BACKGROUND

The Section computational Science (University of Amsterdam) has a vacancy for a PhD Student for the project ``A Visual Exploration environment for Analyzing gene Regulation in Developmental processes (VEARD)'' Full-time (38 hours per week).

The project is financed by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, NWO, research program Visual Interactive Effective Worlds (VIEW). The project is a collaboration with the research group from Prof. R. van Liere of the Center for Mathematics and Computer Science (CWI) in Amsterdam.

In this project we propose to develop visualization techniques for quantitative research on complex shaped and variable biological and simulated objects and techniques for the visualization of abstract n-dimensional parameter spaces in models of gene regulatory networks. The project aims to develop methods and tools to extract and present geometrical information from spatial measurements and simulation, to develop visualization methods to compare simulation models and measured data, and techniques for the navigation of morphometric parameter spaces (morphospaces) and model parameter spaces. We will focus on a prototypical case study: gene regulation of development in metazoans with a relatively simple body plan (sponges and scleractinian corals). Here we will closely collaborate with Prof W.E.G. Mueller (Institut fuer Physiologische Chemie Johannes Gutenberg-Universitaet Mainz, Germany) and Prof D.J. Miller (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Australia).

RESPONSIBILITIES

The PhD student Scientific Computing and visualization will work on a visual exploration system suitable for analyzing bio-mechanical models of growth and form, models of the genetic regulatory network controlling the developmental process and methods for quantifying morphologies. The visual exploration system will used to explore virtual morphospaces.

REQUIREMENTS

Candidates should have a master's degree (or equivalent) in scientific computing or computational science, (computational) physics, chemistry, biology or a comparable expertise. Candidates are also expected to have an active interest in life science applications. Ability to operate in an international research team. Fluency in oral and written English.

COMPENSATION

The appointment will be full time (38 hours a week) for a period of four years (one year plus a further three years after a positive evaluation) and should lead to a dissertation. The gross monthly salary will be in accordance with the University regulations for academic personnel, and will range from € 1,933 up to a maximum of € 2,472.

HOW TO APPLY

Further information can be obtained from : Dr Jaap A. Kaandorp, Section Computational Science, University of Amsterdam, e-mail: jaapk[at]science.uva.nl. More information (application procedure, deadlines etc.) is available on the website:
http://www.uva.nl/vacatures