !
The project will apply cutting-edge Causal Inference and Machine Learning methods to investigate how the oral microbiota can influence the onset and severity of side effects from chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment in head and neck cancer patients. Our goal is to develop biologically extended clinical models of normal tissue complications that enable personalized, microbiota-based treatment strategies with the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life during cancer therapy.
The EMICRAIN project represents a unique opportunity to contribute to ground breaking research at the intersection of microbiology, oncology, statistics, and computational science, with direct clinical applications that could transform cancer care.
Working with us
The Data Science Unit at the Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori in Milano offers a dynamic, multidisciplinary research environment dedicated to advancing cancer treatment through mathematical modelling and data-driven approaches. Our team brings together expertise from biology, medicine, statistics, computer science, and bioinformatics, fostering innovative collaborations and providing access to state-of-the-art computational infrastructures. You will work in a collaborative setting that encourages professional development, scientific excellence, and international networking.
Main Responsibilities
- Analyse complex longitudinal clinical datasets integrating patient characteristics, treatment parameters, outcome measures, and microbiome profiles.
- Design and implement causal inference analyses to estimate microbiome-mediated treatment effects on radiotherapy/chemotherapy outcomes.
- Perform statistical modelling, hypothesis testing, and sensitivity analyses.
- Create data visualizations and statistical reports for scientific presentations and publications.
- Collaborate closely with clinicians and biologists to ensure analytical approaches address clinically relevant questions.
- Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international conferences.
Qualifications
Essential
- Italian Laurea Magistrale in BIOTECNOLOGIE (LM-7, LM-8, LM-9) or INGEGNERIA BIOMEDICA (LM-21) or INFORMATICA (LM-18) or FISICA (LM-17) or DATA SCIENCE (LM-91) or MATEMATICA (LM-40) orSCIENZE STATISTICHE (LM-82) or Equipollence Certificate for non-Italian equivalent Master Degrees.
- Strong foundation in statistical theory.
- Proficiency in R or Python for statistical computing and data analysis.
- Experience with complex data analysis, regression modelling, and data visualization.
Desired
- Ph.D. degree in relevant field.
- Previous experience at a research institute in Italy or abroad.
- Proven record of publications on relevant subjects.
How to Apply: