Curricular Internship - Soranzo Lab (Population & Medical Genomics)

Location: Based in Milan, Italy

Company

hirify.global is a life science research institute focused on biomedical discovery through computational, genomic, functional, and immunological research.

What you will do

• Develop alignment-free methods to recruit locus-specific reads directly from raw sequencing data.
• Build or extend tools for identifying specific k-mers from pangenomic assemblies and sequenced samples.
• Implement efficient algorithms for extracting reads from FASTQ files for complex loci such as MHC and AMY1.
• Build and integrate a fast, reference-agnostic front-end for the COSIGT/PANVAR pangenome genotyping pipeline.
• Benchmark performance across modern human populations and ancient DNA datasets.
• Present progress and scientific findings in regular research group meetings.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an MSc program in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or Go or C++.
• Familiarity with k-mer data structures and sequence formats including FASTQ and BAM.
• Working knowledge of Unix environments and Git.
• Good written and spoken English.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, organizational, and independent-working skills.

Nice to have

• Background or interest in pangenomics, sequence alignment, and graph algorithms.
• Experience with complex structural variation or ancient DNA.

Culture & Benefits

• Interdisciplinary and international research environment.
• Close supervision and mentoring from experienced scientists.
• Access to scientific seminars, training initiatives, networking opportunities, and learning opportunities.
• Internship duration: 12 months.
• One position available.

Hiring process

• Submit a CV and a motivation letter in English.
• Application deadline: October 29, 2026.