------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Two post-doctoral positions and three PhD studentships available in bioinformatics and mathematical biology within the theoretical microbiology group of the School of Engineering at the University of Glasgow In the theoretical microbiology group at the University of Glasgow we have pioneered the application of theoretical ecology to microbial communities in environmental engineering contexts. Prof. Sloan (head of group) was the first to apply neutral theory to model the assembly of these communities. In addition Dr Christopher Quince has developed novel algorithms and software for the analysis of next generation sequencing data from these communities. Consequently we have been very successful in obtaining funding from UK research councils (BBSRC, EPSRC) andindustrial sponsors (Unilever). This has allowed us to embark on the ambitious project of integrating genomics data into mathematical community models. We have five positions available to work on aspects of this project (one Unilever funded PDRA, one EPSRC funded PDRA, and three PhD studentships). General enquiries can be addressed to Dr Christopher Quince (quince@civil.gla.ac.uk). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Research Associate in Bioinformatics Ref: 00130-3 Salary: Grade 6 £25,751 - £28,983 / Grade 7 £31,671 - £35,646 We are recruiting for a three-year postdoctoral position to develop new software tools and statistics for the analysis of genomics data from microbial communities. You will use ideas from machine learning and Bayesian statistics to further improve these algorithms and extend them to new sequencing formats and data types. In particular we will address the challenging problem of better assembly methods for metagenomics data. Linking function to taxonomic identity will be a priority. You will also closely integrate with the research funder, Unilever, applying these tools to their human associated microbiomics data sets and assist in installation of tools on-site. This is a unique opportunity for a candidate with excellent computational, mathematical and statistical skills to apply their knowledge to a wider field and within a broader context including application in a commercial environment. A good PhD in a numerical subject e.g. bioinformatics, computer science, mathematics, statistics, theoretical physics or machine learning is essential. Experience analysing biological sequence data would be an advantage. Please contact Dr Christopher Quince with queries (quince@civil.gla.ac.uk). Apply online at www.glasgow.ac.uk/jobs Closing Date: 30th July 2010 (late applicants should contact Dr Quince directly by e-mail) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Research Associate in Mathematical Modelling of Microbial Communities 
Ref: 00126-2 Salary: Grade 6 £25,751 – £28,983/ Grade 7 £31,671 – £35,646 per annum A three-year EPSRC funded postdoctoral position in computational microbiology is available in the Department of Civil Engineering University of Glasgow. The researcher will form integrate data from new genomics methods into mathematical models of microbial communities. The long-term goal of the research will be improved wastewater treatment and microbial fuel cell (MFC) technologies. We will develop stochastic individual level models of microbial communities using ideas from neutral theory. The mathematical analysis of these models will be performed in conjunction with Dr Todd Parsons (U. of Penn.). Bayesian statistics will be used to link these models to the genomics data. International applicants from any area of science or engineering with a doctorate and the necessary computational and quantitative skills are invited to apply but knowledge of any of the following would be an advantage: Bayesian statistics, bioinformatics, machine learning, microbial ecology, neutral theory, numerical solution of PDEs or SDEs, software programming, and stochastic models. The appointment is for three years. The preferred start date is 1st October 2010 but earlier or later dates are possible. Apply online at www.glasgow.ac.uk/jobs Closing date: 20th August 2010. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PhD Studentship in Metagenomics of the Human Microbiome available 1st October 2010 at the University of Glasgow Supervisors: Dr Christopher Quince, Prof. William Sloan, and Dr David Taylor (Unilever) An exciting four-year PhD studentship is available under the BBSRC Industrial CASE scheme in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Glasgow. The objectives of this studentship are to develop improved statistical tools for the analysis of metagenomics data from human associated microbial communities. The successful candidate will have a good (2:1 or above or equivalent) MSc or undergraduate degree in bioinformatics, engineering, mathematics, physics, statistics or other numerical subject. Biology students will be accepted if they can demonstrate sufficient quantitative skills. The PhD studentship will provide a tax free stipend at the rate of £16,590 per annum. The preferred start date is 1st October 2010 but other start dates may be possible. The studentship is open only to applicants from the UK and the European Union who fulfill residency requirements. Full details are available from: http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/ABI075/phd-studentship/ Please contact Dr Christopher Quince with queries or applications (quince@civil.gla.ac.uk). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PhD Studentship in Microbial Biodiversity available 1st October 2010 at the University of Glasgow Supervisors: Prof. William Sloan and Dr Christopher Quince A four-year Unilever funded PhD studentship is available in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Glasgow. The aim is to map and develop models for the biodiversity of bacteria on the human skin. The successful candidate will have a good or expected good (2:1 or above or equivalent) MSc or undergraduate degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Theoretical Ecology, or other mathematical subject. The ideal candidate should be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person with good organisational and interpersonal skills. The PhD studentship will provide a generous stipend of £16,590 per annum (likely to be reviewed annually). The start date is 1st October 2010. The studentship is open to UK, EU and international applicants but it will only fully fund fees at UK or EU student rates. Full details are available from: http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/ABI077/phd-studentship-in-microbial-biodiversity Please contact Prof William Sloan with queries or applications (sloan@civil.gla.ac.uk). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PhD Studentship in Mathematical Ecology University of Glasgow Supervisors: Prof. William Sloan and Dr Mary Lunn A three-year EPSRC funded studentship is available in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Glasgow A three-year EPSRC funded PhD studentship is available in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Glasgow. The aim is to develop a mathematical model of the dynamics of groups of microbes that underpin many industrial processes like the treatment of waste. This is a burgeoning field of research with many unanswered questions where international reputations can be made quickly. Therefore, it represents a unique opportunity for a gifted numerate scientist to launch a high profile research career. The successful candidate will have a good or expected good (2:1 or above or equivalent) MSc or undergraduate degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Theoretical Ecology, or other mathematical subject. The ideal candidate should be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person with good organisational and interpersonal skills. The PhD studentship will provide a stipend at the standard EPSRC rate of £13,290 per annum (likely to be reviewed annually to take into account part of the inflationary rise in maintenance costs). The preferred start date is before 1st October 2010. The studentship is open to applicants from the UK and the EU. In order to qualify for the stipend EU students must satisfy the eligibility requirements as outlined by EPSRC. http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/ABI074/phd-studentship-in-mathematical-ecology/ Please contact Prof William Sloan with queries or applications (sloan@civil.gla.ac.uk). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________ soft-matter mailing list soft-matter@lists.leeds.ac.uk http://lists.leeds.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/soft-matter -- Sanne Abeln s.abeln@few.vu.nl Assistant Professor - VU University Amsterdam www.few.vu.nl/~abeln Treasurer - Prelude Foundation www.preludefund.org