---------------------------------------------------- Subject: SMB Digest v10i18 SMB Digest May 5, 2010 Volume 10 Issue 18 ISSN 1086-6566 Editor: Ray Mejía ray(at)smb(dot)org Note: Information about the Society for Mathematical Biology, including an application for membership, may be found in the SMB Home Page, http://www.smb.org/ . Access the Bulletin of Mathematical Biology, the official journal of SMB, at http://www.springer.com/11538 . Inquiries about membership or BMB fulfillment should be sent to membership(at)smb(dot)org . Issue's Topics: Call for Abstracts: First VPH Conference, 30 Sept-1 Oct, Brussels CfP: Special Issue of BMC Public Health on Modelling Influenza EMBO Conference Series: From Functional Genomics to Systems Biology 11th Joint European Thermodynamics Conf., 27 June-1 July, Chemnitz Summer School NN2010, 12-16 July, Porto, Portugal CfP: High Performance Computational Systems Biology NSF Webcasts May 3 & May 6: Interdisciplinary Funding Opportunity ... NSF Call for Exploratory Workshop Proposals Natural Resource Modeling, International Year of Biodiversity Research Positions: Bioinformatics/Computational Immunology, Sydney NIH Research Jobs, May Update SMBnet Reminders ---------------------------------------------------- From: Date: Sat, 1 May 2010 10:20:06 +0200 Subject: Call for Abstracts: First VPH Conference, 30 Sept-1 Oct, Brussels VPH2010: Extension of Call for abstracts by 17th May 2010! From 30th September to 1st October 2010 the Universite' Libre de Bruxelles will host the first of a series of international conferences entirely dedicated to the Virtual Physiological Human: VPH2010. This is a high level scientific event supported by the European Commission with key stakeholders to further establish the field in the clinical practice, in the industry, and in research as well as with funding agencies. We have had numerous requests for an extension of the deadline for abstracts submission for the VPH2010 conference. This is mainly due to the ICT Call 6 which many of the VPH community have been busy working on and in small part due to the volcanic ash cloud and the Easter holidays. We are therefore pleased to announce that we have decided to extend the deadline for abstracts until 17th May 2010 at 17.00pm CET. We are further delighted to announce that Zoran Stancic, Deputy Director General of DG Information Society will give the welcome address and open the conference on 30th September. With other keynote speakers such as Aleksander Popel (Johns Hopkins University), Nadia Rosenthal (European Molecular Biology Laboratory), Norbert Graf (University Hospital of the Saarland, and Janet Thornton (European Bioinformatics Institute), VPH2010 is likely to be "the" event for the VPH community worldwide. There is also a large Scientific Committee of VPH Experts from many different domains which reflects the multi-disciplinary nature of this first VPH event. For further details please visit the VPH NoE website http://www.vph-noe.eu/vph2010 Please click https://abstracts.congrex.com/scripts/jmevent/Abstract.asp?Client_Id=%27CSL%27&Project_Id=%27100901%27&Form_Id=1&Language_Code for online abstract submission. ---------------------------------------------------- From: Robert Smith? Date: Mon, May 3, 2010 at 12:47 AM Subject: CfP: Special Issue of BMC Public Health on Modelling Influenza Call for Papers: Special Issue of BMC Public Health on Modelling Influenza We invite you to submit manuscripts for a special issue on mathematical modelling of influenza for BMC Public Health. We welcome manuscripts dealing with any type of influenza modelling (seasonal influenza, avian influenza, H1N1). Please email rsmith43 (at) uottawa.ca to submit manuscripts or for more information. Jean Michel Tchuenche and Robert Smith? ---------------------------------------------------- From: EMBL Conferences Date: Sun, May 2, 2010 at 12:56 PM Subject: EMBO Conference Series: From Functional Genomics to Systems Biology Dear colleagues, We are happy to announce the EMBO Conference Series: From Functional Genomics to Systems Biology, 13 - 16 November 2010 which will take place in Heidelberg, Germany at the EMBL Advanced Training Centre on EMBL Campus. Please check the conference website for more information: www.embl.de/events/2010/OMX10-01 Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration and abstract deadline:  15 August 2010 There are a limited number of fellowships available; you will find further information on the website. ---------------------------------------------------- From: Katharina Wagner Date: Fri, Apr 30, 2010 at 7:53 AM Subject: 11th Joint European Thermodynamics Conf., 27 June-1 July, Chemnitz Dear colleague, the 11th Joint European Thermodynamics Conference will take place from 27 June till 1 July 2011 in Chemnitz, Germany. Monday till Wednesday will be for presentations and poster sessions covering various aspects of thermodynamics in natural and engineering sciences. Thursday and Friday we will offer some optional field trips to the surroundings of Chemnitz. The 24th ECOS conference takes place from 4 till 7 July 2011 in Serbia. Thus, those of you who like to attend both conferences, could travel directly after the JETC 11 to Serbia. Information about registration, abstract submission, and so on will follow soon. We are looking forward to welcoming you in Chemnitz in June 2011. Best regards, Karl Heinz Hoffmann ---------------------------------------------------- From: NNIG Date: Tue, 4 May 2010 18:07:56 +0100 Subject: Summer School NN2010, 12-16 July, Porto, Portugal Early registration date, May 15! SUMMER SCHOOL NN2010 NEURAL NETWORKS in CLASSIFICATION, REGRESSION and DATA MINING July 12-16, 2010, Porto, Portugal http://www.isep.ipp.pt/nn   email: nn-2010@isep.ipp.pt ---------------------------------------------------- From: Davide Prandi Date: Wed, 5 May 2010 10:52:58 +0200 Subject: CfP: High Performance Computational Systems Biology Second Call for Papers - HiBi 2010 2nd International Workshop on High Performance Computational Systems Biology (HiBi 2010) joint with 9th International Workshop on Parallel and Distributed Methods in verifiCation (PDMC 2010) September 30 - October 1, 2010, Twente, The Netherlands http://www.cosbi.eu/hibi2010/ Co-locating with the joint ICGT/SPIN conference, Sep 27 - Oct 2 IMPORTANT DATES: * Abstract submission: June 14, 2010 * Paper submission: June 21, 2010 * Author notification: July 31, 2010 * Workshop: September 30 - October 1, 2010 ---------------------------------------------------- From: Warchall, Henry A. Date: Fri, Apr 30, 2010 at 10:11 AM Subject: NSF Webcasts May 3 & May 6: Interdisciplinary Funding Opportunity ... Dear Colleague, The National Science Foundation has announced a new program that provides an opportunity for mathematical scientists who are interested in contributing to interdisciplinary projects that will advance the frontier of climate modeling. The NSF will be hosting a webcast Q&A session explaining the solicitation "Decadal and Regional Climate Prediction using Earth System Models (EaSM)." This solicitation (http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503399) was released jointly by NSF, DOE, and USDA on March 25th and seeks to involve scientific communities that may not be accustomed to climate modeling efforts in addition to climate modelers. We encourage any prospective PIs who may have questions about this effort to join us live online, where they will have the opportunity to ask questions of program officers familiar with the solicitation. The first event will be on Monday, May 3rd at 1 PM ET, and the second event will be on Thursday, May 6th at 1 PM ET. You can register for the events from the website: http://www.nsf.gov/geo/sees/easm/index.jsp Regards, The EaSM Team ---------------------------------------------------- From: Warchall, Henry A. Date: Fri, Apr 30, 2010 at 10:33 AM Subject: NSF Call for Exploratory Workshop Proposals Scientific Software Innovation Institutes (S2I2) http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2010/nsf10050/nsf10050.jsp ] ---------------------------------------------------- From: "Cody, Trina - Boston" Date: Mon, 3 May 2010 14:56:01 -0400 Subject: Natural Resource Modeling, International Year of Biodiversity Natural Resource Modeling celebrates the International Year of Biodiversity 2010! Read these articles on Biodiversity for free: INTERNATIONAL BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AGREEMENTS HARRY CLARKE Volume 16 Issue 3, Pages 245 - 257 http://bit.ly/b4ISxk ROTIFERS AND HUBBELL'S UNIFIED NEUTRAL THEORY OF BIODIVERSITY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY KARL A. BERES, ROBERT L. WALLACE, HENDRIK H. SEGERS Volume 18 Issue 3, Pages 363 - 376 http://bit.ly/crNYgI THE INSURANCE VALUE OF BIODIVERSITY IN THE PROVISION OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES STEFAN BAUMGÄRTNER Volume 20 Issue 1, Pages 87 - 127 http://bit.ly/du5J5W CREATION OF MARINE RESERVES AND INCENTIVES FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION QUACH THI KHANH NGOC Volume 23 Issue 2, Pages 138 - 175 http://bit.ly/df2Uv9 Natural Resource Modeling is an international journal devoted to mathematical modeling of natural resource systems. The major theme for the journal is the development and analysis of mathematical models as tools for resource management and policy development. The analysis may be applied to a wide variety of resources: renewable and exhaustible resources, terrestrial and marine resources, energy, land and soils, water resources, problems of pollution and residuals, managed biological populations, agriculture and fisheries, rangeland and forest, wildlife and wilderness, preservation of endangered species and of genetic diversity, and still others. Read the first issue of 2010 of Natural Resource Modeling for FREE at www.interscience.wiley.com/journal/nrm ---------------------------------------------------- From: Vanessa Venturi Date: Sun, May 2, 2010 at 7:36 PM Subject: Research Positions: Bioinformatics/Computational Immunology, Sydney POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER AND RESEARCH ASSISTANT POSITIONS BIOINFORMATICS/COMPUTATIONAL IMMUNOLOGY University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia The Complex Systems in Biology group is seeking (i) a postdoctoral researcher and (ii) a research assistant to make a significant contribution to the analysis and interpretation of sequence data for studies aimed at better understanding immune responses to infectious diseases. The successful applicant will require excellent bioinformatics and programming skills. He/She will possess qualifications (PhD for postdoctoral position, undergraduate degree for research assistant position) in bioinformatics or a quantitative science discipline such as computing science/ mathematics/ statistics/ engineering/ biological science with a least 12 months experience in the field of bioinformatics, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training. The Complex Systems in Biology group is a dynamic research team currently consisting of 13 researchers / PhD students from various scientific backgrounds, including medical biology, bioinformatics, physics, mathematics, engineering and computer science. The group applies computational and mathematical approaches to better understand the basic dynamics and pathogenesis of infection. The insights gained from this research have potential implications for the design of treatments for, and vaccines against, various infectious diseases. More information on the research interests of the Complex Systems in Biology group can be found on the webpage http://www.cvr.net.au/CVRWeb.nsf/page/csb. These are fixed term positions for 1 year with the possibility of extension dependent on funding. The complete position descriptions and details about the application process are available on the Jobs@UNSW website: Postdoctoral position (REF. 7165NET): http://www.hr.unsw.edu.au/services/recruitment/jobs/30041002.html Research assistant position (REF. 7171NET): http://www.hr.unsw.edu.au/services/recruitment/jobs/30041013.html For additional information about the position please contact either Dr Vanessa Venturi: v.venturi@unsw.edu.au, or Professor Miles Davenport: m.davenport@unsw.edu.au Applications close: 19 May 2010 ---------------------------------------------------- From: "Owens, Roland (NIH/OD) [E]" Date: Mon, 3 May 2010 16:20:23 -0400 Subject: NIH Research Jobs, May Update Tenured or Tenure-Track Epidemiologist Hormonal and Reproductive Epidemiology Branch, NCI DCEG (deadline: August 15*) The Hormonal and Reproductive Epidemiology Branch (HREB, http://dceg.cancer.gov/hreb), a component of NCI's intramural Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), is recruiting an epidemiologist to develop an independent research program focused on one or more hormonally-related cancers (e.g., breast, prostate, endometrial, etc.). It is expected that the successful candidate will develop a distinctive interdisciplinary program that complements ongoing investigations and builds on the existing strengths of NCI's intramural research program. Current research includes the evaluation of novel risk factors, identification of common susceptibility genetic loci, molecular profiling of tumors to evaluate etiologic heterogeneity and determinants of prognosis, identification of early markers of risk, measurement of circulating and local levels of endogenous hormones using novel assays, and assessment of other biomarkers. Candidates must have a doctorate in epidemiology, or a medical degree or doctorate in a biologically-related discipline (with additional training or post-doctoral experience in epidemiology). They must have at least two years of post-doctoral research experience and an established record of publications that demonstrates their ability to design, conduct, analyze and interpret data from molecular epidemiology studies. Candidates should have knowledge of and demonstrated capacity to apply state-of-the-art epidemiologic, statistical and laboratory methods in at least one of the following areas of research: risk prediction, mechanisms of carcinogenesis, natural history of cancer precursors, hormonal carcinogenesis, genetic susceptibility, or pathologic/molecular tumor characterization. Collaboration with biostatisticians, laboratory investigators and physicians (pathologists, radiologists and clinicians) is central to the success of our research. Candidates must document the strong communication skills that will be required to write effective research papers, present work at scientific meetings, and convey information clearly to staff, collaborators, consultants and contractors. Candidates must also be sufficiently experienced to function independently, both in the development of their own research efforts, and in the mentoring and supervision of less experienced investigators. Appropriate office space and resources will be provided. Salary is competitive and commensurate with research experience and accomplishments, and a full Civil Service package of benefits (including retirement, health insurance, life insurance, and a thrift savings plan) is available. Candidates may be eligible for the NIH Loan Repayment Program (http://www.LRP.NIH.gov). This position is not restricted to U.S. citizens. Interested individuals should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, brief summary of research interests, experience and future plans, copies of no more than 3 selected publications, and three letters of reference to: Ms. Judy Schwadron; Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics; National Cancer Institute; 6120 Executive Blvd., Room EPS 8073; Rockville, MD 20852-7242. Or e-mail: schwadrj@mail.nih.gov. The closing date of the advertisement is August 15, 2010; however, the search will continue until a qualified candidate is found. A completed package of your application is required in order to be considered for this position. DHHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers. Systems Biology/Bioinformatics Staff Scientist Neuro-Oncology Branch, NCI-NINDS (deadline: open-ended) The Neuro-Oncology Branch, a trans-institute program of the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the National Institutes of Health is seeking an outstanding candidate to work in the area of cancer genomics, bioinformatics and systems biology, particularly on computational modeling of signaling and gene networks in cancer cells. Ongoing projects include the integration of -omics and clinical data in the exploration of signaling and transcriptional networks that govern cell differentiation, proliferation and migration in primary brain tumors, cancer tumor stem cells and normal embryonic neural stem cells and the translation of those discoveries to patients through the highly integrated clinical brain tumor research program. Applicants should have a strong background in mathematical and computational modeling and be expected to carry out an interdisciplinary project with experimental groups. The Staff Scientist candidate will take a lead role in the mentorship and scientific management of a team of bioinformatics research fellows. The following skills and qualifications are required: 1) PhD in computer science, mathematics, bioinformatics, or related fields, and at least 3 years of post-doctoral training in bioinformatics and/or systems biology; 2) experience in machine learning and network generation algorithms; 3) basic knowledge of cell/molecular biology; 4) experience in genome-wide genetic and gene expression data analysis. Please send curriculum vitae, statement of research interests and two letters of reference to: Howard A. Fine, Chief; Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute; MSC 8200, Room 225; 9030 Old Georgetown Road; Bethesda, M D 20892-8200 or to smithj9@mail.nih.gov. Candidates may be U.S. citizens, resident aliens, or nonresident aliens. DHHS, NIH, the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke are Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employers that value and foster diversity throughout the entire organization. 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 are as 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. An asterisk next to the closing date in the postings above indicates that applications will continue to be accepted and considered until the position is filled Below are such positions that still might be accepting applications, listed by the most recent. Tenure-Track Investigator Statistical Genetics, NIMH The Division of Intramural Research Programs (DIRP), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), seeks a highly accomplished Tenure Track Investigator to develop an independent research program in statistical genetics. (Applications from tenured investigators will be considered.) The candidate will have the opportunity for collaboration with scientists in diverse research areas in genetics (e.g., genetic epidemiology, biostatistics, statistical genetics, molecular genetics), as well as neuroscience and relevant clinical disciplines. The position comes with a budget and staff. The strong scientific environment and outstanding resources at NIMH make this a unique opportunity for a high-achieving scientist. The position also offers unparalleled opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations with scientists throughout the NIH. The successful candidate will be expected to strengthen the current program by establishing a program in statistical genetics that applies and develops statistical methods to analyze the role of genes in the etiology of complex disorders, particularly neuropsychiatric disorders. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in statistics, population genetics, mathematics, genetic epidemiology, or related fields. The applicant should have experience and interest in statistical analysis of human genetic data, and in developing new methods or adapting traditional statistical methods to identify the role of genes in the etiology of complex disorders. Salary is commensurate with experience and accomplishments, and a full Civil Service package of benefits (including retirement, health, life, and long-term care insurance, as well as a Thrift Savings Plan, etc.) is available. NIMH is a major research component of the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Health and Human Services, which have nationwide responsibility for improving the health and well-being of all Americans. Interested applicants should send curriculum vitae, bibliography, statement of research interests, accomplishments, and goals, together with 3 letters of reference to: Chair, Search Committee for Statistical Geneticist, NIMH, NIH, Bldg. 10, Rm. 4N-222, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892; or e-mail to: steyerm@mail.nih.gov. Review of applications will begin March 31, 2010, but applications will continue to be accepted and considered until the position is filled. NIH and DHHS are Equal Opportunity Employers. Chief Epidemiology Branch, NICHD The Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research (DESPR) of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Health and Human Services (HHS), invites applications for the position of Senior Investigator to serve as the Chief of the Epidemiology Branch. The Epidemiology Branch is one of three intramural Branches within the DESPR, and focuses on the design and implementation of high- impact reproductive, perinatal and pediatric research, while providing mentoring opportunities for intramural research fellows and summer interns, and engaging in professional service. The Branch's current research employs innovative approaches including novel study designs, biomarkers, and genetic and nutritional methods to address a spectrum of OUTcomes in the areas of reproduction and development, pregnancy and its complications, fetal growth, child growth and development, and birth defects. The Chief directs the Branch's overall research program, provides leadership, administrative and managerial support, and conducts original and collaborative reproductive, perinatal or pediatric epidemiologic research. Candidates must have an earned doctorate in epidemiology or a closely related field or an earned medical degree with a graduate degree in epidemiology or a closely related field and substantial epidemiology research experience. The successful applicant must have international stature for his/her original and collaborative publication record in the peer-reviewed literature, demonstrated success in mentoring students and junior scientists, strong leadership and administrative skills, and evidence of professional service appropriate for an academic appointment commensurate with a tenured professor and consistent with the qualifications for tenure at the NIH. Excellent communication skills are highly valued. The Branch Chief will be appointed to a tenured position at a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Full Federal benefits including leave, health and life insurance, long-term care insurance, retirement, and savings plan (401k equivalent) will be provided. Interested individuals should email a curriculum vitae plus cover letter describing professional qualifications and accomplishments, research accomplishments in the field and future interests, and contact information for three references to: Mr. Paul Errett; Administrative Officer, NICHD; 6100 Executive Blvd, Room 7B05; Rockville, MD 20852 or errettp@mail.nih.gov. Applications will be reviewed starting on December 15, 2009, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The HHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers. Application from women, minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged. Link to Fellowships, Staff Scientist and Tenured/Tenure-Track Research Positions http://www.training.nih.gov/ Link to NIH Jobs http://www.jobs.nih.gov/ Searchable database of all NIH intramural research projects http://intramural.nih.gov/search/index.tml ---------------------------------------------------- Subject: SMBnet Reminders To subscribe to the SMB Digest please point your browser at http://list.auckland.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/math-smbnet and complete the subscription information. Alternatively, if you prefer to simply receive notice when the next issue is available, send mail to LISTSERV@listserv.biu.ac.il with "subscribe SMBnet Your Name" in the body of the mail (omit the quotes and include your name). After you subscribe, you will receive a greeting with additional information. Submissions to appear in the SMB Digest may be sent to SMBnet(at)smb(dot)org . Items of interest to the mathematical biology community may be submitted for inclusion in the SMBnet archive. See instructions at: http://smb.org/publications/SMBnet/pubs/fyi . The SMB Digest is also available on the SMB Home Page at http://smb.org/publications/SMBnet/digest/ The contents of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part with attribution. End of SMB Digest **************************************************** ----------------------------------------------------