Scholarships Source

PhD position in systems biology, mathematical modeling of cellular signaling pathways

Structured PhD Programme in Bioinformatics and Computational Medicine
University College Dublin, Ireland

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship, starting in October 2008 or later within the Bioinformatics and Computational Medicine Structured PhD Programme (http://bioinformatics.ucd.ie/PhD) at University College Dublin, to work on a research project on spatial and temporal dynamics of cell signaling pathways.

The successful candidate will undertake a four-year research project on spatial and temporal dynamics of cell signaling under the supervision of B.N. Kholodenko, Z. Neufeld and E.A. Cox. The project is aimed at understanding how biochemical signaling networks can transmit precise spatial information in a dynamic and robust manner to control the execution of spatially resolved cellular processes. The models developed will be based on nonlinear reaction-diffusion equations representing GTPase and kinase/phosphatase signaling cascades which control pivotal cellular processes. Computational models will involve primarily ordinary and partial differential equations, although stochastic methods and probabilistic approaches may also be used. Applicants should have a genuine interest in modeling of biological processes and experience with nonlinear dynamics and numerical calculations. Although the work will mostly involve theoretical/computational modeling, there will be some participation in experimental work. (see http://bioinformatics.ucd.ie/PhD/projects.html#1 for further details of the project)

Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a degree in a numerate discipline, particularly with experience of mathematical and computational modeling (e.g. mathematics, computational science, computational biology, physics, chemical or bio-engineering or related areas).

For further enquiries please contact: B.N. Kholodenko (Boris.Kholodenko@jefferson.edu) or Z. Neufeld (zoltan.neufeld@ucd.ie).

Applicants should send a CV and names and addresses of two referees to bioinfo@ucd.ie before the closing date of 8 August 2008.