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Post Doctoral Scholar - Mathematical Biology

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Position description

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 7,500 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design, and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

In Fall 2016, UC Merced broke ground on a $1.3 billion public-private partnership that is unprecedented in higher education. The Merced 2020 Project will nearly double the physical capacity of the campus by 2020, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced is also building the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building in the heart of Merced.

At least one full-time postdoctoral research position in mathematical biology is available in Dr. Suzanne Sindi’s lab in the Applied Mathematics Department. The post-doctoral researcher(s) will formulate and analyze, both theoretically and numerically, mathematical models of the multi-scale dynamics of intracellular proteins and their distributions in heterogeneous populations of cells. Broadly, mathematical methods will involve both stochastic (large scale stochastic biochemical simulations, approximations to the chemical master equation) and deterministic (structured population models) methods. These models will be used to compare with and motivate the development of future experiments involving prions in yeast. The researcher(s) will also be expected to take a primary role in preparing manuscripts for publication, and contribute to the collaborative research group environment. The biological implications of this work involve protein mis-folding disease in mammals, heterogeneity in cellular populations, and phenotypic switching.

This work is funded jointly by the Division of Mathematical Sciences (NSF) and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIH).

The University of California, Merced is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of diversity among its faculty, staff, and students. The University is supportive of dual career couples.

The University of California Postdoctoral Scholars are represented by UC-UAW https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/px/index.html

Basic Requirements:
• A PhD in mathematics, physics or another quantitative field, with experience in mathematical biology and numerical simulations
• Research experience in applied mathematical modeling (e.g., experience with both analytical and numerical methods)
• Strong interest in mathematical biology
• The ability to write clearly and scientifically (e.g. to produce drafts of papers for publication in scientific journals and web-based public outreach without too much oversight); evidence of successful prior publication is a plus
• The ability and interest in working communicating in a multidisciplinary team
• Strong programming skills in at least one scripting and one compiled language (such as C, Fortran)
• Willingness to help with the preparation of additional grant proposals

Preferred Requirements:
• Knowledge of structured population modeling and stochastic biochemical kinetics is preferred, but not required
• Experience in interdisciplinary mathematical biology research
• Experience writing grants and proposals
• Experience mentoring undergraduate and graduate students

Salary is based on the University of California Academic Salary Scales. This is a full-time, two-year appointment with the possibility of renewal based on availability of funding, ongoing operational needs and satisfactory performance.

Review of applications will begin 08/01/2018; position is open until filled with a final closing date of 11/01/2018 (revised date).

Interested applicants are required to submit 1) a cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) research statement, and 4) a list of three references with contact information including mailing address, phone number and e-mail address submitted through AP Recruit during the application process.

For more information, please contact Suzanne Sindi at ssindi@ucmerced.edu.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

Job location

Merced, CA