PhD fellowship in multi-omics data mining through (dynamic) mechanistic models (ESR1)

“E-MUSE Complex microbial ecosystems multiscale modelling: mechanistic and data driven approaches integration” MSCA-ITN-2020 European Training Network

Are you interested in a comprehensive, interactive and international research programme? Do you want your research to cover the broader aspects and interface between biology, bioinformatics, statistics, systems biology, predictive microbiology and artificial intelligence? Then, please apply for this PhD fellowship at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU).

The E-MUSE training programme aims at developing young researchers’ skills at the interface between artificial intelligence and life sciences. The challenge is to acquire a shared language bridging life science questions and original modelling approaches. The research programme of the E-MUSE network is to develop innovative modelling methodologies to understand a complex microbial ecosystem and identify levers to control and/or predict its evolution. To deal with biological complexity, biologists, mathematicians, and computer scientists have to work together to develop innovative methodologies. An important complexity of this domain originates from scales and dynamics issues, ranging from local kinetics at the level of the cell to emerging macroscopic properties of the biological system. The development of high throughput techniques provides more and more large datasets, but knowledge is not easily inferred from this huge amount of data and multiscale dynamics are still incompletely characterised and predicted. E-MUSE’s transdisciplinary network gathers academic and industrial partners to equip Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) with scientific, research and transferable skills to become leaders in academic research or industry. They will be at the cutting edge of the modelling methodologies that we apply to model structural and dynamic features of microbial communities, to identify key processes and biomarkers for specific applications.

ESR 1

Objectives

Integration of omics data with genome-scale models to microbial ecosystems dynamics. The task involves the definition and solution of constraint-based models and objective functions integrated over dynamic periods. (www.itn-emuse.com/wp).        

Skills/Qualifications

Master’s degree in systems biology, bioinformatics, (bio)physics, engineering or biology with a strong theoretical/computational component.   

• Independence, curiosity, open-mindedness, ability to (learn to) communicate with different disciplines (experimental, computational, theoretical) and will to understand complex systems
• educational background and previous research experience relevant for the chosen position
• networking and communication skills in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment
• willingness to travel abroad for the purpose of research, training and dissemination

We offer

• A comprehensive, interactive and international training programme covering the broader aspects and interface between biology, bioinformatics, statistics, systems biology, predictive microbiology and artificial intelligence as well as transferable skills.
• An enthusiastic team of professionals to co-operate with.
• Personal Career development plan (PCDP) to prepare young researchers for their future careers.
• Each ESR will undergo individual training at individual institutes according to the PCDP description.
• An attractive compensation package in accordance with the MSCA-ITN programme regulations for early stage researchers. Exact salary will be confirmed upon and will be based on a Living Allowance of €3270/month (correction factor to be applied per country) + mobility allowance of €600/month. Additionally researchers may also qualify for a family allowance* of €250/month depending on family situation. Taxation and Social (including Pension) Contribution deductions based on National and company regulations will apply. *Family = be married / be in a relationship with equivalent status to a marriage recognised by the legislation of the country or region where it was formalised/have dependent children who are being maintained by the researcher.
• Duration of recruitment: 36 months.

Eligibility criteria

• Any nationality
• Early Stage Researchers (ESR): The applicant needs to be in the first four years of their research careers at the date of recruitment by the host organisation, and have not been awarded a doctoral degree. The first four years are measured from the date of applicant’s degree either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the researcher is recruited, irrespective of whether doctorate was ever envisaged.
• Mobility Rule: The ESR must have not resided or carried out main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organisation ≤ 12 months* in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Exceptions: The ESR must not have spent more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the date of selection in the same appointing international organisation. *EXCLUDED: short stays such as holidays, compulsory national services such as mandatory military service and procedures for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention
• Language: Applicants must demonstrate fluent reading, writing and speaking abilities in English.

Recruitment Process

1. Candidates apply for a position using the online application form at E-MUSE website.       
2. Link for application on VUA recruitment platform.
3. The Supervisors per ESR will select the best candidates based on CV, academic records, recommendation and motivation letters and adequate skills set. 
4. The selected applicants will be interviewed through an online meeting by Selection Committee per ESR.
5. Optional: If possible, personal interviews will be held with the presentation of a master thesis by shortlisted candidates. Expenses made by the candidate for travelling and the hotel will be reimbursed by the local organisation. Due to Covid-19, this stage can be done via an online meeting.
6. The best candidates will be chosen by the ESR supervisors and the Selection Committee(s). European Project Manager will communicate the successful candidates to the Consortium and Partners.

Hosting Organization: STICHTING VU (VUA) 

Enrolment in Doctoral degree: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA) (https://www.vu.nl/en)

Applications Deadline 15/04/2021 23:59 - Europe/Brussels

Envisaged Job Starting Date 15/05/2021

Apply on: E-MUSE website https://www.itn-emuse.com/esr1