A two-year post-doctoral position is available (start date flexible, can start as early as July, 2016) in the group of Dr. Van Savage (http://faculty.biomath.ucla.edu/vsavage/) in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCLA. This position will be supported by a recently awarded McDonnell Foundation grant (https://www.jsmf.org/grants/20150014/). Savage combines mathematical models with analysis of large datasets to uncover insights into biological systems. The overall goal is to better understand, both empirically and theoretically, higher-order interactions in biological systems that range from drug combinations that may slow antibiotic resistance to consumer- resource interactions in food webs. In this context, higher-order interactions means beyond pairwise interactions that involve three or more objects. The project has the potential to involve theory development, numerical simulations, and data analysis. Savage will mentor the postdoc in designing and conducting research projects, writing papers, giving talks, and applying for jobs.
UCLA is a major research university with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Medical School, and Engineering School all on the same campus, allowing access to myriad researchers and resources that could be useful to this project. UCLA is consistently in the top 5 in terms of federal research funding awarded to universities. Los Angeles is a vibrant, diverse city with outdoor activities available nearby, including beaches and mountains. L.A. also has a wide array of arts and culture, including world-class museums, theater, music, and of course, movies.
Candidates are expected to be independent, highly motivated problem solvers who communicate well and enjoy working in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate would have a background in mathematical modeling, knowledge of either consumer-resource interactions or microbial systems, and experience with programming languages such as Matlab, R, Mathematica, C, and Python. Applicants with only a subset of these skills are encouraged to apply. Applications and any questions should be sent to vsavage@ucla.edu. The application should include a Curriculum Vitae that details education, past research, and publications. Applicants should also submit a cover letter that describes their interest in the project and the names of three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
UCLA is an AA/EOE that is strongly committed to diversity and excellence among its researchers.
A two-year post-doctoral position is available (start date as early as July, 2016) in the group of Dr. Van Savage (http://faculty.biomath.ucla.edu/vsavage/) in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Department of Biomathematics at UCLA. This position will be connected to an NSF CAREER grant (http://nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1254159). Savage combines mathematical models with analysis of large datasets to uncover insights into biological systems. The project has the potential to involve software development, analysis of large datasets, and construction of analytical and numerical models for the vascular system. Results from this project will help lead to a deeper understanding of resource distribution networks and allometric scaling theory, which connects to physiology and ecology. Findings will also aid in identifying differences in structure and function between plants and animals, different organs, and healthy versus diseased (e.g., tumor) tissue. The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to work closely with and mentor high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. Savage will mentor the postdoc in designing and conducting research projects, writing papers, giving talks, and applying for jobs.
UCLA is a major research university with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Medical School, and Engineering School all on the same campus, allowing access to myriad researchers and resources that could be useful to this project. UCLA is consistently in the top 5 in terms of federal research funding awarded to universities. Los Angeles is a vibrant, diverse city with outdoor activities available nearby, including beaches and mountains. L.A. also has a wide array of arts and culture, including world-class museums, theater, music, and of course, movies.
Candidates are expected to be independent, highly motivated problem solvers who communicate well and enjoy working in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate would have a background in mathematical modeling, knowledge of vascular systems in animals and plants, and experience with C++, Matlab, R, and/or OCaml programming languages. Applicants with only a subset of these skills are encouraged to apply. Applications and any questions should be sent to vsavage@ucla.edu. The application should include a Curriculum Vitae that details education, past research, and publications. Applicants should also submit a cover letter that describes their interest in the project and should list two references who can be contacted for references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
UCLA is an AA/EOE that is strongly committed to diversity and excellence among its researchers.