BACKGROUND

We are a young group focussing on the challenge of extracting structured insight from high-throughput experiments (microarrays, proteomics, ...), taking a probabilistic approach. Our biological interests are varied, and include clinical applications as well as basic research, such as the investigation of non-genetic sources of individuality in fruitflies. While travel is not necessary, we have active collaborations with Cambridge, UK, and the U.S., and encourage exchange with our partners.

RESPONSIBILITIES

We are looking for a highly motivated post-graduate student, who is keen to pursue research work on probabilistic approaches for microarray analysis. The new junior group-member will contribute to our development of hierarchical Bayesian models for microarray analysis with a focus on fully probabilistic models of gene interactions.

REQUIREMENTS

Successful candidates are expected to have a university degree in a technical or scientific discipline as well as have had some previous exposure to data analysis work, e.g., as obtained through research undertaken for a master thesis. Research in our field requires good mathematical and software engineering skills. Candidates must hence be able to demonstrate coding experience in R, MatLab, Octave, or a similar language. The interdisciplinary nature of the group’s work also brings involvement with project partners of a life-science background. Models are applied to real-world problems in modern biology and experimental process development. Interest in interdisciplinary research and good communication skills in English are therefore essential (working knowledge of German a plus). Experience with data analysis in a life-science or biomedical domain is an advantage. While a work permit is not required, candidates need to be eligible for a residency permit in Austria (automatic for EU members).

LOCALE

Vienna, Austria, is a thriving international city with a vibrant scientific environment and excellent quality of life.

COMPENSATION

The position is available immediately and has an initial tenure of three years. It is expected that a PhD is completed during the first three years of the fellowship. A stipend is paid on the national FWF standard scale for post-graduate (i.e., pre-doctoral) researchers.

HOW TO APPLY

Research work will be supervised by Dr Peter Sykacek, to whom applications should be addressed. Please include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a list of previous research and publications, as well as two reference letters. We look forward to receiving your application by 1 December 2006. Late applications may be considered until the position has been filled. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. See http://bioinf.boku.ac.at for more information and contact details.

Boku University Vienna
Department of Biotechnology
WWTF Chair of Bioinformatics
http://bioinf.boku.ac.at