PhD Position: Computational Systems Biology, UConn Health

Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling (CCAM, https://health.uconn.edu/cell-analysis-modeling/) and Center for Quantitative Medicine (CQM, https://health.uconn.edu/quantitative-medicine/) at UConn Health are offering up to 3 PhD positions and fellowships in the field of Computational Systems Biology.

Openings are available for students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in BioMedical Sciences, under a Systems Biology theme (https://health.uconn.edu/graduate-school/academics/programs/ph-d-biomedical-science/cell-analysis-and-modeling-graduate-program/program-description/) , starting Summer/Fall 2021.

We conduct collaborative research on all aspects of quantitative biomedical research. Approaches include mathematical modeling and simulation of biomedical systems and the analysis and integration of heterogeneous data sets covering all scales, from molecules to populations. CCAM also integrates new microscope technologies for making quantitative live cell measurements with new physical formulations and computational tools that will produce spatially realistic quantitative models of intracellular dynamics. Specific areas of interest include:

• Mathematical modeling of various biological systems, ranging from cellular scale to an organism.
• Omics (Pathway Analysis, Gene regulatory Networks, Gene expression & Proteomics analysis).
• Molecular dynamics (SpringSalad) and agent-based modeling.
• Optical Imaging (Virtual Microscopy, FCS, Optical Probe Development, Non-linear Optical Microscopy, Single Molecule Imaging).
• Numerical methods for spatial continuous and discrete modeling.
• Software development in Java, C++, and Python.

CCAM and CQM maintain and develop two widely popular software tools used in biomedical research – Virtual Cell  (http://vcell.org) and COPASI (http://copasi.org), recently funded as part of a National Resource by the NIH.

We’re looking for Computer Science, Math, Physics, Chemistry and Engineering students interested in applying their skills in biology.

Accepted students receive 12-month assistantship of $32,000 (with continuing financial support with satisfactory academic progress up to 5 years), waiver of tuition, highly subsidized health insurance plan and funds to attend scientific meetings and short courses. Our graduates pursue their careers both in academia and biotech.

Applicants must apply to the University of Connecticut Graduate School (https://health.uconn.edu/graduate-school/) by December 1st. To ensure full consideration, please email Center Director Dr. Pedro Mendes (pmendes@uchc.edu) and Graduate Program Director Dr. Michael Blinov (blinov@uchc.edu) your CV and a concise statement describing your interest in the position, previous research experience, and relevant coursework. Inquires to Michael Blinov (blinov@uchc.edu).