BACKGROUND

The research will be part of a high profile interdisciplinary research project aimed at elaborating the network of physical and functional interactions between genes and proteins in mouse and human, by exploiting information on protein and genetic networks in model organisms (yeast, bacteria, worm and fly). A major focus will be on the network of interactions within the chromatin remodeling machinery. Our goal is to gain insight into the phenotypic consequences of disease-associated mutations across the network, and to develop methods of inferring the outcome of polygenic interactions between network components. The project team includes laboratories in Toronto with first rate expertise in bioinformatics/computational biology (Dr. Zhaolei Zhang, Dr. John Parkinson, Dr. Shoshana Wodak), outstanding achievements in proteomics (Andrew Emili,Jack Greenblatt, Mike Tyers), unique expertise in Chromatin remodeling (Jack Greenblatt) and in mouse genetics (Janet Rossant). Our research is ensured to leverage the rich information on protein and genetic interaction networks generated by members of our team and their collaborators.

The work will be carried out in the laboratory of Prof. Shoshana Wodak, at the Research Institute of the Hospital for Sick Children. The Institute is one of the largest private research Institutes in Canada with an annual research budget of $140 millions and employs 235 Principal Investigators, 315 Research Fellows and 453 Graduate students. Prof. Wodak is affiliated with the Departments of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics of the University of Toronto.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will work on the development and application of more reliable methods for inferring gene and protein function from sequence data and from information on functional context (protein & genetic interactions, gene co-localization and co-regulation) across organisms. Duties will include the design and implementation of algorithms for integrating and mining diverse datasets on interaction networks, generating and testing biological hypotheses derived from the data, and developing software for facilitating integrative analyses.

REQUIREMENTS

Applicants should have a recently acquired (last 3 years) PhD in bioinformatics/computational biology, computer science, engineering, physics, or mathematics. Candidates with a PhD in the biological sciences with a strong quantitative training will also be considered. A good publication record is preferable. Priority will be given to candidates with demonstrated expertise in the analysis of biochemical pathways and of interaction or regulatory networks, and good knowledge of the underlying data. The candidate should also have a solid background in statistics, with knowledge of machine learning techniques and be well versed in programming (Java and/or C++, Perl) and database development; experience with MATLAB is desirable. Successful candidates will be highly motivated individuals with excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as capable of working within a larger multidisciplinary team.

TERMS

The position is for a fixed term of maximum of 5 years, and starts 1 October, 2007.

LOCALE

Toronto

COMPENSATION

Commensurable with experience

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact details for 3 references, to: shoshana[at]sickkids.ca

DEADLINE

None