Subject: SMB Digest v12i15
SMB Digest April 11, 2012 Volume 12 Issue 15
ISSN 1086-6566
Editor: Amina Eladdadi eladdada(at)strose(dot)edu
Note:
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Issue's Topics:
New SMB.org website with introduction of new SMB Logo
CfP: Systems Biology of Tumor Metronomics July 17-20, Boston
Postdoc: Math. Modeling of Insect Invasion Dynamics.. U. of Alberta
Postdoc: Computational Biological Oceanography, Tulane University
SMBnet Reminders
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Date: Fri, Apr 6, 2012 at 12:04 PM
Subject: New SMB.org website with introduction of new SMB Logo
The Society for Mathematical Biology is proud to introduce it's new
Check out all versions of the logo and their intended use in the new
Downloads section.
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Date: Mon, Apr 9, 2012 at 11:57 AM
Subject: CfP-: Systems Biology of Tumor Metronomics July 17-20, Boston
Final CfP- Workshop: Systems Biology of Tumor Metronomics, July 17-20,
2012, Tufts University Boston, MA, USA
The Center of Cancer Systems Biology at St. Elizabeth's Medical
Center, Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, USA, is pleased
to announce its 2nd annual workshop on Cancer Systems Biology, with
this years topic "Tumor Metronomics: Timing and Dose Level Dynamics",
to be held at Tufts University Undergrad Campus in Medford, MA.
This workshop will address the problem of evaluating the metronomics
concept from a quantitative, 'systems' perspective. We will focus on
tumor context - how do cell-cell interactions modify cancer dynamics,
and how we might render our responses in quantitative terms that are
testable, and most importantly, predictive. More specifically, the
workshop will try to address the problem of chemotherapeutic dose and
frequency from a control-theoretic standpoint, focusing on
angiogenesis, immune response, and stem cells as response targets in
turn.
The workshop is intended for early career researchers and clinicians
such as PhD and MD students, Post-docs and Junior Faculty interested
in systems biology of cancer metronomics. Potential participants with
backgrounds in biology, biomedicine, medicine, applied mathematics and
computing, or bioengineering are invited to apply. Acceptance to the
workshop is competitive, aimed at balancing scientific backgrounds and
regional representation.
* 4/20 Application Deadline
* 4/30 Participant Notification
* 5/30 Registration Deadline
More information can be found at:
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Date: Wed, Apr 4, 2012 at 10:48 AM
Subject: Postdoc: Math. Modeling of Insect Invasion Dynamics.. U. of Alberta
Post-doctoral opportunity in ?Mathematical Modeling of Insect Invasion
Dynamics, as informed by Pathosystem Genomics Data?
Context: Insect invasions are characterized by systematic changes in
population numbers over time and space as insects reproduce and
disperse into new host territory. The mountain pine beetle in North
America is a system where an indigenous species has recently increased
its range to threaten novel host species. Although the population
dynamics of the natural system within its previous host range (British
Columbia, W. of the Rocky Mountains) is relatively well-researched,
there is tremendous uncertainty within the new host range (Alberta,
E. of the Rocky Mountains) on key parameters, including beetle
dispersal rates, host suitability, host vigor, and fungal
pathogenicity.
Opportunity: An interdisciplinary project is continuing to examine the
population genetics and functional genomics of the beetle-fungus-tree
interaction, in order to characterize the uncertainty surrounding key
population processes affecting outbreak wave propagation eastward. We
are seeking a qualified applied mathematician or quantitative
biologist to work with its team of scientists to develop a
mathematical and statistical model of mountain pine beetle invasion
biology that will use genomics-based data to inform the spread
model. These include population genomic (large, spatially
co-referenced microsatellite and SNP datasets for the beetle, fungus,
and tree) and functional genomic data (gene expression analyses,
physiological and biochemical characterization of experimental
samples) that relate to the beetle-fungus-host symbiotic interactions.
Relationships with various geographic and climatic factors will also
be explored.
The incumbent will have a PhD in mathematical sciences and/or
biological sciences with demonstrated experience in the development of
analytical mathematical models of epidemiological processes, and a
familiarity with simulation modeling approaches. A strong interest in
the use of population genetics and functional genomics data is
essential. Familiarity and interest in the problems of error
propagation, uncertainty analysis, stochasticity, and non-stationarity
in complex (i.e. nonlinear, multi-causal) systems is desirable.
The incumbent will be expected to work within a team framework with
other modellers, population geneticists and physiologists. While the
modeling endeavour will incorporate genomic information, there is
substantial freedom to define the methods according to the
experiences, talents, and interests of the incumbent.
The incumbent will split their residence between the University of
Alberta and the Northern Forestry Centre, both in Edmonton, Alberta.
The position will be co-supervised by Dr. Barry Cooke (Canadian Forest
Service), Dr. Mark Lewis (Canada Research Chair in Mathematical
Biology, U. Alberta) and Dr. David Coltman (Biological Sciences,
U. Alberta).
Particulars: This is a multiyear position. The initial appointment is
until August 31, 2013 with a possibility of extension based on
successful performance. Interested individuals should submit an
application package (cover letter and curriculum vitae) and arrange to
have three sealed letters of reference forwarded to the address
below. Electronic applications are preferred. Salary is commensurate
with experience. Application deadline is May 1, 2012 or until filled.
Matt Bryman
Project Manager ? The Tria Project. Mountain Pine Beetle System Genomics
CW 420 Biological Sciences Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB, Canada
T6G 2E9
Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be addressed to Dr. Cooke
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Date: Tue, Apr 10, 2012 at 4:30 PM
Subject: Postdoc-Computational Biological Oceanography, Tulane U.
POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN COMPUTATIONAL POPULATION DYNAMICS TULANE
UNIVERSITY
A postdoctoral position in computational biological oceanography is
available under the mentorship of Dr. Caz Taylor (Center for
Computational Science and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary
Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans). The successful candidate
will further develop existing computational particle-tracking models
that use underlying oceanographic data to simulate larval movement in
the Gulf of Mexico. The models will be applied to research the
movements and population connectivity of blue crabs in the Northern
Gulf of Mexico. Blue crabs are an ecologically and economically
important species and there are many possible applications of the
research including connections with fisheries management, food web
analysis, population genetics, and research into the effects of the
Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The postdoctoral researcher will develop
his/her own research questions and will be expected to present results
at scientific conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
The one year position, to start July 2012, is supported by grant
funding with a salary of $40,000 and standard benefits with possible
extension to a second year if funding can be secured.
Requirements include: (1) Strong computational and programming skills,
prefer experience in C++ and matlab; (2) Demonstrated research
excellence; (3) Strong oral and written communication
skills. Preference will be given to applicants whose research
interests and expertise complement the research project but
outstanding applicants looking to broaden their field of interest will
also be seriously considered.
Tulane University is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative
action employer committed to excellence through diversity. All
eligible candidates are invited to apply for position vacancies as
appropriate.
To apply, send a cover letter and CV electronically to:
Dr. Caz Taylor
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Subject: SMBnet Reminders
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