[Coral-List] Postdoc computational biology of sponges and corals

[Jaap Kaandorp]

Postdoc for the project ``A Visual Exploration environment for Analyzing 
gene Regulation in Developmental processes (VEARD)''


The Section computational Science (University of Amsterdam) has a vacancy 
for a postdoc for the project ``A Visual Exploration environment for 
Analyzing gene Regulation in Developmental processes (VEARD)''. The project 
is financed by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, NWO, 
research program Visual Interactive Effective Worlds (VIEW). The project is a 
collaboration with the research group from Prof. R. van Liere of the Center 
for Mathematics and Computer Science (CWI) in Amsterdam.  In this project we 
propose to develop visualization techniques for quantitative research on 
complex shaped and variable biological and simulated objects and techniques 
for the visualization of abstract n-dimensional parameter spaces in models of 
gene regulatory networks. The project aims to develop methods and tools to 
extract and present geometrical information from spatial measurements and 
simulation, to develop visualization methods to compare simulation models and 
measured data, and techniques for the navigation of morphometric parameter 
spaces (morphospaces) and model parameter spaces. We will focus on a 
prototypical case study: gene regulation of development in metazoans with a 
relatively simple body plan (sponges and scleractinian corals).Here we will 
closely collaborate with Prof W.E.G. Mueller (Institut fuer Physiologische 
Chemie Johannes Gutenberg-Universitaet Mainz, Germany) and Prof D.J. Miller 
(Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Australia).


Tasks
The postdoc Scientific Computing  and visualization will focus on the 
preparation of datasets (three-dimensional data morphological and gene 
expression data sets) in close collaboration with molecular biologists and  
the design and development of an integrated visualization exploration 
environment. This system will include models of regulatory networks 
controlling development, biomechanical models of growth and form, 
morphometric techniques and visualization methods. The visual exploration 
system will be used to explore virtual morphospaces


Requirements
A PhD in scientific computing or computational science, (computational) 
physics, chemistry, biology  or a comparable expertise.  Candidates are also 
expected to have an active interest in life science applications.  A strong 
research record, evidenced by a PhD thesis and papers published in 
peer-reviewed journals Ability to operate in an international research team.  
Fluency in oral and written English.


More information
Further information can be obtained from : Dr Jaap A. Kaandorp, Section 
Computational Science, University of Amsterdam, e-mail: jaapk at science.uva.nl. 
More information (application procedure, deadlines etc.) is available on the 
website http://www.uva.nl/vacatures

-- 
Dr. Jaap A. Kaandorp
Section Computational Science
Faculty of Science
University of Amsterdam
Kruislaan 403
1098 SJ Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Phone: +31 20 5257539 / +31 20 5257462
email: jaapk at science.uva.nl
fax: +31 20 5257490
URL: http://www.science.uva.nl/~jaapk/