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Subject: SMB Digest v13i38

SMB Digest      September 18, 2013   Volume 13  Issue 38
ISSN 1086-6566

Editor: Ray Mejía ray(at)smb(dot)org

Note:
Information about the Society for Mathematical Biology, including an
application for membership, may be found in the SMB Home Page,
http://www.smb.org/ .

Access the Bulletin of Mathematical Biology, the official journal of SMB, at
http://www.springer.com/11538 .

Inquiries about membership or BMB fulfillment should be sent to
membership(at)smb(dot)org .

Issue's Topics:
   Symposium: Modeling for Science and Policy, 10th Anniversary of MIDAS
   CfP: Advances in Neural Population Models and Their Networks
   CfP: BICoB-2014 - Submission Deadline October 31, 2013, Las Vegas
   Career Development Fellow: Medical Research Council, Cambridge
   Postdoc Position, Population Ecology of Urban Rodents ..., Tulane U
   Postdoc Position, 3D Fruit Mechanical Modeling, France
   Postdoctoral/Research Faculty Positions, Network Theory & Applications
   Tenure-track Position, Mathematical Biology, Utah State University
   Tenure-Track Assistant Professor, Iowa State University
   Two Continuing Applied Mathematics Positions, University of Melbourne
   SMBnet Reminders


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From: Eckstrand, Irene (NIH/NIGMS) [E] <ECKSTRAI@nigms.nih.gov>
Date: Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 12:18 PM
Subject: Symposium: Modeling for Science and Policy, 10th Anniversary of MIDAS

All are invited to attend a symposium, Modeling for Science and Policy,
marking the 10th anniversary of the Models of Infectious Disease Agent Study
(MIDAS).  MIDAS is a collaborative network of scientists funded by NIGMS who
use computational, statistical, and mathematical models to study infectious
disease dynamics. The program will feature talks by MIDAS investigators on
topics including emerging infectious diseases like Middle East Respiratory
Syndrome and drug-resistant TB; discussions; and demonstrations of MIDAS
software.

The symposium will take place on September 23, 2013, in the Lister Hill Center
Auditorium, Building 38A. To view the agenda or to register, please visit
the meeting Web site (http://meetings.nigms.nih.gov/meetings/midastenth/).

Attendance is free and pre-registration is not required. The symposium
will also be videocast live and archived on the NIH Videocast Web site
(http://videocast.nih.gov/).

Sign language interpreters will be provided. Individuals with disabilities
who need reasonable accommodation to participate may contact Diane
Woody at 301-451-8322, e-mail woodyd@mail.nih.gov, or the Federal Relay
(1-800-877-8339).


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From: Ingo Bojak <i.bojak@reading.ac.uk>
Date: Wed, Sep 11, 2013 at 2:24 PM
Subject: CfP: Advances in Neural Population Models and Their Networks

Dear colleagues,

May we draw your attention to an Open Thematic Series ("special issue")
in the Springer open access journal EPJ Nonlinear Biomedical Physics
http://www.epjnonlinearbiomedphys.com/:

Advances in Neural Population Models and Their Networks

This special issue arises from two CNS*13 workshops ("Advances in Neural Mass
Modelling" http://wwwhome.math.utwente.nl/~visser/cns2013/?page=program
and "Full Brain Network Dynamics - Modelling, Analyses, Experiments"
http://www.thevirtualbrain.org/milestones/index.html?conferences,
respectively), but welcomes topical submissions from all.

Deadline for submissions is 15 November 2013,
and will not be moved. The full announcement can be found at
www.epjnonlinearbiomedphys.com/sites/10384/pdf/A00145_DF_CFP_EPJ_NB_Neural%20Population_Global_A4_4.pdf.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us
via i.bojak@reading.ac.uk.

As (guest) editors, we look forward to receiving your contributions to what
promises to be an exciting special issue.

Best wishes,
Ingo Bojak, Stephan van Gils and Sid Visser


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From: BICOB2014 <bicob2014@uhcl.edu>
Date: Fri, Sep 13, 2013 at 10:40 AM
Subject: CfP: BICoB-2014 - Submission Deadline October 31, 2013, Las Vegas

BICoB-2014
6th International Conference on Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
March 24-26, 2014 - Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Conf website:   http://www.cs.umb.edu/bicob/ 


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From: Emilia Vynnycky <Emilia.Vynnycky@phe.gov.uk>
Date: Wed, Sep 11, 2013 at 9:41 AM
Subject: Career Development Fellow: Medical Research Council, Cambridge

Career Development Fellow: Medical Research Council, Cambridge.

The MRC Biostatistics Unit undertakes research on statistical methods and
their application to the design, analysis and interpretation of biomedical
studies, to advance understanding of the cause, natural history and treatment
of disease, and to evaluate public health strategies. The UKCRC Centre for
Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), a partnership between the University of
Cambridge, the University of East Anglia and the MRC, studies the factors that
influence dietary and physical activity related behaviours at the population
level and the development and evaluation of public health interventions in
order to help shape public health practice and policy.

We are seeking a statistician to contribute to collaborative work between
the MRC Biostatistics Unit and CEDAR addressing statistical issues in
mathematical public health modelling. These models are both used to relate
non-health system interventions and exposures to public health outcomes
through changes to physical activity and diet and related risks (e.g. sports
or transport injuries), and to study how to achieve behaviour change. The
post holder will be expected to contribute to the on-going development of
models such as the Integrated Transport and Health Impact Modelling Tool
(ITHIM) and to the development of new models. Current areas of interest
include modelling the behaviour of individual agents in complex systems,
multi-state models for extrapolating incidence and mortality for different
diseases, and calibrating or validating models against observed data.

By the time they take up the appointment, the successful applicant will have
a PhD in a strongly quantitative subject, ideally statistics. Experience in
models of complex dynamic systems or decision-analytic models in healthcare
or related areas would be an advantage. Applications are also welcome
from those with more generic statistical experience who are interested
in applying their skills to a new topic area, or from other mathematical
scientists enthusiastic to start a career in statistics. The successful
applicant will be supported in their career development with a range of
formal courses and on-the-job training.

This is a 3 year fixed term post, with the possibility of extension for a
further two years. Starting salary will be in the range of £27,183-£30,785
per annum, supported by a flexible pay and reward policy, 30 days annual
leave entitlement, and an optional MRC final salary Pension Scheme.

The closing date for applications is 13th October 2013, with interviews
being held on 4th November 2013. Please visit

http://www.topcareer.jobs/Vacancy/irc110595_3610.aspx

to apply by submitting a CV and Covering Letter, including reference
IRC110595 in the file name. Only online applications will be accepted.

Applicants who would like to receive this advert in an alternative format
(e.g. large print, Braille, audio or hard copy), or who are unable to apply
online should contact us by telephone on 01793 867000. Please quote the
appropriate reference number when calling.


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From: Caz Taylor <caz@tulane.edu>
Date: Wed, Sep 11, 2013 at 2:02 PM
Subject: Postdoc Position, Population Ecology of Urban Rodents ..., Tulane U

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN THE POPULATION ECOLOGY OF URBAN RODENTS AND
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF RODENT-BORN DISEASE

TULANE UNIVERSITY

We are seeking a postdoctoral associate to join an NSF-funded, Coupled
Natural and Human (CNH) systems project to assist with research on the
population ecology of Norway rats and epidemiology of rodent-born pathogens
in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

The postdoc will develop a computational metapopulation model of rodents in
New Orleans. The population model will synthesize information and data from
GIS analyses, population genetics, trap-based surveys, disease prevalence,
vegetation surveys, and sociological surveys. The model will be used to
assess ecological and human-health outcomes of alternative control scenarios
reflecting risk perceptions, rodent abundance, and habitat suitability
across the New Orleans study region.

The expected outcomes of the project include (1)modeling the distribution
and demographics of human exposure risk according to habitat, landscape and
socioeconomic factors; and (2) determining the likelihood of containing
and controlling transmission according to competing intervention targets
and strategies; and (3) determining the extent to which interventions give
rise to feedbacks between ecological and societal diversity.

The postdoctoral researcher also may be expected to serve as a coordinator for
the project, working with an interdisciplinary team of scientists including
public health professionals, sociologists, geographers, ecologists, and
mathematicians.

The researcher will be mentored by Dr. Caz Taylor (Department of Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology and Center for Computational Science, Tulane University)
and Dr. Michael Blum (Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and
Center for Bioenvironmental Research, Tulane University).

In addition to contributing to the collaborative research project described
above, 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.

Candidates are being sought with: (1) Strong computational and programming
skills, prefer experience in R, and/or 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. A PhD in ecology, population
genetics, epidemiology, mathematics, or a related field is required.

The position is available immediately, though the start date is flexible.
Funding is available for three years. An initial appointment will be for
two years with an extension contingent on performance. Compensation will
be $40,000 per year, with starting salary commensurate with experience. A
standard benefits package will be available.

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, email a cover letter, a statement of research interests and
experience, a CV, and the names and contact information of three references
to:

Ms. Shelley Meaux
Department Administrator
Tulane/Xavier Center for Bioenvironmental Research (CBR)
107B Richardson Building
Tulane University
New Orleans, LA 70118
smeaux@tulane.edu

Questions about the position or project should be directed to Dr. Caz Taylor
(caz@tulane.edu) and/or Dr. Michael Blum (mjblum@tulane.edu).

Applications will be reviewed beginning October 15 2013.


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From: <vbaldazzi@paca.inra.fr>
Date: Fri, Sep 13, 2013 at 3:50 PM
Subject: Postdoc Position, 3D Fruit Mechanical Modeling, France

3D Fruit mechanical modeling

This position is announced in the framework of a 24-months project entitled
"Combined (eco)-physiological and 3D-modelling approach to understand
and analyse the role of cuticle in growth and quality of fleshy fruits"
and supported by Agropolis Fondation, Montpellier.

In this project, a 3D tomato fruit model, in which fruit growth and
composition will result from interactions between cuticle and water and
carbon flows in connection to pressure gradients within the fruit, limitation
of water loss by transpiration and mechanical constraints exerted on the
pericarp expansion, will be developed. This model will be used to analyse
the multiple roles of the fruit cuticle not only on the control of fruit
growth, but also on the accumulation of main compounds involved in taste. A
collection of tomato mutants specifically affected on the fruit cuticle
(INRA Bordeaux) will be used to evaluate the model. In this framework, the
post-doctoral scientist will have to develop and implement the 3D fruit model
in the open software platform OpenAlea for modeling plants (Pradal 2008).

He/She will work in a joint research program between INRIA Montpellier,
INRA Avignon and INRA Bordeaux and will have to travel between Avignon
and Montpellier.

Contract duration: 24 months

Net salary: 1947 euros / month

Location: UMR DAP - Développement et Amélioration des Plantes, TA40/02,
Cirad, Avenue Agropolis, 34398 MONTPELLIER CEDEX 5, France     
http://www-sop.inria.fr/virtualplants/wiki/doku.php
   
UR 1115 Plantes et Systèmes en Horticulture Site St Paul - domaine Agroparc
84914 Avignon Cedex 9
http://www4.paca.inra.fr/psh

CV and motivation letter should be sent to: christophe.godin@inria.fr and 
nadia.bertin@avignon.inra.fr


----------------------------------------------------

From: Luciana Zanella <l-zanella@u.northwestern.edu>
Date: Tue, Sep 17, 2013 at 10:51 AM
Subject: Postdoctoral/Research Faculty Positions, Network Theory & Applications

Postdoctoral/Research Faculty Positions in Network Theory and Applications

Prof. Adilson E. Motter has postdoctoral positions open in the broad area
of complex systems and networks at Northwestern University's Department of
Physics and Astronomy. Applications for research faculty positions may also
be considered.

Research currently pursued in the group includes the modeling of network
dynamical processes in physical and biological systems; network rescue
and control; cascading failures; network synchronization; network structure
beyond communities; applications to the physics of cancer, power transmission
networks, and the design of new materials. More information can be found
on the group webpage: http://dyn.phys.northwestern.edu

The group is located in the Evanston campus, along the shores of Lake
Michigan, just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago.

To apply, please send your CV (including publication list), a brief statement
of research interests, and the contact information of at least two references
to Dr. Luciana Zanella (l-zanella@northwestern.edu). Applications received
by November 1, 2013 will receive full consideration.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Individuals from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.


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From: Jim Powell <jim.powell@usu.edu>
Date: Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 10:54 AM
Subject: Tenure-track Position, Mathematical Biology, Utah State University

Assistant Professor in Mathematical Biology
Utah State University

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics seeks an Assistant Professor of
Mathematical Biology who will extend and enhance Utah State University's
interdisciplinary research and education programs in mathematical and
biological/ecological sciences (broadly interpreted). The position is a
9-month, tenure track position in mathematical biology/ecology. Postdoctoral
experience is preferred; a PhD in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics or
related discipline is required. The candidate will work toward tenure in
Mathematics and Statistics but will be expected to interact with existing,
and develop new, interdisciplinary teams, particularly in the Department
of Biology, College of Science, and the University-wide Ecology Center
(http://www.usu.edu/ecology/). Duties in Mathematics & Statistics include
teaching graduate and undergraduate classes in applied mathematics (such
as numerical methods, stochastic processes, nonlinear dynamics, partial
differential equations, asymptotic analysis, applied math in biology)
and supervising research students in the interdisciplinary masters and
PhD programs. 

We are particularly interested in applicants who are excited about
opportunities to interact with quantitatively oriented biologists
and ecologists on campus and who have experience modeling/simulating
ecological processes. Applicants with background in applied probability
or numerical solution of partial/stochastic differential equations are
particularly welcome. Utah State University has an excellent climate for
interdisciplinary research, with a history of interdisciplinary education
and grantsmanship. The state of Utah was recently given EPSCoR status by
the National Science Foundation, offering young faculty an advantage when
seeking funding opportunities. Publications in biological and ecological
journals is encouraged and will count with equal weight toward tenure as
those in mathematical or statistical journals. 

Candidates should submit a cover letter, three letters of recommendation,
and curriculum vitae on USU's employment website (https://jobs.usu.edu). At
least one of the letters should address teaching qualifications. A
separate, brief (two pages or less) statement of research interests
and capabilities, indicating how the candidate envisions enhancing the
university's interdisciplinary research programs in quantitative biology
and ecology, must also be submitted. Full position and application details
appear on the USU employment website.

Utah State University is an AA/EO employer, sensitive to the needs of
dual-career applicants. The university is open to considering dual-career
appointments for suitable professional partners and is dedicated to
recruiting stellar candidates from a diverse pool including women, minorities,
veterans and people with disabilities. Qualified couples should note that
the department also has a faculty search in differential geometry and related
fields. USU offers competitive salaries with outstanding medical, retirement
and professional benefits (for details visit http://www.usu.edu/hr/). The
main campus is in Logan, Utah, a semi-rural city in a mountain valley with a
community of 100,000 people, offering ample opportunities for family-friendly
professional life.  Local ski resorts, lakes, rivers, and mountains create
an excellent recreation environment.

Applicants should apply at https://jobs.usu.edu (Req. ID 054096). Details
about requirements for the application process are explained on this
site. Review of applications begins January 14, 2014, with the position
open until filled. 
Email inquiries should be directed to jim.powell@usu.edu.


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From: Karin S. Dorman <kdorman@iastate.edu>
Date: Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 3:57 PM
Subject: Tenure-Track Assistant Professor, Iowa State University

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

Assistant Professor Position in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

The department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology
(http://www.gdcb.iastate.edu) at Iowa State University invites applications
for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level. We seek creative
individuals employing genomic or interdisciplinary approaches to address
fundamental questions. Applicants must have a Ph.D. and have demonstrated
potential for superior achievement in research and teaching. The successful
candidate will establish a program of biological research and teaching,
with an emphasis on bioinformatics or computational biology. Successful
candidates will establish vibrant, extramurally funded programs of research,
will demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively within existing research
strengths at ISU, and will contribute to undergraduate and to graduate
courses in their area(s) of expertise through scholarly teaching.

Application instructions are at http://www.iastatejobs.com (vacancy 130917).
Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, and research and teaching
statements by 14 October 2013. Submission of three confidential letters
of recommendation should be arranged as per instructions in the on-line
application system.

ISU values diversity and is an AA/EEO Employee.


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From: Kerry Landman <kerryl@unimelb.edu.au>
Date: Tue, Sep 17, 2013 at 4:19 PM
Subject: Two Continuing Applied Mathematics Positions, University of Melbourne

Two Continuing Applied Mathematics Positions: University of Melbourne,
Australia

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Melbourne
seeks to appoint two continuing Lecturers. For details and to submit an
application by 10 November 2013, go to www.jobs.unimelb.edu.au and quote
position number 0032066.Opportunities for interdisciplinary interactions and
collaborations abound through the many biological and medical departments
and research institutes, IBM Research - Australia, the Victorian Life
Sciences Computation Initiative and recent initiatives in systems and
computational biology.


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Subject: SMBnet Reminders

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End of SMB Digest
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