Postdoc position (3yr): Modeling and Verification of Signaling Pathways
Functieomschrijving
The challenge
An important topic in cell biology is the integration and translation of environmental signals by cells, which is of fundamental significance for cellular cooperation and survival and is carried out by signal transduction pathways. These pathways are tightly interconnected into signaling networks, defects in which underlie a wide range of diseases.
Recent advances in high-throughput technologies have led to the availability of large amounts of experimental data on cellular processes. The analysis of these data is not feasible without software supported modeling. Timed automata models can be expected to be well-suited for the specific challenges in modeling cellular signal transduction networks, since they are able to deal with quantitative and concurrency issues and, because of efficient analysis algorithms, can be applied to larger models. The feasibility of this approach has been demonstrated by a prototype tool.
The Postdoc is expected to pursue this approach in several directions. Modeling and analysis capabilities of method and tool should be enhanced, where addressing stochastic issues is an interesting option. Abstraction techniques should be identified in order to tackle large models. And the tool support should be extended and be proven in actual biological research.
This research should be performed in collaboration with colleagues from the Human Media Interaction group (HMI) and the Research Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine (MIRA), both at this University.
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Your profile
You have a PhD in Computer Science or comparable qualifications and have research experience in the field of formal methods, especially timed or stochastic automata/process algebra, with publications in relevant international journals and conferences. Familiarity with the area of cell or molecular biology is considered an advantage. You enjoy working in a team and have good communication skills.
For applicants who have already excellent results in this research area but who do not have a PhD, it might be possible to change this position into a four-year PhD position.
Bijzonderheden
You will be appointed for a period of three years. Your salary is dependent on experience and background, but will minimally be € 2861 gross per month, plus benefits.
Standplaats
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