Delft, (Zuid-Holland), 38 hours per week
Delft University of Technology
Job description
Living cells are able to carry out a large number of reactions, which are all connected within a metabolic network. Recently, our understanding of how such a network is regulated at the different levels of cellular organization (genes, proteins, metabolites), has increased substantially. Yet, there is still a surprising lack of knowledge as to why steps in a pathway are regulated the way they are. In this project, we will combine kinetic modelling with machine learning techniques to investigate different regulation scenarios and their impact on metabolism, providing a context for interpreting experimentally observed regulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactococcus lactis. These two organisms are intensively studied within the Kluyver Centre in which the research groups participate, and kinetic models of primary metabolism have been developed. This project will be carried out at the Centre for Integrative Bioinformatics of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (IBIVU), and at the Information & Communication Theory Group at Delft University of Technology. One PhD student (based in Amsterdam) will focus on the extension of existing kinetic models to encompass other levels of regulation and constraints. The other PhD student (based in Delft) will focus on machine learning, parameter uncertainty propagation and dynamic constraints.
Requirements
Required education/skills:University Graduate
For this ambitious project, we are looking for two excellent, highly motivated and ambitious PhD candidates. For the Amsterdam position a candidate is sought with an MSc degree in (micro)biology, biochemistry, systems biology, engineering, physics or mathematics. Affinity with mathematical models applied to biological systems is essential. For the Delft position we are looking for a candidate experienced in machine learning and/or optimization, with an MSc degree in bioinformatics, computer science, engineering, physics or mathematics. Experiencewith or affinity for biological applications is an asset. Both PhD candidates need to be able to work independently but as part of a multidisciplinary team, and are expected to produce a PhD thesis and a number of scientific publications within 4 years.
Job type: Research / Advising
Workfield(s):
- Research trainees, non-tenured lecturers, researchers
Organization
Delft University of Technology
Electrical Engineering, Mathematics & Computer Science
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognized level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.
The Department of Mediamatics focuses on media and knowledge processing. Four important application domains are telecommunications, consumer electronics, industrial automation, and life/health sciences. The department consists of three groups: 1) Information and Communication Theory: Processing, analysis, and interpretation of multimedia, biological and biomedical data with knowledge-based signal processing techniques; 2) Computer Graphics: Modelling, representation and visualization of 3D objects and scientific data; 3) Human Computer Interaction: Design, analysis, implementation and validation of human-machine systems and the application of AI techniques to enhance the interaction. The Bioinformatics section of the Information and Communication Theory Group specializes in data-driven bioinformatics research, in collaboration with researchers in medicine, molecular biology and biotechnology. Within the same department, the group is tightly coupled with the Pattern Recognition Group. The group maintains several industrial (DSM, Organon) and academic collaborations (Dutch Cancer Institute, Erasmus MC, Leiden University MC) and networks (Netherlands Bioinformatics Centre, Cancer Genomics Centre, Kluyver Centre for Genomics of Industrial Fermentation).
Date of entry: 28/03/2008
Conditions of employment
Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2500 - 3000
Maximum salary amount in Euro's a month 2558
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: Four years
Maximum hours per week: 38
Additional conditions of employment:
This position has a temporary employment basis of 4 years (48 months). The maximum number of working hours per week is 38 (1 FTE). The estimated starting salary for the PhD student is € 2,000 per month gross, with a maximum of € 2,558 gross (based on a full-time appointment and depending on experience).TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week, free high-speed Internet access from home, and the option of assembling a customized compensation and benefits package (the 'IKA'). Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
Additional Information
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:
Dick de Ridder
Telephone number: 31 (0)15-2785114
E-mail address:
d.deridder@tudelft.nlOr additional information can be obtained through one of the following links:
Application
You can apply for this job before 01-08-2008 (dd-mm-yyyy) by sending your application to:
Dr. J.M.R.M. Neutelings
see above
E-mail:
falw-vacatures@falw.vu.nlWhen applying for this job always mention the vacancy number EWI2008-26.