Job Listings

Note: Job listings are free. To post a job listing, please submit it to the SMB Digest. The listings here are typically pulled from each Digest. Please contact the webmaster for further details.

Listings shown below were posted in the following Digests:

Studentships

(Click on job title for additional information.)
  • PhD: Computational Science/Precision Forestry, Umea University, Sweden
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 18 - May 3, 2013

      PhD student in Computational Science / Precision Forestry

      We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic PhD student to work within the project "Precision forestry of the future: enhanced forest management by optimized tree selection in thinning operations".

      The project is about whether information on the size and location of individual trees can be used to increase productivity and sustainability in forestry. The PhD student will develop and validate an individual-based mathematical model of development of a forest, from young to mature. This model will be used to study the profitability and sustainability of different thinning strategies. A particular focus is the identification of optimal harvesting strategies. We further intend to develop models to estimate the cost of a thinning operation as well as to quantify the uncertainty associated with information gathering from laser scanning of trees (LiDAR).

      The PhD student will work in the creative research environment IceLab. Related research is already ongoing within this environment, with examples including studies of vegetation dynamics, sustainable use of living resources, spatial population dynamics, and numerical methods for structured population models. The research is interdisciplinary and builds on a combination of mathematics, ecology, physics, computer science, and applications.

      For further information and instructions on how to apply, see www8.umu.se/umu/aktuellt/arkiv/lediga_tjanster/313-459-13.html

      Your complete application, marked with reference number 313-459-13, should be sent to jobb@umu.se (state the reference number as subject) or to the Registrar, Umea University, SE-901 87 Umea, Sweden to arrive May 20, 2013 at the latest.

      We look forward to receiving your application!

  • Online Master in Systems and Synthetic Biology
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 18 - May 3, 2013

      Online applications to the Master in Systems and Synthetic Biology (mSSB) are open until June 10th, 2013 (second round of applications). To find out more about mSSB, please visit our website http://www.mssb.fr

      Applicants may come from Universities or from Engineering schools after a first year of master (M1), or an equivalent qualification, in Life Sciences, Computer Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering, Chemistry and Physical Sciences. Bi-disciplinary cursus including Biology is favored, but highly-achieving and motivated students in any of the cited disciplines can apply. Following this M2 Master, several PhD programs are possible on site. Research trainings are also proposed in Europe (England, Germany, Switzerland, Spain) and in the US. We would appreciate your help in transmitting this information to potentially interested students.

  • PhD: Mathematical Biology at the University of Adelaide, Australia
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 16 - April 19, 2013

      A fully funded PhD studentship is available in the School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Adelaide from July 2013. The studentship is associated with the recent grant of an ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award to Dr Edward Green. Potential topics include:

      * Mathematical modeling of the mechanics of complex biological materials, with applications in tissue engineering and the mechanics of the intervertebral disc
      * Mathematical modeling of the role of cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions in tissue development

      These projects will involve the development of continuum models (PDEs), with scope for also investigating individual-based modeling approaches, depending on the interests of the student.

      Applicants should have a Masters degree (or, in the case of Australian applicants, a good Honours degree) in mathematics, physics, engineering or a related subject, and must satisfy the entry requirements of the Adelaide Graduate Centre (www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre/admission/entry-requirements/). A background in mathematical modeling, partial differential equations, and programming in Matlab would be an advantage. Some knowledge of biology would be helpful, but is not essential.

      The studentship provides a stipend of AU$ $24,653 per year. A fee waiver for international applicants has been agreed in principle.

      Potential applicants should contact Dr Edward Green (edward.green@adelaide.edu.au). For more information about the University of Adelaide, visit www.adelaide.edu.au

  • PhD: Retinal Hemodynamics at INRIA Paris, France
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 16 - April 19, 2013

      PhD position on Retinal Hemodynamics at INRIA Paris, France

      This research will be conducted under the supervision of Jean-Frederic Gerbeau at INRIA Paris-Rocquencourt and Universite Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 6, France, and in the framework of a European-funded four-year Marie Curie Initial Training Network Project REVAMMAD.

      Topic: This PhD thesis will address the mathematical modeling and the numerical simulation of various phenomena taking place in the retina. A multiscale mathematical model of the hemodynamics will be proposed. Numerical simulations will be based on the data obtained from retinal imaging modalities used in the REVAMMAD network. Data assimilation techniques recently developed at INRIA will be used in order to adapt the model to measurements. Two questions could be considered during the project: modeling of the neovascularization under the action of vascular endothelium growth factor and modeling of the interaction between neural cells and microcirculation. The work will be in particular motivated by the modeling of diseases like the Retinopathy Of Prematurity (ROP), which is a common cause of blindness in children, or the Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), which causes loss of central vision in the ageing population.

      Prerequisite: The PhD candidate must have a strong background in mathematical modeling and numerical methods for partial differential equations. The numerical method will be based on the finite element method and the software will be developped in C++.

      Eligibility rules: PhD students can be nationals of any country but must not have resided or carried out their main activity in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment.

      Salary: about 2800 euros/month if the PhD candidate is single, about 3150 euros/month if the PhD candidate comes in France with a family.

      The official starting of the PhD can be anytime from now to April 2014. It is possible to start working as an intern or as a master student.

      Applications must be sent to Clare Desplats and Jean-Frederic.Gerbeau , as soon as possible and no later than the end of May 2013.

  • PhD: Systems Levels of Cell Size Regulation, Kings College & Trentino
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 15 - April 12, 2013

      Systems level understanding of cell size regulation PhD fellowship at King's College London with part time in Trentino, Italy

      The PhD student will investigate the molecular network that is responsible for the integration of signals on cell size, environmental conditions and cell cycle stage. The related pathways in yeast, plants and mammals will be incorporated into mathematical models and the models will be analysed by tools of computational systems biology. The goal is to uncover the principles used in various organisms to measure cell size and adjust critical cell size based on nutritional changes.

      The project will be carried out part time at King's College London and part time at Fondazione Edmund Mach (Trentino, Italy), with King?s College London giving the final degree.

      This full-time three year studentship is fully funded by the Research and Innovation Centre - Fondazione Edmund Mach and includes tuition fees at the Home/EU rate and a generous annual stipend of £19,700.

      More details at: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/health/study/studentships/div-studentships/randall/Csikasz-Nagy.aspx

  • Ph.D. and Postdoc. Fellowships in RNA Science, Alberta, Canada
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 14 - April 5, 2013

      The Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute (ARRTI, http://www.uleth.ca/artsci/arrti) at the University of Lethbridge invites applications for Ph.D. and postdoctoral fellowships in the area of RNA science. The Institute includes a Laboratory for Systems Biology and Mathematical Modeling. The Institute encourages collaboration between member labs, and joint training in experimental and theoretical methods is possible.

      For more information on or to apply for these fellowships, visit http://www.uleth.ca/artsci/biochemistry/job-postings

  • PhD: 3 studentships in Biophysics, Molecular Modeling, & Math Bio., U.K
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 12 - March 22, 2013

      Three Marie Curie PhD studentshipS in Biophysics, Molecular Modeling, and Mathematical Biology.

      GROSS PAY: 62000 Euros per year (includes mobility allowance; paid in pounds sterling, subject to UK tax deductions)
      BASED AT: The University of Warwick, United Kingdom
      START DATE: 1st September 2013
      DESCRIPTION: Three interlinked projects that focus on Bacterial Cell Division

      (I) The first project aims to construct a meso-scale analytical and numerical physical model to describe the responses of the membranes to forces exerted by FtsZ and associated divisome proteins. Combined force and kinetic modelling of the process of cell membrane constriction using data from state-of-the-art EM, optical and force microscopy and spectroscopy will be undertaken. A final aim is to extend the theory to interactions between the inner and outer membrane.

      (II) This project has an experimental and a theoretical component. Mass spectrometric imaging, optical microscopy, and spectroscopic methodologies will be used to identify co-location and orientation of molecular structures and membrane components (lipids and proteins). Molecular dynamics and course-grain modelling will be used to understand the atomic-level organisation of molecular complexes in and at membranes on the scale of 10-100 nm with time resolution in the milliseconds.

      (III) Prokaryotes are subject to stringent selective pressure to optimize biomass yield in the face of changing ambient conditions. Key is the availability of the substrates required to support the cell's metabolic activities. Various kinds of molecular machinery capture and assimilate these substrates and channel them into core metabolism. Which allocation of investment (i.e. the relative copy numbers of the various types of machinery) gives the best growth yield? This project aims to investigate this fundamental problem using mathematical models, based on available data.

      ELIGIBILITY: Applicants are expected to have a BSc or an MSc in physics, physical chemistry, mathematical biology or equivalent subject and must have less than 4 years? research experience. Applicants may not be citizens of the UK, and must not have resided, worked, or studied in the UK for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to recruitment.

      TRAINING PROGRAM: The work will be carried out as part of a European Marie Curie Initial Training Network that involves regular meetings and timely delivery of results. The student will visit and collaborate with both an academic and an industrial partner by means of 3-month visiting researcher placements, and will participate in planned training events and workshops covering topics such as team working and leadership, business, intellectual property, industrial biotechnology, and science communication.

      EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES: The University of Warwick is committed to the principles of the Athena Scientific Women's Academic Network and the HR Research in Excellence agenda.

      TO APPLY: go to http://www.go.warwick.ac.uk/pgapply, select the MOAC Doctoral Training Centre PhD programme F1P7 and state 'CAS-IDP' under the heading 'funding'.

      INFO & CONTACT: a.rodger@warwick.ac.uk

  • PhD: Mathematical Ecology of Marine Metapopulations, McGill U., Canada
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 12 - March 22, 2013

      PhD position in Mathematical Ecology of Marine Meta-populations:

      Prof. Frederic Guichard (McGill University, Biology) is currently recruiting one PhD student to work on the development of meta-population and metacommunity theories integrating genetic data and biophysical models. The successful candidate would contribute to a newly NSERC-funded collaborative research with Marie-Josee Fortin (University of Toronto), Isabelle Cote (Simon Fraser University) and Janelle Curtis (Fisheries and Oceans Canada). Expected starting date is September 2013. Please send application (statement, CV, and contact info of 3 references) to frederic.guichard@mcgill.ca

  • PhD: Mathematical Analysis of Biological Networks, Germany
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 12 - March 22, 2013

      The following position is to be filled at the Otto-von-Guericke-Universitat:
      PhD Student in Mathematical Analysis of Biological Networks
      Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Institute for Automation Engineering, Research group Theory of Complex Networks

      The successful candidate will conduct research in the research areas of the group and work towards a PhD degree.
      Possible research topics:
      Mathematical modeling of biochemical signal transduction and gene regulation
      Robustness analysis of biochemical networks
      Optimization of biochemical networks
      Control engineering applications in biological networks

      Prerequisites:
      Academic degree (Master / German diploma equivalent) preferably in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or a similar study program.
      Experience in mathematical models of biological networks or dynamical systems.
      Good knowledge of English and preferably of German.
      Ability to work scientifically.

      Please address informal questions about this position to Jun.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Steffen Waldherr, phone +49 391/67-20118 or by E-Mail: steffen.waldherr@ovgu.de.

      Salary scale: 13 TV-L
      Date commencing: from 15.05.2013
      Fixed term until: 30.05.2015
      Contract: 100 %

      Applications by women are especially welcome. Applicants with a severe disability will receive preferential treatment if their qualifications and experience are equal to those of the other candidates.

      Please send your complete application (cover letter, curriculum vitae, certificates, statement of research interests, up to two letters of reference) quoting reference number 55/2013 by 19.04.2013 (date of receipt of application) to:
      Otto-von-Guericke-Universitat Magdeburg
      Dezernat Personalwesen
      Postfach 4120, 39016 Magdeburg
      Germany

  • PhD: Fully funded (EU/UK) PhD positions available in Math Modeling, UK
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 12 - March 22, 2013

      A number of PhD positions are available as a result of an internal University of Exeter competition. Studentships provide a stipend of 13,726 GBP and tuition fees and are available in the following areas:

      Brain Networks in Seizure generation:
      http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/?id=1198

      Systems-level electro-plasticity:
      http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/?id=1197

      Dynamics of the fear response:
      http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/?id=1185

      All projects involve integrative mathematical modelling and experimental validation studies.

      Please forward these details to any students you feel might be suitable. Potential students are strongly encourage to make informal contact prior to submitting their application.

  • PhD: Statistical Physics of Spatial food-webs.., U.of Oldenburg, Germany
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 11 - March 15, 2013

      PhD position: Statistical physics of spatial food-webs
      ICBM, University of Oldenburg, Germany

      The Mathematical Modelling group led by Dr. Bernd Blasius invites applications for a PhD researcher (salary 75% TVL E13) to participate in a study about Statistical physics of spatially extended food-webs.

      The position is available for the duration of three years within a newly funded research unit "Networks on networks: interplay of structure and dynamics in spatial food-webs".

      Networks on networks are emerging as a new paradigm in complex network theory. Ecological food-webs provide a typical example, as they are extended in space and thus have two types of connections, namely local connections (feeding relations) between species and spatial connections (dispersal) between different locations.

      This interdisciplinary project is designed to investigate the structure and dynamics of networks on networks using food-webs as an example system. The successful candidate will establish robust quantitative measures for characterizing the spatial and trophic structure of spatial food-webs, develop statistical models which allow to generate large ensembles of plausible spatial food-webs, and apply these methods to analyze empirical data of meta-communities.

      Applicants must have an above-average Diploma or Msc or equivalent in Natural Sciences. Applicants experienced with complex network theory or one of the relevant disciplines (theoretical ecology, meta-community or food- web research, or mathematical modeling) are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants should have a strong interest to work in an interdisciplinary team and must have good knowledge of English.

      The Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer. In order to increase the percentage of female staff members, qualified women are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be preferentially considered in case of equal qualification.

      Applicants should send a letter of application and CV to blasius@icbm.de. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

      Further informations: Prof. Dr. Bernd Blasius ICBM, D-26111 Oldenburg, Germany
      http://www.icbm.de/~mathmod

  • PhD: Modeling of Retinal Neural Networks, U. of Reading, UK
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 11 - March 15, 2013

      PhD Studentship "Modeling of Retinal Neural Networks"
      (Full-time, full-tuition, UK/EU only)

      University of Reading PhD Studentship (UK/EU only)

      Project Title: Mesoscopic Modeling of Retinal Neural Networks

      Supervisor: Dr. Etienne B. Roesch

      School/Department: School of Systems Engineering & Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics

      Overview:
      The goal of the project is to build neural field models of the retina that will allow the investigation of the architecture underlying visual information processing. These models will also be used to simulate the disturbances yielding visual impairment in early diabetic retinopathy. Neural fields are integro-differential equations, similar to wave equations, that represent electrical and chemical neurodynamics on continuous space-time scales. They are thus ideal to study populations of cells as homogeneously structured, and as dependent on spatial contiguity as the retina, whilst exploring complex nonlinear dynamics of neural information processing. The construction of the models will be informed by connectomic and physiological data, and the models subjected to extensive parameter-sensitivity analyses. The project falls into the remit of the University of Reading's strategic investment to support neuroscience and interdisciplinary research. The student will be supervised by Dr. Etienne B. Roesch and Prof. Ingo Bojak.

      This is a computational neuroscience project, which requires skills and knowledge in neuroscience, applied mathematics and programming. Candidates that have a strong background in at least two of these three fields are welcome to apply, if they are enthusiastic about the third. Neural field models are a particularly accommodating subject for transitions from physics, engineering, etc. into the life sciences. However, we will also place a strong focus on describing real-world data; depending on the student?s aptitude and preference, the candidate will be given the opportunity to engage with ongoing electrophysiological experimentation directly relevant to this project, in our lab and with collaborators in the UK and internationally, in order to identify and validate exploitable applications of the models. Additionally, the candidate will be granted access to the cluster of NVIDIA Tesla GPUs and other facilities at the Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics, as well as at the Brain Embodiments Laboratory.

      Eligibility: Applicants should hold a minimum of a UK Honours Degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in a relevant subject. Please note that due to restrictions on the funding this studentship is for UK/EU applicants only.

      Funding Details: Studentship will cover Home/EU Fees and pay the Research Council minimum stipend (13,590 GBP for 2011/12) for up to 3 years. The studentship will begin in October 2013.

      How to apply: To apply for this studentship please submit an application for a PhD in Cybernetics (full time) to the University - see http://www.reading.ac.uk/Study/apply/pg-applicationform.aspx . Once you have submitted your application, you should receive an email to confirm receipt of your online application. Please forward this email, along with a covering letter, to Dr. Etienne B. Roesch, e.b.roesch@reading.ac.uk, by the application deadline.

      Please quote the reference GS13-15 in the 'Scholarships applied for' box that appears within the Funding Section of your online application.

      Application Deadline: Friday 15th March 2013

      Further Enquiries: Please contact Dr. Etienne B. Roesch, e.b.roesch@reading.ac.uk.

  • PhD: Computational Biomechanics of..., The Netherlands
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 11 - March 15, 2013

      PhD position in Amsterdam: Computational biomechanics of extracellular matrix materials and cell-matrix interactions during blood vessel growth.

      Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) is the Dutch national research institute for mathematics and computer science and linked to the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research(NWO). The mission of CWI is to conduct pioneering research in mathematics and computer science, generating new knowledge in these fields and conveying it to trade, industry, and society at large. CWI is located at Science Park Amsterdam. It is an internationally oriented institute, with 160 scientists from approximately 27 countries. The facilities are first-rate and include excellent IT support, career planning, training, and courses.

      The Life Sciences research group has a vacancy for a talented PhD student, on the subject of: Computational biomechanics of extracellular matrix materials and cell-matrix interactions during blood vessel growth.

      The opening is a research position within the field of applied mathematics or computational science.

      Research group: The work will be embedded in the Biomodeling and Biosystems Analysis group at the CWI in Amsterdam. The group carries out biomodeling research with experimental collaborators working, and focuses on modelling pattern formation and morphogenesis in multicellular organisms.

      Job description: The outgrowth of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels, called angiogenesis, is a crucial step in wound healing and tumor growth. Cell-based simulation models help to analyze how cells assemble into blood vessels and other tissue structures. Present cell-based numerical techniques, including the cellular Potts model, lack an accurate description of the biochemistry and biomechanics of one of the main controlling factors of angiogenesis and tumor progression: the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM is a diverse class of jelly or hard materials providing structural support to the tissue. The ECM also acts as a medium for cell-cell communication. As part of an NWO-funded Vidi-project on angiogenesis, your task will be to develop and apply state-of-the-art and efficient numerical methods for simulating the biomechanics of the ECM. These partial-differential equation and/or agent-based simulations will interface naturally with pre-existing, stochastic models of endothelial cell behavior. You will also integrate the codes into an existing, internationally developed open-source cell-based modeling framework, called CompuCell3D, and will perform numerical simulation experiments. You will interact closely with a PhD-student in applied computational biology and with experimental biologists at the Institute for Cardiovascular Research of the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam.

      Requirements: Candidates are required to have a Master's degree in applied mathematics, computational physics, theoretical biology, computer science or a related discipline, and able to communicate with scientists in biology and mathematics. Preferable qualifications for candidates include proven research talent, excellent programming skills in C++ or willingness and ability to learn, an excellent command of English, and good academic writing and presentation skills.

      Terms and conditions: The terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Research Centres ("CAO-onderzoeksinstellingen"). The gross monthly salary, for a PhD student on a full time basis, is 2,057 Euros during the first year and increases to 2,636 Euros over the four year period. Employees are also entitled to a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8,33%. CWI offers attractive working conditions, including flexible scheduling and help with housing for expat employees.

      Application: Applications can be sent before 8 April 2013 to apply@cwi.nl. All applications should include a detailed resume, motivation letter, list of your MSc courses and grades, copy of your Master's thesis and preferably a list of publications.

      For more information about the vacancy, please contact dr. Roeland Merks, email Roeland.Merks@cwi.nl, telephone +31(0)20 592 4117.

      For more information about CWI, please visit www.cwi.nl. More information about the group can be found on http://biomodel.project.cwi.nl. Or watch our video 'A Fundamental
      Difference about working at CWI: https://www.cwi.nl/general/a-fundamental-difference.

  • Master in Systems and Synthetic Biology, U. of Evry, France
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 11 - March 15, 2013

      Applications-Master in Systems and Synthetic Biology, mSSB

      Online applications to the Master in Systems and Synthetic Biology (mSSB) are open until April 1st (for the first round of applications). To find out more about mSSB, please visit our website http://www.mssb.fr

      Applicants may come from Universities or from Engineering schools after a first year of master (M1), or an equivalent qualification, in Life Sciences, Computer Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering, Chemistry and Physical Sciences. Bi-disciplinary cursus including Biology is favored, but highly-achieving and motivated students in any of the cited disciplines can apply. Following this M2 Master, several PhD programs are possible on site. Research trainings are also proposed in Europe (England, Germany, Switzerland, Spain) and in the US. We would appreciate your help in transmitting this information to potentially interested students.

  • PhD: Mathematical Modeling of Human Ageing & Disease, U. of Exeter
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 10 - March 8, 2013

      PhD position: Mathematical modelling of human ageing and disease,
      University of Exeter

      We are looking to recruit a highly motivated and dedicated student with a real interest in applying mathematics to fundamental problems in medicine. The successful applicant will have a unique and exciting opportunity participate in a lively research environment where mathematicians and medical scientists share a common research vision. The position is available from September 2013 and will employ mathematical models to study age-related diseases in humans such as cancer and dementia.

      The successful applicant will be working on the development and analysis of mathematical models in Dr Gudelj?s lab at the University of Exeter, in close collaboration with colleagues at the Medical School, Professors Melzer and Mill and Dr Harries. We are looking for PhD students with a mathematical, computational or physics background and ideally be familiar with ordinary differential equations, their use in modelling, analysis (Dynamics Systems techniques) and simulations.

      The application deadline is 8th April 2013 and more information about the project and how to apply can be found at:

      http://people.exeter.ac.uk/ig232/Home.html

  • PhD Postion: Evolutionary Theory at Royal Holloway, U. of London
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 8 - February 22, 2013

      Fully funded PhD studentship in evolutionary theory at Royal Holloway, U. of London

      Title: Intra-genomic Conflict and Medical Disorders
      Supervisors: Dr Francisco Ubeda and Prof. Vincent A.A. Jansen

      Research Outline:
      Intra-genomic conflict defies the logic of natural selection: why would natural selection favor any gene whose expression reduces the fitness of its host? However intra-genomic conflict has left its signature in many molecular mechanisms. A paradigmatic example of evolution driven by intra-genomic conflict is the case of genomic imprinting where conflict between paternally inherited and maternally inherited genes in the same individual results in silencing of one gene but not the other.

      In this project we will formulate mathematical models for the evolution of intra-genomic conflict and make specific predictions about the outcomes. We will test the predictions of our models against the medical literature. This research will require a trans-disciplinary approach that uses mathematical and computational models to synthesize the fields of molecular biology, genetics, medicine, evolutionary biology, and behavioral ecology. We hope to apply this approach to understand the evolution of genomic imprinting, sex-determination, and disease virulence among others.

      This project is suitable for candidates with some background or experience in mathematical modeling or simulation at undergraduate level. We are looking for candidates, either with a background in the life sciences, and experience in mathematical or simulation modeling, or for candidates with a background in a quantitative subject (e.g. mathematics, computer science, physics) and an affinity for research in ecology and evolution.

      The studentship will be held in the School of Biological Sciences of Royal Holloway, University of London. The research in the School covers the breadth of biology and hosts a number of theoretical researchers. The School was ranked among the best UK Bioscience Departments in the last research assessment (RAE 2008). The scenic Royal Holloway campus is on the outskirts of London

      www.telegraph.co.uk/education/expateducation/9480575/Beautiful-universities-around-the-world.html?frame=2312131

      The studentship has a maintenance allowance of 15726 GBP per annum for 3 years and a UK/EU tuition fee waiver . We expect candidates to have a 2.1 or first class degree (or equivalent if not a UK degree).

      Apply before the 4th of March following the link
      http://www.rhul.ac.uk/biologicalsciences/prospectivestudents/postgraduateresearch/phdstudentships2013v2.aspx
      get in touch with Tracey Jeffries (Tracey.Jeffries@rhul.ac.uk) for any application queries. If you are interested in applying please contact us informally before the deadline at F.Ubeda@rhul.ac.uk or Vincent.jansen@rhul.ac.uk

  • PhD Positions (2): Spatial Ecology of Dynamic Communities.. SA & AUSS.
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 8 - February 22, 2013

      PhD Position: the spatial ecology of dynamic communities and the function of invaded landscapes

      Two Ecology/Conservation Ecology PhD positions are available on the spatial ecology of dynamic communities and the function of invaded landscapes

      Deadline for applications: 2 April 2013

      Two fully-funded PhD stipends are available to students interested in working on the ecology of dynamic communities (such as alien species communities or those responding to climate change) in Associate Professor Melodie McGeoch's collaborative research group. I have recently joined Monash University in Melbourne, Australia (http://monash.edu/science/about/schools/biological-sciences/staff/mcgeoch/index.html). One of the positions will be co-supervised by Dr Cang Hui (http://academic.sun.ac.za/cib/team/academic/chui.asp) and will involve a field-based research trip to Cape Town, South Africa. The second position will be co-supervised by Dr Heloise Gibb (http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scitecheng/about/staff/profile?uname=HGibb), currently based at LaTrobe University, Melbourne.

      The research will involve working with native and alien plant communities, using a combination of existing data, field-based data and modelling. The balance between field work and modelling involved in the research will differ between the two positions. The project design will be developed in collaboration between the student and supervisors.

      The stipend includes all course fees plus ~$25,000 AU per annum tax free (the equivalent of ~$33,000 before tax) with no teaching requirements for 3.5 years (the length of a PhD in Australia). Funding of project costs are covered, including attending at least one conference per year. The project start date can be any time in 2013, although an early start is preferred. Interested students should send their CV, a brief statement of their research interests and the contact details of two referees to melodie.mcgeoch@monash.edu. Applicants must preferably have completed at least one year of post-graduate research (including Honours or Masters) and evidence of published research will be an advantage. Preference will be given to those with a botany or entomology major, an ecology and/or soil science background and strong quantitative skills, including experience in multivariate analysis, spatial statistics, GIS and programming in R (or alternative).

  • PhD Position: Math. Modelling for Inflammatory/Infectious Diseases, UK
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 7 - February 15, 2013

      PhD studentship in Imperial College London - Mathematical modelling for inflammatory/infectious diseases

      Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London
      Competitive funding available (home/EU fees + stipend)

      We are looking for a prospective PhD student with strong background in computational biology. The candidate should have research experiences in computational biology with strong mathematical skills and good Matlab skills. The Tanaka group develops mathematical models for various biological systems ranging from cellular to behavioural levels and reveals key mechanisms for efficient, flexible and robust biological control across different levels. The students will develop and analyse mathematical models to understand the regulatory mechanisms for epithelium homeostasis and how its deregulation leads to disease, such as atopic dermatitis and fungal infection, and will design experiments that will be fed back into modelling.

      More information on our research can be found at http://www.bg.ic.ac.uk/research/r.tanaka. Interested candidates should send both the CV and the research statement (max 2pages) to Dr Reiko Tanaka by email (r.tanaka@imperial.ac.uk). Non-EU applicants should confirm in the email that they can cover their PhD fees for oversea students (http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/studentfinance/prospectivepgstudents).

  • PhD Position in Time-Frequency Analysis/Image Processing, Germany
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 7 - February 15, 2013

      A Ph.D. Position is available at the Faculty of Medicine (Systems Neuroscience and Neurotechnology Unit), Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany, (www.snn-unit.de) in collaboration with the Department of Mathematics (Mathematical Image Processing Group) of the University of Kaiserslautern, Germany (http://www.mathematik.uni-kl.de/~steidl/)

      The position is within the project: "Anisotropic analysis of electroencephalographic correlates of the sensory and cognitive processing of single sweeps" promoted by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG).

      The ideal candidate will have a diploma/master in Mathematics with extended knowledge in Applied Analysis as well as good programming skills.

      The contract is for three years. The earliest starting date is May, 2013.

      Please send your application documents to Prof. Dr. Dr. Daniel J.Strauss email: strauss@snn-unit.de

  • Master: Systems and Synthetic Biology , U. of Evry-Val-d'Essonne, France
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 6 - February 8, 2013

      The University of Evry-Val-d'Essonne, in partnership with AgroParis Tech, Ecole Centrale Paris, SubBiotech and Telecom SudParis, proposes on the Genopole campus a Master in Systems and Synthetic Biology, mSSB. Online applications are now open. To find out more about mSSB, please visit our website: http://www.mssb.fr

      Applicants may come from Universities or from Engineering schools after a first year of master (M1), or an equivalent qualification, in Life Sciences, Computer Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering, Chemistry and Physical Sciences. Bi-disciplinary courses including Biology is favoured, but highly-achieving and motivated students in any of the cited disciplines can apply. Following this M2 Master, several PhD programs are possible on site. Research trainings are also proposed in Europe (England, Germany, Switzerland, Spain) and in the US.

      Several Master scholarships are proposed by French Institutions, to foreign students who want to study in France. So we would appreciate your help in transmitting these informations to potentially interested students, and putting them in contact with us when you judge that they have sufficient merit to follow this Master degree. Interested students must contact Cecile Gasse (cecile.gasse@issb.genopole.fr).

  • PhD Studentships: 2 positions in Mathematical Biologym, Stirling U., UK
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 6 - February 8, 2013

      Stirling University is offering two PhD studentships in mathematical biology. One in the dynamics and control of invasive aquatic species and one in the development of anti-microbial resistance. These are four year case studentships. More details and how to apply can be found at http://www.stir.ac.uk/impact/studentships/collabs2013/

      Professor Rachel Norman
      Chair of Aquatic Food Security
      School of Natural Sciences
      University of Stirling
      Stirling, FK9 4LA
      Telephone 01786 467466
      Fax 01786 464551
      email ran@cs.stir.ac.uk

  • PhD Fellowship: Computational Cell Physiology, Nottingham, UK
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 6 - February 8, 2013

      PhD position: Analysis of cell signalling networks using dynamic inputs

      Applications are invited for the above post to work with Drs Rüdiger Thul, Tom Bellamy and Noah Russell on a Leverhulme Trust funded project at the University of Nottingham. The successful candidate will register for a 3 year PhD in the School of Mathematical Sciences and the School of Biomedical Sciences.

      A major challenge in physiology is to understand the rules governing cell signalling pathways that control cellular behaviour. This project aims to provide quantitative insights into cellular decision making by combining novel experimental approaches with cutting-edge mathematical modelling. The successful candidate will use techniques from computational cell biology and mathematical cell physiology as well as ideas and concepts from dynamical systems theory, random processes and information processing. The project is interdisciplinary in nature, and so the candidate should be enthusiastic about collaborating closely with colleagues in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering.

      We require an enthusiastic graduate with a 1st class degree in Mathematics (in exceptional circumstances a 2(i) class degree can be considered), preferably of the MMath/MSc level. Candidates would need to be interested in learning about cell physiology; any experience in this field, or in mathematical biology more generally, would be a distinct advantage.

      The studentship is available from September/October 2013 and provides an annual stipend at the standard rate (currently £13,590 per annum) and full payment of Home/EU Tuition Fees for a period of 36 months.

      Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr R Thul email: ruediger.thul@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted. For information about the School of Mathematical Sciences, one of the most active in the UK, see: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/mathematics/index.aspx

      To apply, please access: https://my.nottingham.ac.uk/pgapps/welcome/. Please quote ref: SCI/1236. Closing date: 15 March 2013.

  • PhD Fellowship: Wellcome Trust, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle Univ.
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 5 - February 1, 2013

      Applications are now open for Newcastle University's Institute of Neuroscience four-year MRes+PhD programme supported by the Wellcome Trust.

      Our programme is tailored specifically for students with outstanding backgrounds in physical sciences, engineering, mathematics or computing. Students will be trained for productive careers in neuroscience through a combination of intensive taught coursework and laboratory rotations in the first year, during which hands-on experience with experimental data collection will be the key aspect, followed by PhD research projects in the final three years, which will enable students to apply their previously acquired quantitative, technical and scientific skills to challenging questions in neuroscience.

      Please note the deadline for applications has been extended to the 10th of February. The provisional date for interviews is the 15th of March. For more information about the programme, please visit http://www.ncl.ac.uk/ion/postgrad/research/wellcome/ or email ion-postgrad-enq@ncl.ac.uk.

  • PhD Studentship: Modelling of Retinal Neural Networks, UK
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 5 - February 1, 2013

      PhD Studentship "Modelling of retinal neural networks"
      (Full-time, tuition paid, UK/EU only)
      University of Reading PhD Studentship (UK/EU only)

      Project Title: Mesoscopic modelling of retinal neural networks
      Supervisor: Dr. Etienne B. Roesch
      School/Department: School of Systems Engineering & Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics

      Overview:

      The goal of the project is to build neural field models of the retina that will allow the investigation of the architecture underlying visual information processing. These models will also be used to simulate the disturbances yielding visual impairment in early diabetic retinopathy. Neural fields are integro-differential equations, similar to wave equations, that represent electrical and chemical neurodynamics on continuous space-time scales. They are thus ideal to study populations of cells as homogeneously structured, and as dependent on spatial contiguity as the retina, whilst exploring complex nonlinear dynamics of neural information processing. The construction of the models will be informed by connectomic and physiological data, and the models subjected to extensive parameter-sensitivity analyses. The project falls into the remit of the University of Reading's strategic investment to support neuroscience and interdisciplinary research. The student will be supervised by Dr. Etienne B. Roesch and Prof. Ingo Bojak.

      Eligibility: Applicants should hold a minimum of a UK Honours Degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in a relevant subject. Please note that due to restrictions on the funding this studentship is for UK/EU applicants only.

      Funding Details: Studentship will cover Home/EU Fees and pay the Research Council minimum stipend (13,590 GBP for 2011/12) for up to 3 years. The studentship will begin in October 2013.

      How to apply: To apply for this studentship please submit an application for a PhD in Cybernetics (full time) to the University - see http://www.reading.ac.uk/Study/apply/pg-applicationform.aspx. Once you have submitted your application, you should receive an email to confirm receipt of your online application. Please forward this email, along with a covering letter, to Dr. Etienne B. Roesch,e.b.roesch@reading.ac.uk, by the application deadline.

      Please quote the reference GS13-15 in the 'Scholarships applied for' box that appears within the Funding Section of your online application.

      Application Deadline: Friday 15th March 2013

      Further Enquiries: Please contact Dr. Etienne B. Roesch, e.b.roesch@reading.ac.uk.

  • PhD Studentship: Evolutionary Ecology of Fungal Killers, U. of Exeter
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 5 - February 1, 2013

      PhD position: Evolutionary Ecology of Fungal Killers, University of Exeter

      We are looking to recruit a highly-motivated and dedicated student with a real interest in applying evolutionary biology to antimicrobial resistance and we are inviting applications for this BBSRC-funded PhD studentship to commence September 2013 at the University of Exeter supervised by Dr Ivana Gudelj and Prof. Ken Haynes.

      Fungal diseases devastate human lives. Bloodstream infections are the second biggest killer of hospital patients with almost 50% of infections proving fatal, leading to 1.5 million patient deaths worldwide each year. However, fungal infections are not well-understood and there is much less public awareness than for diseases caused by bacterial and viral infections.

      We therefore urgently need to understand how fungal pathogens evolve, adapt to different environments and become resistant to drugs. This is the research goal of a fully-funded PhD scholarship in Biosciences at the University of Exeter. The successful applicant will participate in a lively research environment where we combine mathematical modeling with an experimental evolutionary approach to build new theories and test them in the lab. We are looking for PhD students, either experimental or theoretical with a biological or a physics background, to join our interdisciplinary team in a unique environment where theoreticians and experimentalists share a common research vision.

      We expect to apply diverse experimental and theoretical tools, from the molecular and genetic to the evolutionary and ecological, depending on the successful candidate and full training will be provided as appropriate.

      You must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in Biology, Physics, Mathematics or a relevant subject. The studentship will cover a stipend for at least three years at the standard Research Council rate (currently 13,590 GBP per annum for 2012-2013) and is opened to UK/EU students.

      More information about the project and how to apply can be found at: http://people.exeter.ac.uk/ig232/Positions.html

      Closing date is 20th February 2013

  • PhD studentships: Neuroinformatics & Comp. Neuroscience, U. of Edinburgh
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 5 - February 1, 2013

      Second-round applications for fully-funded PhD studentships at the University of Edinburgh Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) in Neuroinformatics and Computational Neuroscience are now being considered. The DTC is a world-class centre for research at the interface between neuroscience and the engineering, computational, and physical sciences.

      Our four-year programme is ideal for students with strong computational and analytical skills who want to employ cutting-edge methodology to advance research in neuroscience and related fields, or to apply ideas from neuroscience to computational problems. The first year consists of courses in neuroscience and informatics, as well as lab projects. This is followed by a three-year PhD project done in collaboration with one of the many departments and institutes affiliated with the DTC.

      Current DTC PhD topics fall into five main areas:

      * Computational neuroscience: Using analytical and computational models, potentially supplemented with experiments, to gain quantitative understanding of the nervous system. Many projects focus on the development and function of sensory and motor systems in animals, including neural coding, learning, and memory.

      * Biomedical imaging algorithms and tools: Using advanced data analysis techniques, such as machine learning and Bayesian approaches, for imaging-based diagnosis and research.

      * Cognitive science: Studying human cognitive processes and analysing them in computational terms.

      * Neuromorphic engineering: Using insights from neuroscience to help build better hardware, such as neuromorphic VLSI circuits and robots that perform robustly under natural conditions.

      * Software systems and applications: Using discoveries from neuroscience to develop software that can handle real-world data, such as video, audio, or speech.

      Other related areas of research are also encouraged. Edinburgh has a large, world-class research community in these areas and leads the UK in creating a coherent programme in neuroinformatics and computational neuroscience. The University of Edinburgh was ranked 21st worldwide in the latest QS World University Rankings, and the School of Informatics is the largest and highest-ranked computing department in the UK. Edinburgh has often been voted 'best place to live in Britain', and has many exciting cultural and student activities.

      Students with a strong background in computer science, mathematics, physics, or engineering are particularly encouraged to apply. Highly motivated students with other backgrounds will also be considered.

      Studentships include a stipend of 14,385-17,782 UK pounds/year along with research and travel costs. They are available to UK or other EU citizens who have been residing in the UK for the past three years (whether for work or for education); see our web site for full details. Other applicants can be considered if they provide their own funding, typically via a scholarship from their country of origin.

      Applications are now being accepted for September 2013 entry. Applications must be complete by 30th March 2013 to receive full consideration for the remaining studentships, and will be considered for interviews in April.

      Further information and application forms can be obtained from: http://www.anc.ed.ac.uk/dtc

Postdoctoral positions

(Click on job title for additional information.)
  • Postdoc: Immunological Modeling, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 17 - April 26, 2013

      POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST:

      Immunological Modeling
      Earth and Life Institute, Universite Catholique de Louvain
      Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium

      Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position to work on the mathematical modeling of the lymph node immune response to an antigen. The project will specifically focus on the Th1-Th2 dynamics under the influence of regulatory cytokines.

      The position will be based in the group of Emmanuel Hanert (http://perso.uclouvain.be/emmanuel.hanert) at the Universite catholique de Louvain. The successful applicant will develop spatio-temporal mathematical and numerical models of the Th1-Th2 differentiation and cross-regulation occurring in the lymph node following an infection or vaccination. That modeling work will be done in close collaboration with another postdoctoral researcher working in the group of Prof. Jean-Christophe Renauld (http://www.bru.licr.org/brussels/research/cii/cii.html) who is specialized in the experimental study of immunity and more specifically the role of cytokines in the immune system. A key outcome of this project will be to combine numerical modeling and experimental observations to better understand how the spatial distribution of memory T cells within the lymph node can influence its response to an antigen.

      This position is partly funded by GSK Vaccines, the vaccine division of the GSK Group, whose main research center is located less than 10 km away from Louvain-la-Neuve. The post-holder will therefore have the opportunity to work closely with researchers from GSK.

      The position should ideally start on September 1st and is offered for 2 years. Candidates should have a PhD degree in a quantitative discipline like applied mathematics, physics or computational sciences with a strong background in numerical modeling and/or computational biology. Applicants should send a cover letter, a detailed CV, a brief statement of research interests, and names and contact information for three references. For further information, contact Emmanuel Hanert (emmanuel.hanert@uclouvain.be).

      Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the post has been filled.

  • Postdoc: Epidemiological Modeling for Antimicrobial.., Canada
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 16 - April 19, 2013

      Postdoctoral Fellowship 'Epidemiological Modelling for Antimicrobial Stewardship', at Mount Sinai Hospital, York University and Memorial University of Newfoundland

      Applicants are invited for a postdoctoral position in epidemiological modeling for antimicrobial stewardship. The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to play an important role in a Collaborative Health Research Project (CHRP) on quantifying antimicrobial resistance in Canadian hospitals, and will join an accomplished team of researchers representing both the health and natural sciences.

      The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to interact with the team, and be responsible for the epidemiological model development and analysis: model concept design, data retrieval from published literature as well as from the datasets available to the team; mathematical analysis and computer simulations; testing and validating models; performing sensitivity and uncertainty analysis and addressing the issues related to antimicrobial stewardship and infection control strategies.

      The fellowship will be jointly supervised by Dr. Andrew Morris (Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto), Dr. Jianhong Wu (York University) and Dr. Amy Hurford (Memorial University of Newfoundland). This fellow will initially be placed at the Centre for Disease Modelling (CDM) in York University and then moved to Memorial University of Newfoundland.

      The fellowship can start anytime, initially for one year but can be renewed for up to a total of 3 years. The salary/stipend is in the range of $40,000~48,000 per year (including benefits).

      Applicants should have significant experience in mathematical biology. Experience in modeling biodiversity and manipulating large datasets will be an asset.

      Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae along with complete contact information, some representative research and arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent directly to Katya Richardson at cdmdesk@yorku.ca. Applications will be reviewed immediately, and only short listed applicants will be contacted.

  • Postdoc: Computational and Systems Biology, Lille, France
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 16 - April 19, 2013

      Postdoctoral position in computational and systems biology available in Lille, France

      A postdoctoral position is available in the department of Physics of University Lille 1, France, to work on the dynamics of regulatory networks underlying circadian clocks and their design principles. The research will be focused on the mathematical modeling of the circadian clock of the microscopic green alga Ostreococcus tauri and will be conducted in close collaboration with the group of biologists at Observatoire Oceanologique de Banyuls who have first identified Ostreococcus clock genes.

      Candidates are expected to have a strong background in nonlinear dynamics as wel! l as in computational or systems biology, in the context of cellular regulatory networks. A significant programming experience is also required (preferably C/C++ or Fortran under a linux environment). The post-doctoral researcher will base its research on an extensive set of experimental time series recorded in Banyuls to extend the current knowledge about the molecular networks of Ostreococcus clock. The results obtained in this project will be of high significance for the circadian biology field, because : (1) Ostreococcus clock appears to be closely related to that of Arabidopsis thaliana but with a simpler architecture, (2) previous mathematical modeling of this clock has revealed a very interesting strategy to buffer fluctuations in daylight intensity. A complete mathematical model of the clock would therefore provide a simple example of a robust clock network.

      The contract is for one year, extendable for 10 additional months. The monthly net salary is about 2200 euros. Candidates should send as soon as possible a cover letter stating their motivations and CV to Marc Lefranc (marc.lefranc@univ-lille1.fr), preferably before June 1st, 2013. They should also arrange for two reference persons to send simultaneously recommendation letters to the same address. Before applying, candidates are advised to check whether the position is still available at http://www-phlam.univ-lille1.fr/perso/lefranc/postdoc.html where they will also find more information.

      The Dynamics of Biological Networks team comprises three permanent researchers (Marc Lefranc, Quentin Thommen and Benjamin Pfeuty). The research aims at understanding the dynamical behavior and design principles of biological networks, in particular signaling cascades and genetic oscillators (circadian clocks, cell cycle,...), using the tools of nonlinear dynamical systems theory and statistical physics.

  • Postdoc: in Theoretical Evolutionary Biology, Western U. Ontario
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 15 - April 12, 2013

      Postdoc Fellow in Theoretical Evolutionary Biology:
      Department of Applied Mathematics
      Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
      Start date: September, 2013 (negotiable)
      Term: 1-year, with possibility of renewal.
      Salary: 40 000 CDN$ p.a.
      Travel Grant: 1 500 CDN$ p.a.

      Description:
      Research in theoretical evolutionary biology at Western tackles problems in both experimental evolution and sociobiology (see www.apmaths.uwo.ca/~lwahl and www.apmaths.uwo.ca/~gwild for greater detail) . We are looking to hire one post-doctoral fellow interested in modeling evolution as it occurs in both laboratory experiments, and field settings.

      The successful candidate will be expected to carry out both independent and collaborative research, and will mentor graduate students in the group. The successful candidate may also apply for a one-term teaching position in order to supplement his/her income, if so desired (subject to departmental approval).

      Qualifications:
      A Ph.D in Evolutionary Biology, Mathematical Biology or a related discipline.
      A demonstrated interest in population genetics and theoretical evolutionary biology.
      Experience with differential equations, linear algebra, and/or stochastic processes.
      Excellent written and oral communication skills.

      How to apply:
      Please prepare an application package that includes (i) a one-page cover letter outlining how your qualifications match the demands of the position, (ii) current CV, (iii) a one-page statement of research interests, (iv) two relevant reprints or pre-prints, (v) names and contact information of two referees.

      Please email (i)-(v) as a single pdf to: gwild@uwo.ca

      Deadline:
      Please submit your application -No later than June 15, 2013-

  • Research Fellow in Vascular Receptor-Ligand Programming... U. of Leeds
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 15 - April 12, 2013

      Research Fellow-Leverhulme funded
      Fixed term for 36 months, starting on 1 September 2013
      Vascular Receptor-Ligand Programming: Stochastic Modeling of Cellular Fate

      Closing Date: 2 May 2013
      Ref: MAPMA0047

      The project, funded by the Leverhulme Trust, involves the development of stochastic models that describe how a human membrane-bound receptor (VEGFR) binds to a soluble molecule (VEGF-A), and how the signaling, trafficking and degradation of the bound VEGF/VEG+FR complex regulate decisions made by vascular endothelial cells.

      This is a multi-disciplinary project that combines ideas from physics, applied mathematics, statistics, probability and biology, and that involves both the School of Mathematics and the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of the University of Leeds. Experimental data will be generated in Dr. Ponnambalam's laboratory as part of this Leverhulme Trust award.

      You will work in close contact with the principal investigators, Dr Barber, Dr Lythe and Prof Molina-Paris (Mathematics) and Dr. Ponnambalam (Biology), and will interact with other members of the Mathematical Biology and Medicine Group in the School of Mathematics and Endothelial Cell Biology Unit in the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology.

      You should have (or have submitted by the start of the project) a PhD in a relevant discipline (such as applied mathematics, physics or mathematical biology), and have excellent analytical and programming skills. More specialist knowledge of mathematical biology, stochastic processes, C-programming, Python-programming, or biology is desirable.

      You should include in your application a research description that details your current and future research plans (maximum two pages A4). Applications from women, who are currently under-represented in this area, will be particularly welcome; however, the final recruitment decision will be based solely on merit.

      University Grade 6 (24,766 - 29,541 GBP p.a.) or University Grade 7 (30,424 - 36,298 GBP p.a.)
      Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Carmen Molina-Paris, tel +44 (0)113 343 5151, email carmen@maths.leeds.ac.uk.
      Closing Date: 2 May 2013
      Ref: MAPMA0047

  • Postdoc: Information Processing in Neuroendocrine.., King's College London
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 14 - April 5, 2013

      Postdoctoral Position:
      Computational analysis of information processing in neuroendocrine circuits
      MRC Centre for Developmental Neurobiology
      King's College London
      London, UK

      Summary:
      We are seeking a computational postdoctoral scientist to participate in a European Research Council funded project in the laboratory of Dr. QueeLim Ch'ng at the MRC Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London. This project aims to address the molecular and information processing mechanisms underlying signalling in neuroendocrine circuits that influence ageing and development in the nematode C. elegans. Using quantitative systems approaches, the post holder will use computational methods to curate and analyse multifaceted experimental data including those from high-throughput imaging studies. The multi-disciplinary position also provide exposure to new techniques for automated high-throughput microscopy and functional in vivo imaging. The candidate will benefit from training in a vibrant intellectual and collaborative environment, and state-of-the-art imaging facilities.

      Details/Requirements:
      The candidate will have a PhD in bioinformatics, systems biology, physics, engineering, mathematics or related areas, and have a genuine interest in information processing in neuroendocrine circuits. Expertise in programming (R, MatLab) and computational methods (statistics, database management, bioinformatics, image processing and mathematics) are essential. Independence, motivation, good communication skills, and high quality publications are also required.

      Salary:
      The salary range will be around 33,230 GBP, per annum plus 2,323 GBP per annum London Allowance depending on relevant skills and experience.

      Duration: Fixed term contract ending 30 September 2014.

      Closing Date: 18th April 2013

      Contact:
      For an informal discussion of the post please contact Dr QueeLim Ch?ng on 020 7848 8256, or via email at queelim@kcl.ac.uk. Further details and application packs are available on the College?s website at www.kcl.ac.uk/jobs. All correspondence should clearly state the job title and reference number BMS/2049/13-CB. If you have any queries please contact your Recruitment Co-ordinator at devneuro-recruitment@kcl.ac.uk

      Apply at:
      http://www.kcl.ac.uk/depsta/pertra/vacancy/external/pers_detail.php?jobindex=12953

  • Postdoc: Modeling and Analysis of Infectious Diseases, Taiwan
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 13 - March 29, 2013

      Postdoctoral Positions for Modeling and Analysis of Infectious Diseases in Taiwan

      Positions: 1-2 Postdoctoral positions to work on mathematical modeling and statistical analysis of infectious diseases epidemiology at China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.

      Background needed: Strong background and research potential in Mathematics, Statistics, Ecology, Physics, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, or related modeling/computation degree. Prior experience in modeling of infectious disease epidemiology or ecology is preferred but not required.

      Salary: NT$55,000-75,000/month depending on qualification, plus 1.5 month bonus each year (1 US$ is about 30 NT$); full airfare reimbursement for postdoc fellow and spouse, full national health insurance coverage.

      Term: Positions are 1-3 years, subject to renewal of grant.

      Time: Starting August 1, 2013 (or anytime after).

      Location: Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan (Website: http://www.cmu.edu.tw or http://english.cmu.edu.tw/). Taichung is a city of 2 million in the central part of Taiwan, two hours south of Taipei. (See http://www.tccg.gov.tw/eng/index.htm)

      To apply: Send CV, statement of research interest, and 2-3 references to Professor Ying-Hen Hsieh,
      email address: hsieh@mail.cmu.edu.tw.
      Webpage: http://mail.cmu.edu.tw/~hsieh/

      To receive full consideration, please send application as soon as possible.

  • Postdoc: Statistical and Population Genetics, McGill U., Montreal
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 13 - March 29, 2013

      A postdoctoral position in statistical and population genetics is available in Simon Gravel's group at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. The group focuses on population genetics methods to understand human evolution and demography, and on the analysis of high-throughput genomic data. The postdoctoral researcher will be involved in conceptual methods development, implementation, and applications to cutting-edge data.

      The ideal candidate will have a strong quantitative background and programming experience in at least one scripting language (e.g., perl, R, python) and/or one compiled language. Previous experience in population genetics, the analysis of high-throughput genetic data, and human evolution are all assets, but are not required. We welcome applications from any area of quantitative biology, mathematics, physics, computer science, and related fields.

      The position offers an exceptional opportunity for independent research in a quantitative and theoretical lab with great access to cutting-edge data. The McGill Human Genetics department and the McGill and Genome Quebec Innovation Center, together with numerous nearby institutes in Montreal, provide a thriving academic environment.

      Applications and queries should be sent to simon.gravel at mcgill.ca. Please include a research statement and a CV, one of which should address programming experience--code samples or links to published/distributed code are welcome. Contact information for three references is required. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

  • Postdoc: Computational Biology/Bioinformatics, U. of Coimbra, Portugal
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 13 - March 29, 2013

      The Molecular Systems Biology Group at the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNCB) - University of Coimbra, Portugal, is seeking highly motivated candidates for a post-doctoral fellowship under the project FCOMP?01?0124?FEDER?020978 (FCT ref.: PTDC/QUI?BIQ/119657/2010) 'Finding the naturally evolved design principles of prevalent metabolic circuits'. Applicants of any nationality must have a Ph. D. degree by the application deadline, a documented strong mathematical and computational background, and a strong publication record in bioinformatics, computational systems biology or related areas.

      The object of activity will be the characterization of principles of quantitative design of metabolic network motifs through mathematical modeling, systems analysis and analysis of available experimental data.

      The fellowship will have the duration of 12 months and start May 2013 (negotiable date). Eventual renewal will be based on merit and availability of funds. The monthly salary will be 1495 Euros.

      Applications can be submitted by email to armindo.salvador@gmail.com, no later than April 6th 2013. They must indicate reference BPD2/PTDC/QUI?BIQ/119657/2010 and include all the following documents: motivation letter, curriculum vitae, publications list, copy of Ph. D. diploma/certificate, and contact information (email and phone) of at least three references.

      For further information please see http://www.eracareers.pt/opportunities/index.aspx?task=global&jobId=34466

  • Postdoc: Math./Comp. Bio. Chemistry..., U. of Michigan Medical School
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 12 - March 22, 2013

      Postdoctoral position in Mathematical/Computational Biological Chemistry and Cell Biology at the University of Michigan Medical School

      We are announcing an opening for a postdoctoral position to work in the area of mathematical/computational biological chemistry and cell biology at Dr. Santiago Schnell's laboratory. The postdoctoral fellow will work specifically in investigating protein aggregation mechanisms and the biochemical pathways of ER stress during the progression of protein folding diseases. The research fellow will also interact with our experimental collaborators in this area at the University of Michigan.

      Candidates should have experience in the mathematical modeling and numerical solutions of differential equations, and an understanding of biochemical kinetics, biochemistry and cell biology. This position would suit individuals who have a first degree in mathematics, chemistry, engineering or biomedical sciences, and a PhD in applied mathematics, systems biology, biophysics, physical-chemistry, biomedical/chemical engineering. Candidates must enjoy working in a team and have a meticulous approach to their work. They must have experience writing publications and excellent communication skills. This position is available immediately. It will be renewed yearly subject to satisfactory performance. Salary level is determined by the number of full years of relevant postdoctoral experience at the NIH NRSA scale.

      Applications, including a full CV, a covering letter explaining suitability for the position and how the candidate satisfies the selection criteria, and the names and addresses of two referees should be sent to Dr. Santiago Schnell, University of Michigan Medical School, Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Brehm Center 5132, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (E-mail:schnells@umich.edu, Fax: +1-734-232-8162). Candidates must arrange for their referees to send references direct to Dr. Santiago Schnell (fax or email is sufficient).

      Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

  • Postdoc: Multiscale Models of Human Physiology..., U. of Sheffield, UK
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 12 - March 22, 2013

      Research Associate Position, University of Sheffield, UK

      Application deadline: March 26th, 2013

      A fixed term 36 month post-doctoral research associate position is available in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Sheffield, UK to work in a team developing multiscale models of human physiology that incorporate uncertainty quantitatively. The post arises from a large collaborative award from the EPSRC in Forecasting Personal Health in an Uncertain Environment to the University of Sheffield, the University of Manchester and Brunel University. The consortium will develop multiscale models of human physiology that incorporate uncertainty, with a focus on the response of the respiratory system to challenge by influenza virus, and the response of the heart to episodes of atrial fibrillation. The successful applicant for this particular position will develop coarse-grained and continuum models at the molecule/tissue interface. Applicants should have a PhD in theoretical soft condensed matter or related areas and will develop models, including simulation techniques, for relating mucin structure with rheology and for atrial fibrillation activation.

      For more details, search for reference UOS006125 at http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/jobs.

  • Postdoc: Research in Computational Biology, Washington U. School of Med.
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 10 - March 8, 2013

      A postdoctoral position is Computational Biology is available at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

      The successful candidate will be engaged in developing computational models of disease pathophysiology with applications in metabolic diseases, cancer, and others all at the interface with molecular imaging. The ideal candidate should hold a doctoral degree in computational biology, biomathematics, computer science, electrical or mechanical engineering, or related fields with no more than 5 years of prior postdoctoral research experience. Demonstrated research experience in pharmacodynamics/pharmacokinetics, computational biology, mathematical modeling (e.g. of biological systems), control system theory or related fields is required. Knowledge of biology is desirable though not required; rather demonstrated ability to integrate multiple levels of information is required. The candidate should be proficient in at least one programming language (e.g., JAVA, c++) and/or other bio-simulation software packages. Evidence of research activity resulting in publications and/or presentations is highly desirable. The position is available for two years with possible extensions.

      Interested individuals should send a CV and a brief statement of research goals to the address below or via email to shoghik@wustl.edu.

      Web: http://www.shoghilab.com

  • Postdoc: Research in Computational Imaging, Washington U. School of Med.
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 10 - March 8, 2013

      Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational Imaging A postdoctoral position is available at the Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The Department of Radiology is at the forefront of molecular diagnostics and imaging with state-of-the-art scanners and computing facilities.

      The successful candidate will be a member of a highly interdisciplinary lab (http://www.shoghilab.com) including biologists, engineers, and imaging scientists. The successful candidate will be engaged in image processing and modeling (statistical, mathematical) of multi-modality biomedical image data (e.g. PET, MRI) with projects encompassing metabolic imaging, oncologic imaging, and cardiovascular imaging, both clinical and preclinical (animal models of disease).

      The ideal candidate should have a doctoral degree in medical physics, applied mathematics, computer science, bioengineering or related fields with no more than 5 years of previous postdoctoral research experience. Demonstrated experience in at least one of the following fields is required: pattern classification, image segmentation, image co-registration, multivariate statistical modeling, optimization, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics or related fields.

      The candidate should be proficient in at least one programming language (e.g., MATLAB, JAVA, c++). Experience in medical imaging is preferred but not required. Evidence of research activity resulting in publications and presentations is highly desirable. The position is initially available for two years.

      Interested individuals should send a CV and a brief statement of research goals via email to shoghik@wustl.edu.
      Web: http://www.shoghilab.com

  • Postdoc: Research Scientist/Ecological/Epidemiological Modeller, UK
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 9 - March 1, 2013

      Post-doctoral Research Scientist / Ecological/Epidemiological Modeller Opportunities

      Rothamsted Research, the UK's oldest and largest agricultural research centre, is seeking suitably qualified mathematical modellers, ecologists and epidemiologists for up to four post-doctoral positions to work on applied aspects of the epidemiology of plant pathogens. These post-doctoral positions are available within the Computational and Systems Biology Department in two generic areas:

      Invasive plant pathogens: Increases in global trade have led to a vast increase in invasive plant disease epidemics with serious consequences for both nature conservation and food security. Projects are available developing methods to advise on surveillance and control of such invaders.

      Durable disease control: The evolution of new pathogen strains that overcome existing disease control is a central threat to food security. Projects are available developing methods that minimise selection for new strains and improve the durability of disease control.

      The successful applicants will work on important current applications, including (i) a range of forest tree diseases such as sudden oak death (Phytophthora ramorum), acute oak decline (casual organism unknown) and ash dieback (Chalara fraxinea) and (ii) a range of crop diseases such as Stem rust Ug99 (Puccinia graminis f.sp.tritici), a pathogen of wheat threatening recurrent famine in parts of Africa and Asia, cassava virus diseases in Africa and a range of fungal disease of wheat in the UK.

      As well as address fundamental research questions in this area, the post-holders will have the opportunity to work closely with regulatory agencies and international partners to have a tangible impact on control strategies in practice. Therefore the successful applicants must have strong quantitative skills and experience in ecological or epidemic modelling.

      Informal enquires about these positions can be directed to Dr Frank van den Bosch (frank.vandenbosch@rothamsted.ac.uk) or to Dr Stephen Parnell (stephen.parnell@rothamsted.ac.uk). The positions are full-time within Band D and attract a starting salary within the range 26,745 and 31,677 GBP. The positions available range between three to five years in duration.

      Apply by application form only, available with further particulars from www.rothamsted.ac.uk or from the HR Group, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2JQ, rres.hr@rothamsted.ac.uk. Please quote reference 1244.

      Closing date: 28 March 2013

  • Postdoc: Research Associate Position, Georgetown University
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 9 - March 1, 2013

      POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
      Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA

      Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate position in the prediction and containment of livestock diseases with spatio-temporal network modeling.

      This position will be funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and will be based in the group of Shweta Bansal (http://bansallab.com) at Georgetown University. Successful applicants will develop mathematical and statistical network models for partially-observed data and apply them to inform control or management of infectious disease in U.S. livestock populations. The ideal candidate has a PhD in statistics, applied mathematics or another highly quantitative field and previous experience in the analysis of epidemiological or ecological systems with network models.

      Initial appointments will be for one year, with possible renewal to a second year depending on progress. The salary will be in the range of $48,000-54,000 per year (depending on experience), plus fringe benefits. The position is available to be filled immediately, but the starting date is negotiable.

      Georgetown University is a vibrant scientific community and the successful applicant will be afforded many opportunities for professional development. Washington D.C. offers a rich cultural and intellectual life, in the heart of the U.S. policy scene.

      For further information, contact Shweta Bansal (e-mail: sb753@georgetown.edu). Applicants should send a cover letter, a detailed CV, a brief statement of research interests, and names and contact information for three references. The cover letter should discuss possible starting dates.

      Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the post has been filled.

  • Postdoc: Comp. Sci. Eng / Comp. Biology, Juelich
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 9 - March 1, 2013

      At the Research Center Juelich, we are seeking a highly motivated and creative postdoc with sound expertise in computational science and some background in biotechnology. This project is a collaboration between the Biotechnology Institute (IBG-1) and the Juelich Supercomputing Center (JSC). The position is available immediately and offered for 2 years. Juelich is Germany's largest research center with more than 5000 employees and hosts Europe's largest supercomputer JUQUEEN. The Biotechnology Institute has a long tradition in industrial biotechnology and, in particular, biochemical network modeling.

      In the project, a multi-scale modeling approach will be applied for bridging time and length scales between molecular mechanisms and process outputs. A major task will be to evaluate and couple simulation codes for Brownian dynamics (BD), cellular automata (CA) and partial differential equations (PDE). Improving the scalability on our supercomputers will also be an issue, in order to compute realistically sized examples. The methods will then be used for studying the impact of in-vivo diffusion and channeling of macromolecules, geometry related effects at membrane surfaces and in micro-channels, and related multi-scale phenomena.

      Candidates should have a PhD degree in computational science and engineering (CSE) or a related field, with sound programming experience in C/C++. The ideal candidate would also have a decent publication record, parallel programming skills, and some background in statistical thermodynamics and/or computational biology/biotechnology. Applications, containing the candidate's CV with recent publications, a statement of current and future career goals, and names of 3 referees should be sent by email to

      Dr. Eric von Lieres (e.von.lieres@fz-juelich.de)

  • Postdoc: Computational Biology, University of Amsterdam
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 8 - February 22, 2013

      Postdoc Computational Biology, University of Amsterdam

      The Section computational Science (University of Amsterdam) has an open position for the following project: Genetically-programmable self-patterning swarm organs (SWARM-ORGAN). The project is an EU-funded project and is a collaboration with: University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands (Jaap Kaandorp); Fundacio Privada Centre de Regulacio Genomics, Spain (James Sharpe, coordinator); University of Surrey, UK (Yaochu Jin) and The John Innes Centre, UK (Veronica Grieneisen)

      The SWARM-ORGAN project will focus on systems containing large numbers of autonomous but relatively simple agents, whose goal is to collectively organize themselves into complex spatial arrangements despite each agent having only local awareness. This particular question is directly relevant to both biological morphogenesis, and to new paradigms of distributed technology such as robotic swarms and amorphous computing. A fundamental challenge in this area is how to design the local control system of each agent, and the SWARM-ORGAN project will extensively explore a specific approach - namely the use of GRNs (gene regulatory networks) - as a potentially powerful control method for these systems. By focusing on GRNs we will develop a theoretical framework about distributed adaptive control, which will be equally informative in both understanding natural biological technologies. In the part of the project at the University of Amsterdam we will focus on modeling gene regulatory networks and embryogenesis in cnidarians.

      Tasks:
      The postdoc will work on modelling of gene regulation and embryogenesis in cnidarians using a computational approach.

      Requirements:
      The position is open for candidates at the postdoc level. Candidates should have a master's degree (or equivalent) in scientific computing or computational science, (computational) physics, (computational) chemistry or a comparable expertise. Candidates are expected to have expertise in mathematical modelling, scientific programming and life science applications. The candidate should be able to work in an international research team. A strong research record, evidenced by a PhD thesis and papers published in peer-reviewed journals is needed. Fluency in oral and written English is required. Motivation to travel to a different country and integrate efficiently in a new research team is fundamental.

      Further information can be obtained from Dr Jaap A. Kaandorp, Section Computational Science, University of Amsterdam, email: J.A.Kaandorp@uva.nl.

      More information (application procedure, deadlines etc.) is available on http://www.uva.nl/en/about-the-uva/working-at-the-uva/vacancies.html

  • Postdoc, Graduate student & Research Associate Positions, Northwestern U.
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 7 - February 15, 2013

      Patient-specific clinical-scale mathematical modeling of brain tumor growth and response to therapy

      Opportunities are available at Northwestern University in downtown Chicago for research positions in the field of clinical scale brain tumor computational and mathematical modeling at the postdoctoral, graduate student and research scientist levels. Our lab is located on the Feinberg School of Medicine campus in downtown Chicago, nestled between Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan.

      We are seeking highly motivated people interested in applying mathematical models, numerical methods and image analysis techniques to clinical scale patient-specific data to provide novel insight into brain tumor disease progression, invasion and response to treatment using mathematical modeling. The appointed candidate(s) will work with Dr. Kristin Swanson and senior research staff on one or more of the following projects to answer a variety of questions focused on direct clinical applications of mathematical modeling, such as:

      -model implementation and comparison with experimental and/or clinical data
      -the role of angiogenesis in tumor progression
      -anti-angiogenic therapy and medical imaging
      -the tumor microenvironment and histologic grading
      -quantifying extent of tumor cell invasion and proliferation in individual patients
      -radiation therapy and regions of hypoxia induced focal resistance

      The ideal candidate should have a strong background in applied mathematics, bioenginering or computation, with biology a strong plus. Experience with computational methods required to solve partial differential equations and experience in computer programming and visualization of results are highly desired. Excellent communication skills and enthusiasm for communicating modeling results to a clinical audience as well as working in an interdisciplinary team are essential. The candidate will be expected to contribute to achieving research grant goals and objectives as well as securing new sources of funding. Depending on experience, the candidate may supervise junior scientists, engineers or technicians on assigned work, mentor/train staff in development of technical, project development skills, as well as provide input into staffing of overall project teams by identifying and evaluating candidates for open positions.

      Applications will be accepted until positions are filled and are contingent on continued research funding. To apply, visit: http://MathematicalNeuroOncology.org/ and send a cv, cover letter and contact information for three references to

  • Postdoc: Researcher in Spatial Ecology, Univ. of Maryland
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 7 - February 15, 2013

      Postdoctoral Researcher in Spatial Ecology:
      Bill Fagan's ecology lab at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD, has a new opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Spatial Ecology. This dynamic lab group, which currently includes two research assistant scientists, three postdocs, six graduate students, and numerous undergraduates, is pursuing a wide variety of research efforts on spatial and theoretical topics that draw upon GIS, mathematical modeling, and statistical analyses. For examples, see http://www.clfs.umd.edu/biology/faganlab/

      This advertisement is for a postdoctoral position in an NSF-funded project focusing on the development and analysis of spatial models. The candidate should have expertise in the analyses of animal relocation data and mechanistic movement models. Experience in multivariate stochastic processes, hierarchical spatial models, and/or time series analyses is advantageous. In addition, good computational skills with knowledge in various programming languages (e.g., R, Python) are required. Experience in using remote sensing data for habitat and species distribution models as well as handling of large spatial databases & GIS software is desirable.

      The successful candidate will have a PhD, likely in quantitative ecology, geography, or a related field and a history of publishing in top journals. Prior postdoctoral experience is beneficial, but not required.

      The initial appointment will be for one year, but funding is already in place for up to two additional years pending good performance. Efforts to secure substantial long-term support via collaborative grant proposals would be encouraged and, when successful, could lead to appointment at the level of research assistant scientist. Benefits are included and pay will be commensurate with experience. The start date is negotiable, but could be as early as June 2013.

      Review of applications will begin 1 April 2013, and will continue until the position has been filled. To apply for the position, please email a CV and the names and email addresses of three references to:

      Bill Fagan (bfagan@umd.edu)

  • Postdoc Position: Regulatory Genomics, University of Chicago
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 7 - February 15, 2013

      A position is available for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher in the group of Barbara Stranger at The University of Chicago, in the Section of Genetic Medicine, and the Institute of Genomics and Systems Biology. The researcher will be involved in analysis of a variety of types of human genomics data, including DNA-Seq, RNA-Seq, SNPs, DNA methylation, etc. Current research in the lab includes (1) transcriptional network and pathway analysis; (2) comparative and population genomics; (3) functional genomic data integration and data mining; and (4) detection of disease susceptibility genes/networks. Project topics include understanding the role of genetic and epigenetic variation on transcriptional regulation in healthy human cohorts, the contribution of that variation to higher order phenotypes including immune-mediated diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and cancer, and elucidation of the evolutionary forces shaping functional variation in humans.

      MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

      -A Ph.D. in bioinformatics, computer science, genomics, population genetics, or other relevant fields of statistical biology.
      -Research experience (with strong first-author publications) in computational genomics, molecular evolution, population genetics, or a closely-related field
      - Strong analytical, statistical, quantitative, and computational/programming skills, ideally in C or C++ as well as in scripting languages such as perl, matlab, or R. Should be comfortable in a with large data sets, computer clusters, and databases.
      - Creativity, curiousity, enthusiastiam, and ability to work independently.

      PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

      -Experience in analysis of DNA-seq, RNA-seq, and/or CHiP-seq data, as well as experience constructing complex biological networks.
      -Background in genomics or population genetics.
      -Candidates with a multidisciplinary background, spanning both life sciences and quantitative sciences are especially encouraged to apply.

      To formally apply, please send the following in PDF format to Barbara Stranger (bstranger at uchicago dot edu):

      1. A curriculum vitae, including names of 3 referees.
      2. A brief statement describing current and future research goals

      Our lab website is currently under construction, but informal inquiries are welcome.

  • Research Fellow in Modeling and Control of Socio-Motor Coordination, UK
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 7 - February 15, 2013

      We seek to recruit a Research Fellow to undertake research into mathematical modelling and control of human social interactions. You will contribute to a joint venture between movement scientists from Montpellier 1 University in France, computer science experts from the DFKI centre (Germany), mathematicians from the University of Bristol (UK), roboticists from the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (CH), as well as clinicians, psychologists and psychiatrists from the Academic Hospital of Montpellier (CHRU, FR).

      You will have an excellent background in mathematics and/or engineering, and should be committed to applying their research to make real artificial agents? systems interacting with people in challenging circumstances. You will possess a relevant PhD and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in mathematical modelling, numerical bifurcation analysis and feedback control design in order to work within the project. You are expected to produce reliable mathematical models; feedback control strategies and numerical algorithms that i) allow real-time adaptation of the coupled human-artificial agent dynamics based on feedback control techniques and ii) integrate all parts of the interactive cognitive architecture together.

      For informal enquires please contact:
      Dr KT Tsaneva-Atanasova, Reader in Applied Mathematics
      Email: K.Tsaneva-Atanasova@bristol.ac.uk

      For further details and to apply please visit:
      http://www.bris.ac.uk/jobs/find/list.html?keywords=&jobnum=ACAD100163&srcsubmit=Search&statlog=1&ID=Q50FK026203F3VBQBV7V77V83&mask=uobext&LG=UK

  • Postdoc Fellowships: two available David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 6 - February 8, 2013

      Two Postdoctoral fellowships available at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

      We invite applications for two 3-year postdoctoral research fellowships in Professor Blower's research group in the Biomedical Modeling Center at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. One position is in Spatial Ecology and Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases in Africa. The other position is focused on modeling the Evolutionary Dynamics of Drug-Resistance in Resource-Rich countries. Both projects will involve computational and mathematical modeling, as well as statistical analyses of very rich detailed databases. Support is through an NIH grant. The salary is $52,000 plus fringe benefits. Starting date is negotiable. Applicants must have a doctorate in Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, Biostatistics, Mathematical Biology, Theoretical Ecology, Spatial Ecology/Epidemiology, Health Geographics or a closely related field. We are most interested in applicants with extensive experience in spatial statistics and analysis of georeferenced data. We are also extremely interested in applicants who have worked on the spatial aspects of malaria. Please visit www.semel.ucla.edu/biomedicalmodeling for more information about our research group, where we work (Los Angeles - where you can't beat the weather, movie openings and beaches) and pdfs of our recent publications.

      If you are interested in either of these positions please contact Professor Sally Blower at sally.blower@gmail.com Applicants should send a cover letter, a detailed CV, a brief statement of research interests, and the names (and email addresses) of three references. The cover letter should discuss possible starting dates.

      Review of applications will start immediately and will continue until the posts have been filled.

  • Postdoc: Theoretical Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medecine, NYC
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 6 - February 8, 2013

      Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Theoretical Immunology
      Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York

      A postdoctoral position is available in our group in the Department of Systems and Computational Biology.

      We work on a variety of questions relating to the dynamics of T cell development, maintenance and responses to pathogens. Some of our current interests are (i) understanding how developing T cells process information during selection in the thymus, (ii) quantifying turnover of hematopoietic cell lineages, (iii) understanding how recent thymic emigrants and mature naive T cells integrate homeostatic stimuli, and (iv) spatial modeling of the very earliest stages of HIV infection in humanised mouse models. Your work will be theoretical and/or data-driven, using deterministic or stochastic models, analytical or computational, where appropriate. You will likely have the opportunity to work with data from dedicated experiments that we design in collaboration with experimental Immunologists.

      Applicants must have a PhD degree in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science or equivalent. Previous experience of immunological modeling and/or a basic background in immunology will be a strong advantage.

      The post is available immediately, initially for 1 year, with possible extension to 3 years.

      Contact Andrew Yates (andrew.yates@einstein.yu.edu) for further details. Group webpage: www.einstein.yu.edu/labs/andrew-yates

      Yeshiva University is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity

  • Postdoc: Math. & Comp. Infectious Disease Dynamics, U. of Michigan
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 5 - February 1, 2013

      *POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATES*
      Departments of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Mathematics and Center for the Study of Complex Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA

      Applications are invited for two postdoctoral research fellowships in the immunity, epidemiology and evolution of pertussis (whooping cough). These posts are part of a long-term NIH-funded project supervised by Pej Rohani and Aaron King. Successful applicants will develop mathematical and computational transmission models and confront them with longitudinal incidence data using cutting-edge statistical inference techniques. The ideal candidate has a PhD in statistics, applied mathematics, applied physics, other highly quantitative field and previous experience in the analysis of epidemiological or ecological systems.

      Initial appointments will be for one year, with possible renewal depending on progress. The salary will be in the range of $37,000-42,000 per year (depending on experience), plus fringe benefits. Starting date is negotiable.

      The University of Michigan is a vibrant scientific community and the successful applicants will be afforded many opportunities for professional development. Ann Arbor offers a rich cultural and intellectual life in a very livable small city setting.

      For further information, contact Pej Rohani (e-mail: rohani@umich.edu) and Aaron King (kingaa@umich.edu). Applicants should send a cover letter, a detailed CV, a brief statement of research interests, and the names of three references. The cover letter should discuss possible starting dates.

      Review of applications will start immediately and will continue until the posts have been filled.

  • Postdoc & RA: Computational Population Biology, UC Berkeley
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 5 - February 1, 2013

      Research Assistant/Postdoctoral Position: Computational Population Biology Dept. Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management UC Berkeley Applications from scientists/engineers/statisticians with a background in both computation and population biology is sought to develop library models for the NOVA (http://www.novamodeler.com/wordpress) computational platform and to construct agent/individual-based models using NOVA for research in movement and disease ecology. Minimum qualifications are an engineering degree or an MS, but Ph.D. applicants are preferred. Experience with R, ArcGIS, and JavaScript is a plus, as is experience with fitting biological/environmental models to data.

      Position available immediately for an initial one-year period. Send applications to Wayne Getz: wgetz@berkeley.edu, which should include a CV, statement of interest and availability, and the names, phone numbers and email addresses of three people who can provide letters of reference.

  • Research Fellows: Math. Modelling of Complex Brain Networks, UK
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 5 - February 1, 2013

      We seek to recruit two Research Fellows to work with Professor John Terry on an MRC Programme Grant: 'Brain Networks in Epilepsy: Endophenotypes and Generative Models'. These posts form part of a large scale research effort involving collaborators at King?s College London and the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (Brisbane) and are available from July 1, 2013 or a mutually agreeable date thereafter, for an initial period of 3 years. You are encouraged to contact Professor Terry via email: J.Terry@exeter.ac.uk prior to submitting an application.

      The successful applicants will work on a multidisciplinary project involving the development of mathematical models, network analysis tools and methods for fusing models and data. Working closely with clinical scientists at King's College London, developed methods will be applied to clinical data (including EEG, fMRI and DTI) collected from a very large sample of patients with epilepsy. These will be used to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms of seizure emergence and to predict treatment outcome.

      The successful applicants will have experience in at least one of the following areas:

      * Constructing mathematical models of biological or neural systems;
      * Analysis of nonlinear and/or stochastic dynamical systems;
      * Numerical methods for analysing dynamical systems (e.g. bifurcation analysis and numerical continuation)
      * Analysis of complex networks or graph theory

      Applicants should have a PhD in computational or mathematical biology, complex networks and graph theory, systems biology, computational neuroscience, nonlinear dynamical systems or a closely related discipline. It is further desirable that the candidate has experience of working in a multidisciplinary environment, ideally interacting with clinicians or experimental neuroscientists.

      For further details and to apply please visit: http://admin.exeter.ac.uk/personnel/jobs/P44457.pdf

Faculty and other positions

(Click on job title for additional information.)
  • Selected NIH Intramural Research and other Positions - May Update
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 18 - May 3, 2013

      Chief Laboratory of Computational Medicine, NEI
      (deadline: open-ended)

      The NEI seeks to develop a new program in computational analysis that fully employs human genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, neurophysiological and clinical data sets to reconstruct biological networks characteristic of normal and disease states. The magnitude, diversity, rich information content, and hierarchical connectivity of these data sets require the utilization and development of novel quantitative tools. The goal is to understand human disease at a molecular level in order to develop mechanism-based therapeutic interventions.

      We invite applications for head of a new laboratory of Computational Medicine within the NEI Intramural Research Program. This initiative seeks to integrate and translate knowledge from genetics and biology to a wide range of disease processes using systems, network, statistical and bioinformatics approaches.

      * Examples in ocular biology amenable to a systems approach would include neuro-immune interactions, gene regulatory networks during disease pathogenesis, protein interaction pathways, neuron-glial-vascular biological networks in the retina, neuronal networks in the CNS, and developmental conditions and disorders.

      * The research program has interest in developing novel computational methodologies for analyzing large genetic, biological, biomedical, neuronal, and functional data sets. Particular attention will be paid to genotype-phenotype correlations, gene-gene and gene-environment interactions. In parallel, we will actively seek to develop disease intermediate phenotypes that reflect the underlying biology and pathophysiology of disease.

      * Data sets from large clinical trials, genetic studies (including GWAS), expression profiling in normal and disease conditions, and from the eyeGENE human research repository for monogenic ophthalmic diseases will be developed to reconstruct and understand ocular biological networks that link genetic perturbations, small molecule interactions, and physiological processes, to predict normal and disease states

      The NEI/NIH provides an exceptional environment of dedicated scientists as well as a wide range of resources. We currently envision that this program will be located in the newly constructed Porter Neuroscience complex that houses a diverse set of investigators from many different Institutes. The successful candidate will be expected to recruit tenure-track faculty in areas that may include computational medicine or neuroscience, network biology, genetic or molecular epidemiology, cell and molecular biology, statistical genetics, bioinformatics, and biostatistics into the new Laboratory of Computational Medicine. Applicants should have a MD, MD/PhD or PhD and an outstanding record of accomplishments in genetics, epidemiology, neuroscience, cell and molecular biology, biostatistics, or a related quantitative discipline. Senior scientists would have the opportunity to maintain their participation in existing collaborative research in non-eye diseases if desired.

      This position will remain open until filled. Applicants should submit curriculum vitae, bibliography, copies of their five most significant publications, a summary of research accomplishments, names of three references, and a detailed experimental plan for the development of this program. These materials should be sent to: The Office of the Scientific Director, National Eye Institute, Attention: Ms. Mica Gordon (gordonmi@nei.nih.gov), NIH Building 31, 31 Center Drive, Room 6A22, Bethesda, MD, 20892. The National Eye Institute does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor. DHHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers.

      The NIH Intramural Research Program
      http://irp.nih.gov/
      http://irp.nih.gov/careers/tenured-and-tenure-track-scientific-careers

      Link to Fellowships and Positions of Interest to fellows
      https://www.training.nih.gov/
      https://www.training.nih.gov/career_services/jobs

      Link to NIH Jobs
      http://www.jobs.nih.gov/

      Searchable database of all NIH intramural research projects
      http://intramural.nih.gov/search/index.tml

      Clinical Training at NIH
      http://www.cc.nih.gov/training/index.html
      http://www.cc.nih.gov/training/gme.html

      NIH Common Fund Diversity Initiatives
      http://commonfund.nih.gov/diversity/

      Women of Color Research Network
      www.wocrn.nih.gov/

      Mid-Atlantic Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)
      www.midatlanticherc.org

      NIH Clinical Center Grand Rounds Schedule:
      http://clinicalcenter.nih.gov/about/news/grcurrent.html

      Archives:
      http://videocast.nih.gov/PastEvents.asp?c=27

      NIH Wednesday Afternoon Lecture Series Schedule:
      http://wals.od.nih.gov/

      Archives:
      http://videocast.nih.gov/PastEvents.asp?c=3

  • Job Opportunities - Co57 Systems
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 16 - April 19, 2013

      Building Visual Intelligence

      Co57 designs cognitive architectures for artificial vision systems, enabling them to perceive and interact with the world.

      Research and Development- Open Positions
      For more information on these and other positions, please check out the website: http://co57.com/jobs.html

  • Regius Chair in Mathematics at the University of St Andrews, UK
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 14 - April 5, 2013

      The Regius Chair in Mathematics at the University of St Andrews, UK is presently vacant and applications in all areas of Mathematical Sciences are invited.

      The advertisement is on the University web-site:

      https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk//ViewVacancy.aspx?enc=mEgrBL4XQK0+ld8aNkwYmIXOlG1605xaBhAbM0r5kwUN4+XXvxW2OgJU8seAyiVHUmlmtPQsF8JrGu6NLPXfSw== and on http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/AGH099/regius-professor-of-mathematics-me837/

      Please note that applications from all areas of mathematical biology are welcomed. The appointment is expected to expand our existing research portfolio but synergies with the current expertise are encouraged.

      The closing date for applications is 10 May 2013.

  • Assistant/Associate Professor: Computational Life Sciences, Utrecht U.
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 13 - March 29, 2013

      Open position: Assistant/Associate Professor in Computational Life Sciences

      The Theoretical Biology & Bioinformatics (TBB) group at Utrecht University is searching for a computational life scientist with a track record reflecting exciting fundamental biological research, which should involve modeling and/or bioinformatics. You will be functioning at the PI level, develop your own research line and supervise your own PhD students. Your background could be biology provided you have a solid expertise in modeling or bioinformatics, or mathematics or physics provided you have genuine biological research line.

      Research positions in the department involve both research and teaching. Your major teaching duty will be a bachelor course in biostatistics that is mandatory for all biology students. We therefore expect a solid background in statistics and excellent teaching skills. The total average teaching duty is 40% of your appointment. The remaining 60% is intended for research and you are expected to develop your own research line in the computational life sciences. This involves acquiring grants to form your own group of PhD students and postdocs within the TBB group.

      Background:
      The TBB group (http://theory.bio.uu.nl) at the Biology department employs mathematical models, computer simulation models and bioinformatics to perform fundamental biological research in a variety of biological disciplines. Using a computational life sciences approach, the research focus is on evolution, complexity, and quantitative biology (or systems biology). The major current research lines involve evolutionary genomics, development, immunology, and multilevel evolution. The group is part of the Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity (IBB:http://www.ibb-uu.nl/), embedded in one of the largest Biology departments in the Netherlands (>200 new students per year). The group teaches modeling and bioinformatics to biology students at the bachelor and master level. PhD students in the group have diverse backgrounds ranging from biology, physics to mathematics, and half of them are from abroad. The IBB focuses on molecular life sciences, and is collaborating with other departments of the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Medicine, and the Hubrecht Institute in Utrecht.

      Information:
      Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained at the website "http://theory.bio.uu.nl/positions.html", and by email from: Prof. dr. Rob J. de Boer (R.J.DeBoer@uu.nl). As part of the selection procedure successful candidates are expected to give an outline of his/her research plans in a written report and an oral presentation. To apply, please find the position in the very near future here and attach a letter of motivation and curriculum vitae. The application deadline is May 1st, 2013 but we will continue the procedure until the position is fulfilled. Conditions of employment: The candidate is offered a full-time position on a tenure track basis at the assistant professor level. The tenure track period is for 5 years, and after a successful evaluation this will be continued on a permanent basis. The salary is supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition we offer: a pension scheme, a partially paid parental leave, flexible employment conditions. Conditions are based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities. The research group will provide the candidate with necessary support on all aspects of the project. The gross salary is in the range between 3227 and maximum 5979 Euro per month.

  • Job Opportunities - Co57 Systems on Building Visual Intelligence
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 11 - March 15, 2013

      Co57 designs cognitive architectures for artificial vision systems, enabling them to perceive and interact with the world.

      Research and Development- Job Description-

      Located in Cambridge, MA.
      Research and development of a real-time robot vision system for detection of objects, actions, and events.

      Responsibilities:
      Developing computational models of activity recognition, scene understanding, and motion analysis Building a real-time vision system out of distributed, asynchronous components. Demonstrating working solutions with quantifiable results. Taking ownership of topics, periodically writing and presenting internal reports.

      For open positions see: http://co57.com/jobs.html

  • R&D Positions: Multiple Informatics Positions at Janssen
    • SMB Digest Vol 13, Issue 8 - February 22, 2013

      Janssen has a number of excellent positions open for individuals with strong informatics skills. The positions are within therapeutic areas, so individuals will have the ability to strongly impact the portfolio of drugs that we bring to market.

      Interested individuals should apply on J&J's job Web site.

      PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST, COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGIST
      - http://jobs.jnj.com/s/uNXQ58#.URkufVX9Qks.email
      SENIOR SCIENTIST, COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGIST
      - http://jobs.jnj.com/s/oAdSR4#.URkxIA12K8Y.email
      SENIOR SCIENTIST, COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGIST
      - http://jobs.jnj.com/s/OOTkcD#.URlfw9kwEto.email
      SCIENTIST, COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGIST
      - http://jobs.jnj.com/s/eQ7P7N#.URkv71XYu-0.email
      SENIOR SCIENTIST, BIOMARKERS
      - http://jobs.jnj.com/job/Spring-House-SENIOR-SCIENTIST%2C-BIOMARKERS-Job-PA-19477/2323671/

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