PIX2025 - Advanced Microbiome biotechnology zips ONE HEALTH (AMBIZIONE) - (PREX2023-000058)

Microbes are essential to environmental and health-related processes hence becoming the core of the One Health paradigm. Since these processes are mediated by complex microbial communities, the rational design of synthetic microbial consortia (SMCs) becomes a key challenge in biotechnology. AMBIZIONE aims to address this challenge by developing a platform combining experiments and computational modelling that enables predictive microbiome engineering. The scientific program supports this goal by training the student in computational and theoretical tools applied to problems of increasing complexity, working closely with another student handling the experimental part. The student will gather computational and theoretical skills aimed at investigating interactions between microbes themselves and their environment, to design robust SMCs performing functions of biotechnological interest. To this end, s/he will combine different strategies including advanced statistical analysis, metabolic modelling, ODEs models, complex network analysis, or AI techniques, to integrate ecological, biochemical, and evolutionary information. S/he will be part of an exciting collaboration involving 7 groups and led by the Systems Biology Department, including personal and career development training. Previous knowledge of programming languages (e.g. Python, C, R, Julia), software development tools (e.g. Git, Nextflow, Snakemake), and/or experience handling microbial data will be highly valued.