Postdoc | Human Technopole, Milan Build the science that shapes the future of human health. Application closing date: June Design AI-driven systems that automate real-world experiments at the nanoscale Human Technopole (Milan) is a rapidly expanding life science institute where international researchers and cutting-edge technologies converge to accelerate biomedical discovery. This position focuses on scientific software engineering at the interface of machine learning (ML), computer vision (CV), and experimental control, applied to automation of focused ion beam (FIB) platforms. Your work will build on SOLIST (Serialized On-grid Lift-In Sectioning for Tomography), a next-generation cryo-electron tomography workflow enabling high-throughput imaging of tissue-scale architecture at molecular resolution. You will help turn data acquisition into a scalable, intelligent process by integrating machine learning, computer vision, and real-time experimental control. The position is embedded in the Erdmann Group, which develops next-generation cryo-ET workflows (e.g. SOLIST), with a strong emphasis on automation, reproducibility, and scalability. You will also be part of the Scientific AI Flagship Research Program (FRP), fostering a vibrant AI community at HT. Your mission To fill this position, we are looking for motivated candidates with experience in ML and CV who enjoys building reliable software systems that interact with real-world experiments. You will apply these skills to cutting-edge biological workflows at Human Technopole. You will have the opportunity to work hands-on with cryo-FIB experiments and SOLIST (training provided) to test, benchmark, and stress-test your automation on real cryogenic samples. More Specifically, You Will
- Develop ML/CV software and control frameworks for automated SOLIST cryo-FIB lift-out
- Implement adaptive, feedback-driven workflows to improve usability and throughput
- Interface automation software with advanced in-situ cryo-fluorescence and next-generation lift-out hardware developed by DELMIC
- Work hands-on with cryo-FIB experiments (training provided) to test, benchmark, and stress-test automation on real samples
- Collaborate with other Scientific AI Flagship Research Project members, microscopists, engineers, and biologists at HT
- Lead and contribute to scientific publications, technical documentation, and the creation of reusable open software tools, and where appropriate, to grant proposal writing and organising training activities
Grow Your Skills You will enhance your scientific and professional skills by working with:
- State-of-the-art cryo-FIB and cryo-EM infrastructure
- Pre-commercial and prototype instrumentation
- The latest AI methods, trained on HT’s powerful HPC infrastructure
- Advanced instrument control, automation, and scientific software development
- An interdisciplinary research environment spanning physics, engineering, computer science, and various life science disciplines
- Industrial partners at the forefront of microscopy innovation
Human Technopole supports career development through training, mentoring, and dedicated learning opportunities. Essential What you’ll bring
- PhD in computer science, physics, engineering, applied mathematics, or a related field
- Background in machine learning, with hands-on experience applying ML to real data (e.g. image data, scientific data, or sensor data)
- Strong programming skills and software engineering practices (e.g. Python, C++, testing, version control, modular design)
- Experience developing reliable and maintainable software systems beyond prototypes
- Fluency in English
Preferred
- Experience with computer vision (e.g. segmentation, object detection, tracking, or image-based predictive systems)
- Experience with automation, robotics, or feedback-driven control systems
- Experience with EM, cryo-EM, cryo-tomography, and/or optical microscopy
- Experience interfacing with hardware or external systems (e.g. REST APIs, device control, real-time pipelines)
- Familiarity with experimental or scientific workflows (e.g. microscopy, imaging pipelines, or lab automation)
- Experience working with noisy, imperfect, or real-time data
- Contributions to open-source software, collaborative codebases, or shared research tools
At 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 vantaggi 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 references
This is a 4-year contract offered under CCNL Chimico Farmaceutico, Employee level B2 Salary: up to € 43.000 depending on the candidate’ seniority. 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.