contrato pre-doctoral para tesis en Evolucion, Desarrollo embrionario y Biologia de sistemas entre Barcelona y Helsinki

Graduate position for a PhD in the systems biology: gene networks evolution (Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona and Helsinki University)

1.Job/ project description:

The main objectives of the PhD project is to:

a) Develop mathematical models of the relationship between genetic and phenotypic variation (or genotype-phenotype map)

b) Understand how this relationship and the patterns of phenotypic variation possible by genetic variation in gene networks affect
evolution.

c) Develop models about the evolution of gene networks and embryonic development in general.

A core concept of current evolutionary biology is the genotype-phenotype (GP) map, which connects genetic variation to phenotypic variation and to potential for evolutionary change. The
aim of the project is to develop or investigate models of the GP map that can be related to specific biological study systems or specific
evolutionary questions investigated by the group. There is considerable flexibility as to the exact topics, and the interests of the candidate will be important in defining the research subjects.

These models can be abstract or linked to specific biological systems. The biotechnology institute includes a range of experimental biologitst working on several systems. The supervisor of the theoretical aspects will be Dr. Salazar-Ciudad but the PhD would include close collaboration with Jukka Jernvall group and
would include collaboration with developmental biologists, bioinformaticians, paleontologists and other evolutionary andsystems biologists. The work will take place between the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the University of Helsinki.
The modeling can focus on gene network regulation, cell-cell communication, cell mechanical interactions and developmental
mechanisms in general and, optionally, artifical in silico evolution.

2. Requirements:

The applicant should be a biologists, or similar, preferably with a strong
background in either evolutionary biology, developmental biology or
theoretical biology. Some knowledge of ecology, zoology, cell and
molecular biology are also desirable.

Bioinformaticians, systems biologists or computer biologists that do
not have a degree in biology or similar similar would not be considered
(this excludes (e.g. Computer scientists, physicists
and engineers).

Programming skills or a willingness to acquire them is required.
Familiarity with GPU computing is highly desirable.

The most important requirement is a strong interest and motivation
on science, gene networks and evolution. A capacity for creative and
critical thinking is also desirable.

3. Description of the position:

The fellowship will be for a period of up to 4 years (100% research
work: no teaching involved).

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the
successful completion of a PhD degree.

Salary according to Finnish PhD student salaries.

4. The application must include:

-Application letter including a statement of interests
-CV (summarizing degrees obtained, subjects included in degree and
grades, average grade)

-Application should be send to Isaac Salazar-Ciudad by email:

isaac.salazar en helsinki.fi

Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their
University's grading system. Please remember that all documents should
be in English (no official translation is required)