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Subject: Society for Mathematical Biology Digest
SMB Digest April 6, 2016 Volume 16 Issue 14
ISSN 1086-6566
Editor: Alex Fletcher digest.alex(at)gmail(dot)com
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Issue's Topics:
AIBS Launches 6th Annual Faces of Biology Photo Contest
Workshop: BIOMAT-2016 on Cell Dynamics & Polymerization
Short course: Model fitting and inference for infectious disease dynamics
Midwest Mathematical Biology Conference 2016, May 20-21
Call for Applications: Evol. Quant. Genetics, NIMBioS
Postdoctoral Fellow in Mathematical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center,
Tampa FL
Postdoc in York: Developing novel numerical methods for fish population
dynamics
Postdoc position in Computational Neuroscience, Lancaster, PA (USA)
Selected NIH Intramural Research and other openings - April 2016
NIH Update: training application reminders; 2015 funding data ...
Funding Opportunities for the FY 2017 NIH Director's Pioneer Awards
SMBnet Reminders
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Date: Mon, Apr 4, 2016 at 7:38 PM
Subject: AIBS Launches 6th Annual Faces of Biology Photo Contest
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) has launched the 6th
Annual Faces of Biology Photo Contest. The competition recognizes scientists
who use imagery to communicate aspects of biological research to the public
and policymakers.
"Over the past five years, this contest has been effective at showing the
public and decision-makers what the scientific process looks like," said Dr.
Robert Gropp, Interim Co-Executive Director of AIBS. "Whether it is sharing
photos of biological research or enabling visits by lawmakers to research
facilities, AIBS is committed to disseminating information that will guide
informed decisions about matters that require biological knowledge."
The theme of the contest is "Faces of Biology." Photographs entered into the
competition must depict a person, such as a scientist, technician, or student,
engaging in biological research. The research may occur outside, in a lab, at
a natural history collection, at a field station, on a computer, in a
classroom, or anywhere else research is done.
The First Place Winner will have his/her winning photo featured on the cover
of BioScience, and will receive $250 and a one year membership in AIBS,
including a subscription to BioScience. The Second and Third Place Winners
will have his/her winning photo printed inside the journal, and will receive a
one year membership in AIBS, including a subscription to BioScience.
The winning photo from the 2015 contest is featured on the cover of the March
2016 issue of BioScience.
Submissions must be received by 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 30 September
2016.
For more information or to enter the contest, visit
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Date: Fri, Mar 11, 2016 at 6:33 AM
Subject: Workshop: BIOMAT-2016 on Cell Dynamics & Polymerization
BIOMAT-2016: CELL DYNAMICS AND POLYMERIZATION, (special session in
honor - memoriam - to Abdel Bellouquid) to be held in in Granada
(Spain), June 1-3, 2016:
There will be five main mini-courses. The courses will be conducted by:
- Jean Clairambault (INRIA Paris-Rocquencourt)
- Marie Doumic (INRIA Paris-Rocquencourt)
- Alain Goriely (University of Oxford)
- Christina Surulesku (TU Kaiserslautern)
- Michael Winkler (Universität Paderborn)
We will develop a special session dedicated to Abdel Bellouquid (in
memoriam), carried out by some of their collaborators:
- Nicola Bellomo (Politecnico di Torino and King Abdulaziz University)
- Elena De Angelis (Politecnico di Torino)
- Juanjo Nieto (Universidad de Granada)
- Michael Winkler (Universität Paderborn)
There will be some financial support (10-15 grants) available for
students (registration and/or accommodation up to 4 days).
Deadline to apply for financial support: April 24th, 2016
We would be very grateful if you may share the information among your
students and colleagues.
Best regards,
The organizers
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Date: Thu, Mar 31, 2016 at 3:01 AM
Subject: Short course: Model fitting and inference for infectious disease
dynamics
The Centre for the Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases (CMMID) at
the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is pleased to invite
applications for a 4-day course on
*Model fitting and inference for infectious disease dynamics*
taught by Sebastian Funk, Anton Camacho and Helen Johnson
The course will be held from 14-17 June, 2016. Course material will range from
the basics of model fitting to methods such as Markov-Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC)
and particle filtering, and will introduce methods used within CMMID to
analyse and forecast the recent Ebola epidemic and Zika virus outbreaks.
The course fee varies from £410 (students) to £615 (academics) and £820
(non-academics).
For more information, contact details, and to apply, please visit
----------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, Mar 30, 2016 at 4:50 PM
Subject: Midwest Mathematical Biology Conference - Early Registration
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is excited to host the 2nd Midwest
Mathematical Biology Conference on May 21-22, 2016 in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
The conference features three outstanding plenary speakers
Dr. Carina Curto, Penn. State. Univ.
Dr. Mark Craven, Univ. of Wisconsin
Dr. Louis Gross, Univ. of Tenn.
The conference will also feature two afternoon workshops on May 22st. The
first will revolve around Biomathematics Curriculum (lead by Dr. Tim Comar,
Benedictine Univ.), and the second will be an R Programming Bootcamp (lead by
Dr. Richard Erickson, USGS Upper Mississippi Environmental Science Center).
Further details about the conference, abstract submission, and registration
information are available at
The cost of registration increases after April 22nd, 2016. We hope to see you
in May!
Questions or inquires can be directed to James Peirce
----------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, Mar 30, 2016 at 4:06 PM
Subject: Deadline Approaching: Evolutionary Quantitative Genetics, a NIMBioS
Tutorial
The deadline is approaching for applications to the NIMBioS Tutorial:
Evolutionary Quantitative Genetics 2016 to be held August 8-12, 2016, at the
National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis.
*Objectives:* This tutorial will review the basics of theory in the field of
evolutionary quantitative genetics and its connections to evolution observed
at various time scales. Quantitative genetics deals with the inheritance of
measurements of traits that are affected by many genes. Quantitative genetic
theory for natural populations was developed considerably in the period from
1970 to 1990 and up to the present, and it has been applied to a wide range of
phenomena including the evolution of differences between the sexes, sexual
preferences, life history traits, plasticity of traits, as well as the
evolution of body size and other morphological measurements. Textbooks have
not kept pace with these developments, and currently few universities offer
courses in this subject aimed at evolutionary biologists. There is a need for
evolutionary biologists to understand this field because of the ability to
collect large amounts of data by computer, the development of statistical
methods for changes of traits on evolutionary trees and for changes in a
single species through time, and the realization that quantitative characters
will not soon be fully explained by genomics. This tutorial aims to fill this
need by reviewing basic aspects of theory and illustrating how that theory can
be tested with data, both from single species and with multiple-species
phylogenies. Participants will learn to use R, an open-source statistical
programming language, to build and test evolutionary models. The intended
participants for this tutorial are graduate students, postdocs, and junior
faculty members in evolutionary biology.
The content of this tutorial will be similar to the tutorial held at NIMBioS
in 2015. For more information about that tutorial, visit
For more information about the 2016 tutorial and a link to the online
*Location:* NIMBioS at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
*Co-Organizers:* Stevan J. Arnold, Integrative Biology, Oregon State Univ. and
Joe Felsenstein, Genome Sciences, Univ. of Washington, Seattle
*Instructors:* Stevan J. Arnold, Integrative Biology, Oregon State Univ.;
Patrick Carter, Evolutionary Physiology, Washington State Univ., Pullman; Joe
Felsenstein, Genome Sciences, Univ. of Washington, Seattle; Adam Jones,
Biology, Texas A&M Univ.; Emilia Martins, Biology, Indiana Univ., Bloomington;
Brian O'Meara, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Univ. of Tennessee; and Josef
Uyeda, Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies, Univ. of Idaho, Moscow.
Others TBA.
*Co-Sponsor:* The American Society of Naturalists
There are no fees associated with this tutorial. Tutorial participation in the
tutorial is by application only. Individuals with a strong interest in the
topic, including post-docs and graduate students, are encouraged to apply, and
successful applicants will be notified within two weeks of the application
deadline.
*Food and Lodging:* Breakfast and lunch will be provided at NIMBioS each day
of the tutorial, as well as coffee and mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks.
NIMBioS is not covering dinner, travel, or lodging expenses for participants.
A block of rooms at a group rate will be reserved at the Four Points by
Sheraton Knoxville Cumberland House Hotel. More information will be available
here soon about room rates and how participants can make reservations.
*Application deadline:* May 1, 2016
The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)
collaborate across disciplinary boundaries to investigate solutions to basic
and applied problems in the life sciences. NIMBioS is sponsored by the
National Science Foundation, with additional support from The University of
Tennessee, Knoxville.
----------------------------------------------------
Postdoctoral Fellow in Mathematical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa FL
Applications are sought for the position of post-doctoral research fellow to
work under the supervision of Dr. Heiko Enderling on inter-disciplinary
research projects on quantitative personalized medicine, with focus on cancer
radiotherapy and immunotherapy. We seek a talented individual with a PhD and
background in applied mathematics, physics or a computational discipline to
work in the unique research environment of the Integrated Mathematical
Oncology (IMO) department at Moffitt Cancer Center on the University of South
Florida campus. IMO integrates mathematicians, computer scientists, and
physicists together with imaging specialists as well as clinical and
experimental oncologists to develop novel approaches for the understanding,
treatment and prevention of cancer.
The successful candidate will have a desire to work closely with
experimentalists and clinicians and experience in modeling biological systems,
with a preference for those with knowledge of immunology, radiation, and/or
cancer. Desired are demonstrated creativity, high motivation, good
communication skills and experience in developing/ writing publications in
quality peer reviewed scientific journals. Preference will be given to
candidates with the ability to program (C/C++/Java/Matlab), visualize and
analyze numerical/experimental data.
Interested applicants should send a cover letter and C.V. directly to
----------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, Apr 5, 2016 at 8:28 AM
Subject: Postdoc in York: Developing novel numerical methods for fish
population dynamics
You are invited to apply for an EU-funded two-year postdoctoral research
position at the University of York to develop and implement novel numerical
modelling techniques, and to apply them in the field of fish population
This research position is suitable for you if you have a strong background in
continuous dynamical systems (PDEs), numerical analysis and scientific
computing, and are ready to bring your expertise to a new field of application
where your work can have the greatest impact. Fisheries policy is strongly
driven by predictions from mathematical models, more so than most areas of
public policy, but as yet only very basic numerical analysis techniques are
applied to the scientific models. Improvements are urgently needed. Your
mathematical work will help science to make better recommendations for actions
to maintain the health of marine ecosystems while at the same time exploiting
them sustainably to provide high-quality food, employment for fishers and a
prosperous fishing industry. In addition to benefiting nature and society,
this post will open a potential career path for you, because fisheries science
needs researchers with a strong mathematical background.
At the University of York we have developed partial integro-differential
equations to model marine ecosystems. Your first task will be to develop and
implement efficient numerical schemes for these equations. Beyond that, the
position offers you much scope to influence the further direction of the
research. Because you will be working as part of the MINOUW project, you have
immediate contact to 14 partner institutions across Europe, which will help
you to bring your work to have real-world impact. If you have prior experience
in large-scale modelling of continuous systems (weather, climate, currents,
fluids, fields, etc.) this will be useful, as it will be transferable.
Ideally you will begin the post before August 2016. However the precise start
date is subject to negotiation.
For further information consult the candidate brief and for enquiries please
contact:
The closing date for receipt of applications is 12:00 midnight on Monday 2 May
2016.
Interviews are likely to be held the week commencing 23 May 2016.
----------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, Mar 31, 2016 at 7:19 PM
Subject: Postdoc position in Computational Neuroscience, Lancaster, PA (USA)
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW in Computational Neuroscience
Job Description
The interdisciplinary research team of Drs Christina Weaver (Mathematics,
Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster PA) and Jennifer Luebke (Anatomy &
Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston MA) is launching a
project to explore structural and functional abnormalities of neurons in two
different mouse models of Huntington's Disease, and how these abnormalities
might contribute to system-level dysfunction. Computational modeling of
cortical and striatal neurons (both spatially extended compartmental models
and point neuron models) will be conducted in tandem with empirical studies of
these same neurons using in vitro slice electrophysiology and confocal laser
scanning microscopy. The neuron models developed in this project will be
incorporated into models of local microcircuits and larger cortico-striatal
networks, likely in collaboration with other research teams, and will be used
to inform future experiments. As part of this project, one postdoctoral
position in computational neuroscience is available. Computational modeling of
the empirically characterized neurons will use parameter optimization
algorithms developed in the Weaver lab. For an overview of our
interdisciplinary approach, see our joint publications including Luebke et
al., Cerebral Cortex (2015), PMID 24323499 and Coskren et al., J. Comput.
Neuro. (2015), PMID 25527184. The Weaver lab will have close, ongoing
collaborations with the Luebke lab, including several visits to Boston where
the empirical studies will take place. Initial appointment is for one year,
and may be extended to a total of three years. The candidate will be hired by
Franklin & Marshall College, though a remote employment arrangement may be
possible.
Applicants should have a strong background or interest in computational
neuroscience, and have a keen interest in interdisciplinary approaches to
neuroscience that integrate modeling, imaging, and physiological experiments.
Review of applications will begin immediately, and will continue until the
position is filled. Interested applicants should send their CV, a brief
statement of current and future research interests, and the contact
Required Skills
Ph.D. or equivalent in computational neuroscience, computational mathematics,
or a related field from an accredited institution
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Experience with automated parameter optimization, conductance-based modeling
of single neurons, and/or NEURON compartmental modeling software is preferred.
The fellow will have funds to support conference travel and professional
development, and full access to campus services including F&M's Faculty
Center. Lancaster, PA is a thriving small city, about an hour's train ride
from Philadelphia, PA and 1.5 hour drive to Baltimore, MD. Applicants can
learn more about working at F&M and living in the Lancaster community at
Franklin & Marshall College is committed to having an inclusive campus
community where all members are treated with dignity and respect. As an Equal
Opportunity Employer, the College does not discriminate in its hiring or
employment practices on the basis of gender, sex, race, ethnicity, color,
national origin, religion, age, disability, family or marital status, sexual
orientation, or any protected characteristic.
----------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2016 19:49:00 +0000
Subject: Selected NIH Intramural Research and other openings - April 2016
Staff Scientist
DCEG-NCI
(deadline: April 29)
The National Cancer Institute (NCI), Intramural Research Program (IRP),
a major research component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in
the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is recruiting a Staff
Scientist within the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG). This
Staff Scientist will support a research program in molecular epidemiology
of cancer and work under the direction of the DCEG Deputy Director. The
overall aim of the research program is to identify biomarkers of cancer risk
and progression in combination with other sources of exposure information
collected from large epidemiological studies. Specific areas of research
include: 1) molecular characterization of tumors to identify exposure
signatures and subtype-specific causes of cancer, 2) identification of
biomarkers of risk, including genetic and epigenetic changes, 3) integration
of biomarkers and other risk factors into cancer risk prediction models,
and 4) evaluation of their utility in risk stratification to inform personal
and public health decisions.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the coordination of research
activities and the management of large epidemiological studies including
acquiring, manipulating and integrating data from a variety of sources,
quality control, statistical data analyses and manuscript preparation. He/she
will be involved in collaborative research with intramural and extramural
researchers and several international consortia, with opportunities for a
lead role in publications. Qualifications include a Ph.D. or equivalent
doctoral degree in epidemiology, biostatistics or related field. Prior
postdoctoral training experience in epidemiological research with a history
of publications that reflect experience in the methodological and analytical
requirements of this position is highly desirable. Excellent written and
oral (English) communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills are also
required. US citizenship is not a requirement.
Salary is commensurate with research experience and accomplishments. Full
Federal benefits including salary, leave, health and life insurance, long-term
care insurance, retirement, and savings plan (401k equivalent) will be
provided. All employees of the Federal Government are subject to the conflict
of interest statutes and regulations, including the Standards of Ethical
Conduct. Additional information regarding the NCI/DCEG IRP is available at
letter, curriculum vitae, bibliography, statement of research interests,
and supply the names of three references to: Catherine McClave, Special
Advisor for Division Operations; National Institute of Cancer, Division
of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Rm. 7E-440,
must be received on or before April 29, 2016 for consideration.
The NIH Intramural Research Program
Link to Fellowships and Positions of Interest to fellows
----------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, Apr 4, 2016 at 12:17 PM
Subject: NIH Update: training application reminders; 2015 funding data ...
NIH Update: training application reminders; 2015 funding data; how to tell if
you're using the right application forms; clarification on reporting
publications in progress reports
See:
----------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 4 Apr 2016 20:40:39 +0000
Subject: Funding Opportunities for the FY 2017 NIH Director's Pioneer Awards
The NIH Common Fund announces funding opportunities for the FY 2017
NIH Director's Pioneer Awards, NIH Director's New Innovators Awards,
and NIH Director's Transformative Research Awards. These award
initiatives are part of the NIH Common Fund High-Risk High-Reward
unique opportunities for exceptionally creative scientists to pursue
highly innovative approaches to address major challenges in biomedical or
behavioral research. Any research topic relevant to the broad mission of
NIH is welcome. NIH especially encourages women and members of groups that
are underrepresented in NIH-funded research to apply.
2017 NIH Director's Pioneer Awards: RFA RM-16-005
* Open to scientists at any career stage; single PI applications only
* Up to $3.5 million in direct costs over a period of 5 years
* Application instructions and additional details are provided in the RFA
* For Pioneer Award program information, see Pioneer website
* Application deadline: September 2, 2016
2017 NIH Director's New Innovator Awards: RFA RM-16-004
* Open to Early Career Stage scientists (defined as those who have not
received an NIH R01 or similar grant and are within 10 years of completing
their terminal research degree or medical residency); single PI applications
only
* Up to $1.5 million in direct costs over a period of 5 years (multi-year
funded, funds for entire project period disbursed from FY 2017 appropriation)
* Application instructions and additional details provided in the RFA
* For New Innovator Award program information, see New Innovator website
* Application deadline: September 9, 2016
2017 NIH Director's Transformative Awards Research: RFA
* Open to scientists at any career stage; single-PI applications and multi-PI
applications welcome
* Flexible budgets, commensurate with scope of proposed research
* Application instructions and additional details provided in the RFA
* For Transformative Research Award program information,
* Application deadline: October 7, 2016
The High-Risk High-Reward Program and other Common Fund programs are managed
by the Office of Strategic Coordination, Division of Program Coordination,
Planning, and Strategic Initiatives in the NIH Office of the Director,
in partnership with the component NIH Institutes, Centers and Offices. The
supports a series of exceptionally high impact, trans-NIH programs.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) - "The Nation's Medical Research
Agency" - includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the
U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal
agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational
medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments and cures
for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its
----------------------------------------------------
Subject: SMBnet Reminders
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