PhD positions in Systems Biology, Wageningen University, Netherlands
Systems Biology is one of the spearheads of the Wageningen UR, which invests considerably in this area. The Wageningen Centre for Systems Biology (WCSB) has been recently launched with a focus on the Systems Biology of Biobased Economy, Food and Health. The research programme within the WCSB runs across with three main subthemes: The Virtual Intestine, The Virtual Plant, and the Virtual Microbe. Nine PhD modelling positions are available in each of these themes. Each modelling project is matched by at least one experimental project, with strong interactions between model and experiments envisaged.
We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and highly qualified PhD candidates with a strong background in or affinity to modelling of biological systems. Candidates should have strong mathematical and/ or statistical modelling skills, be fluent in English (both written and spoken), proactive, independent, team players and have the ability to engage with professionals in adjoining fields. Below you will find information on the research projects available and on the requirements of the position. More detailed information is available on the website: www.systemsbiology.wur.nl/UK/ (link is: http://www.systemsbiology.wur.nl/UK/PhD+positions/).
Deadline: 31st August 2012
Position 1 – Development of probabilistic models for quantitative pathway:
We aim to construct an in silico pathway-network model framework of the most important hubs for local and systemic immune signals of the gut and lined immune cells. It will be tested iteratively by comparing its outcomes to in vitro results.
Requirements: MSc on Biotechnology, Nutritional Sciences, Computational Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Bioinformatics, Statistics or Bioengineering.
Contact: dr. Jurriaan Mes, +31 317 481 174 / j Ova e-mail adresa je zaštićena od spam robota, nije vidljiva ako ste isključili JavaScript
Position 2 – Virtual Gut Pig: Intestinal health and functionality:
The aim of this project is to apply a systems biology approach on intestinal health and functioning in pigs. The challenge will be to generate a model of the pig (and human) gut.
Requirements: Expertise and/or interest in Immunobiology, in translating complex datasets into a working model and a MSc on Computational Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Bioinformatics, Statistics or Immunobiology.
Contact: Prof. dr. Mari Smits, +31 320 238 270 / Ova e-mail adresa je zaštićena od spam robota, nije vidljiva ako ste isključili JavaScript
Position 3 – The gut & dietary lipids: Systems Biology of intestinal lipid metabolism:
We aim to develop an experimentally validated, basic modular multi-scale computational framework for the PPAR? controlled part in intestinal lipid absorption and homeostasis in mice as model system.
Requirements: Understanding in the analysis and mining of transcriptome data and a MSc on Biotechnology, Nutritional Sciences, Computational Sciences, Applied Mathematics or Bioinformatics.
Contact: Prof. Michael Muller, +31 317 482 590 / Ova e-mail adresa je zaštićena od spam robota, nije vidljiva ako ste isključili JavaScript
Position 4 – Uncovering the interactive functional networks in gut microbiota:
This project aims to develop mathematical models that will help in understanding and quantifying the metabolic and regulatory interactions among the members of intestinal microbiota.
Requirements: Understanding in the analysis and integration of omics data and a MSc on Biotechnology, Bioprocess engineering, (Computational) Microbiology, Computational Sciences, Applied Mathematics or Bioinformatics.
Contact: Prof. Hauke Smidt, +31 317 483 102 / Ova e-mail adresa je zaštićena od spam robota, nije vidljiva ako ste isključili JavaScript and Prof. Vitor Martins dos Santos, +31 317 482 865 / Ova e-mail adresa je zaštićena od spam robota, nije vidljiva ako ste isključili JavaScript
Project 5 – Modelling an ecological network of plant-insect dynamics in the context of volatile plant metabolite profiles:
This project aims to develop a modelling framework that will enable us to understand how plants shift their metabolic profile in response to insect attack, in terms of volatiles.
Requirements: MSc degree in Biology
Contact: Prof. dr. Marcel Dicke, Ova e-mail adresa je zaštićena od spam robota, nije vidljiva ako ste isključili JavaScript and Prof. dr. Jaap Molenaar, jaap. Ova e-mail adresa je zaštićena od spam robota, nije vidljiva ako ste isključili JavaScript
Position 6 – Modelling rice adaptation to drought stress: upscaling from chloroplastic responses to crop production using a ‘Crop Systems Biology’ approach:
This project aims at developing a robust mathematical model that quantitatively describes the dynamics of the operation of rice photosynthesis and its physiological acclimation and adaptation to drought.
Requirements: MSc degree in Plant Biology, Plant Sciences or Crop Sciences with a multidisciplinary profile or a background in mathematics or physics with a strong drive to specialize in the modelling of biological systems.
Contact: Dr. Xinyou Yin, +31 317 482 348 / Ova e-mail adresa je zaštićena od spam robota, nije vidljiva ako ste isključili JavaScript
Position 7 – Modelling of multicellular feedback loops in plant stem cells:
This project will focus on developing bottom-up models that explore minimal principles of self-organization that explain pattern formation from initial perturbations of a regulatory network present in all cells.
Requirements: MSc degree in Plant Sciences or Bio(tech)nology with a multidisciplinary profile or a MSc in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or Bioinformatics with a strong drive to specialize in the modelling of Plant systems.
Contact: Prof. Ben Scheres, +31 30 253 3581 / Ova e-mail adresa je zaštićena od spam robota, nije vidljiva ako ste isključili JavaScript
Position 8 – Modelling, re-factoring and re-programming the Pseudomonas putida chassis for biocatalysis à la carte:
This computational Synthetic Biology project aims to develop a genome-wide computational framework to assist the generation of a simplified genomic chassis of the bacterium Pseudomonas putida for optimized biocatalysis `a la carte (“cell factory”).
Requirements: Good knowledge of microbial physiology and biochemistry and a MSc on Biotechnology, Bioprocess engineering, (Computational) Microbiology, Computational Sciences, Applied Mathematics or Bioinformatics.
Contact: Prof. Vitor Martins dos Santos, +31 317 482 865 / Ova e-mail adresa je zaštićena od spam robota, nije vidljiva ako ste isključili JavaScript
Position 9 – Systems Biology of microalgae as photosynthetic platform for tailored production of chemical building blocks and biomass:
This project aims to develop an experimentally tested modelling framework for the understanding of the metabolic and regulatory wiring of selected microalgae as photosynthetic platform for ‘a la carte’ production of chemical building blocks and biomass in sustainable value chains.
Requirements: Good knowledge of microbial physiology and biochemistry and a MSc on Biotechnology, Bioprocess engineering, (Computational) Microbiology, Computational Sciences, Applied Mathematics or Bioinformatics.
Contact: Prof. Vitor Martins dos Santos, +31 317 482 865 / Ova e-mail adresa je zaštićena od spam robota, nije vidljiva ako ste isključili JavaScript
We offer
We offer you a temporary, PhD-candidate position for 48 months (with interim evaluation after of 18 months). As per the PhD scale, the gross salary per month starts at € 2042 in the first year and rises every year up to € 2612 in the fourth year. We not only offer a competitive salary but also good (study) leave and a pension of the ABP Pension Fund.
Additional information
For more information about the contractual aspects, please contact. Mrs. J. van Meurs, HR advisor, telephone number +31 3174 80101.
Interested?
You can apply online at:
www.werkenbij.wur.nl/UK (link is: https://www20.i-grasp.com/fe/tpl_wageningen_ur_01.asp?newlang=1&newms=jj&id=46429#.UA_WRIC2HOw.link) until 31st of August 2012.
Please mention the correct number and title of the position you are applying for in your application letter.
More information available at: http://www.systemsbiology.wur.nl/UK/
