University of Groningen
State University, Browse similar opportunities
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State University, Browse similar opportunities
The Molecular Systems Biology group at the University of Groningen (Netherlands) has an opening for an enthusiastic and talented PhD student. The University of Groningen, located in the North of the Netherlands, enjoys an international reputation as one of the oldest and leading research universities in Europe.
The Molecular Systems Biology group aims at generating a systems-level understanding about the functioning of metabolism (Prof. Matthias Heinemann) and of growth regulation by the TOR signaling pathway (Dr Andreas Milias-Argeitis). Towards these goals, the group members combine experimental approaches using state-of-the-art single cell technologies such as microfluidics and optogenetics, and develop new methods to address the computational challenges that arise. Together, the members of the international and interdisciplinary team (PhD students and postdocs with backgrounds in biology, engineering, physics and mathematics) build an inspiring and highly collaborative research atmosphere. The description for the currently open position is provided below. The project will be supervised by Dr Milias-Argeitis.
Heterogeneous dynamic behavior is very commonly observed even in isogenic cell populations. To study the origins and effects of this heterogeneity we are working with mixed-effects ODE-based models, and have already developed new methods for propagation and quantification of parametric uncertainty for this class of models. In this project, we will use our methods as a basis for the construction of computationally efficient parameter inference and model selection algorithms for mixed-effects ODE systems modeling biochemical networks with cell-to-cell variability. The developed algorithms will be employed to evaluate the effects of different dynamic input perturbations, with the goal of determining experiments that can maximize the information on particular aspects of a given system. Our ultimate goal is to generate dynamical models for the regulation of key targets of the yeast TOR signaling pathway, making use of our rich single-cell microscopy datasets.
• you have a background in systems biology, applied mathematics, (control) engineering or (bio)physics, and ideally have some undergraduate research experience
• you have good knowledge of programming languages (e.g. Matlab, Python or C++) and sufficient experience with dynamical system simulation. Familiarity with the basics of probability theory, Bayesian statistics and/or uncertainty quantification methods is also highly desirable
• you have a good command of English (oral and written) and possess excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Job tags
Dynamical systems theory, probability theory, Bayesian inference, Monte Carlo methods, mathematical modeling, biochemical networks, systems biology, mixed-effects models, Bayesian inference, uncertainty quantification.
We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:
• a salary of € 2,325 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 2,972 gross per month in the fourth and final year
• a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income
• an 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance
• minimum of 29 holidays and additional 12 holidays in case of full-time employment
• a full-time position (1.0 FTE). The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is to be expected.
For information you can contact:
Dr Andreas Millias, +31 50 - 36 36 225 a.milias.argeitis@rug.nl
(please do not use the email addresses above for applications)
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