DESCRIPTION

Autoassociative Neural Networks, multidimensional Self Organising Maps and high-throughput genomics wet lab approaches will be used to dissect coexpressed gene systems in the rice plant. The in silico and in vitro cis-active regulatory element identification and isolation will form a part of the project which will mainly concentrate on already known cis-active elements and how they can be used to predict coexpressed genes.

REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate will be from UKEU, with qualifications and/or experience in biology and computational biology/bioinformatics. Specialised mentoring in mathematics will be provided but the candidate is expected to be comfortable with advanced mathematics and have experience or demonstratable interest in molecular biology, preferably in gene expression/silencing. Prior experience with neural networks will be an advantage.
The 4 year studentship is funded for UK home fees and maintenence allowance. It is tenable with Dr Ajay Kohli of the Institute for Research on Environment and Sustainability (IRES) in the School of Biology and Dr Ehsan Mesbahi in the School of Marine Sciences and Technology at the Ubiversity of Newcastle. Regular input and facilities will be available from the Division of Bioinformatics at the School of Computing. The Schools are equipped with the state of the art facilities for the in silico and in vitro aspects of the project. There may be a chance to spend 2-3 months in India in the first year for specialised training in Biological Operating Systems (BOS). Additional information is available on request.

HOW TO APPLY

Please write to ajay.kohli[at]ncl.ac.uk for further details by 30th September 2005