Postdoc position flu virtual patient cohorts Montréal, Canada

Research project description
Influenza is a highly heterogeneous disease with varying outcomes ranging from asymptomatic to deadly. A variety of viral and host factors in addition to complications from other pathogens and underlying diseases contribute to the high degree of variability in outcomes. New approaches that account for heterogeneity are required to define and understand individualized immune trajectories. Systemic mathematical models therefore offer the possibility to accurately predict immune dynamics that drive influenza progression.

This project will develop systemic immune models and virtual patient cohorts (VPCs) of influenza infections with the goal of representing the immune response to influenza infection and predicting and simulating disease heterogeneity. These mechanistic models will combine cell and cytokine processes with viral dynamics and tissue processes (inflammation), along with disease outcomes. Expanding upon our previously developed virtual patient cohort for SARS-CoV-2 (https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1009753) to influenza, we will predict patterns of disease progression and directly compare them with clinical cohort data from various sources.

Research laboratory presentation
The Quantitative and Translational Medicine Laboratory led by Dr. Morgan Craig focuses on the application and implementation of quantitative approaches, particularly computational biology, to study how heterogeneity impacts on disease and treatment outcomes. The lab’s research focuses on the development of predictive, mechanistic models of the immune system to identify pathophysiological mechanisms and tailor therapeutic regimens according to patient-specific characteristics. Recent focuses include developing mechanistic models and virtual patient cohorts to understand heterogeneous outcomes in COVID-19, and antiviral and vaccination models to better schedule anti-COVID-19 treatments and vaccines. Dr. Craig is an expert in computational immunology, particularly in cancer immunotherapies and the within-host response to viruses.

Required training and profile
The ideal candidate will have strong academic and publication records in systemic, mechanistic mathematical/computational modelling, a high degree of autonomy, and excellent communication skills. They will also work well with their peers and collaborators, be detailed-oriented and well-organized. The candidate will participate in lab activities, help with the supervision of students and/or interns, and collaborate on grant applications.

Training: PhD in applied mathematics, computational biology, or a related discipline.

Specific expertise: Demonstrated mathematical modelling skills using data-driven quantitative analyses, differential equations, and/or quantitative systems pharmacology; programming skills; prior knowledge of immunology is an asset.

Conditions
One year contract with possibility of renewal for up to 4 years. This is an NIH-funded research project with competitive salary.

The candidate must register at the Université de Montréal as a postdoctoral fellow and must meet the eligibility requirements of the program. Postdoctoral fellows at the CHUSJ are Scholarship recipient postdoctoral fellows (stagiaires postdoctoraux boursiers (SPB)). They are considered as researchers in training and are not employees of the CHUSJ. They are paid in the form of a scholarship (stipend), not a salary. For this reason, CR-CHUSJ postdoctoral fellows are not eligible for employment insurance, parental insurance, pension plans and other benefits exclusive to employees. Taxes will be deducted at the source.

The CHU Sainte-Justine has a minimum remuneration policy for all its students and postdoctoral fellows. Remuneration may come from the researcher’s funds or from an external nominal award. The candidate will have to apply for external scholarships to obtain a nominative award.

The duration of the research project is conditional to:
·       The availability of research funds;
·       The progress of the project;
·       The candidate’s eligibility to maintain a postdoctoral fellowship status at the university.

Submit your application
Candidates must send the required documents before 12/2022 to Morgan Craig at morgan.craig@umontreal.ca.

Please provide:

√ Curriculum vitæ
√ Most recent transcripts
√ Cover letter
√ References

Morgan Craig
Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Centre
3175 Chem. de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine
Montréal QC H3T 1C5