---------------------------------------------------- Subject: SMB Digest v05i32 SMB Digest November 8, 2005 Volume 05 Issue 32 ISSN 1086-6566 Editor: Ray Mejía (ray@helix.nih.gov) Note: Information about the Society for Mathematical Biology, including an application for membership, may be found in the SMB Home Page, http://www.smb.org/ . Access the Bulletin of Mathematical Biology, the official journal of SMB, at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/issn/00928240 . Inquiries about membership or BMB fulfillment should be sent to membership@smb.org Issue's Topics: Call for Submissions for SMB Newsletter CRCNS Awards for FY2005 CRCNS letters of intent -- New procedures for December 2005 Training in Computational Neuroscience (forthcoming RFA) PhD Studentship, University of Nottingham, UK Postdoctoral Position, IMMUNOGRID, CNR, Rome Postdoctoral Position, Evolutionary Ecology, Iowa State Tenure-rack Position, Theoretical Neuroscience, U of Waterloo Two Positions, Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Rochester Lectureship, Biomathematical Sciences, Imperial College Position, Biological Force Generation, Johns Hopkins University Open Positions, Computational Biology, Simula Research Laboratory Research Scientist/Engineering Position, Vanderbilt SMBnet Reminders ---------------------------------------------------- From: Sharon Lubkin Date: Tue, 8 Nov 2005 10:03:39 -0500 Subject: Call for Submissions for SMB Newsletter CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS Have you been to a great conference lately? Do you have an open postdoc or studentship position or other announcements? Do you have a perspective on a recent trend in mathematical biology? Write about them for the SMB Newsletter. Please send all materials and inquiries to editor@smb.org. Materials for the next issue are due Dec 1. Sharon Lubkin Chair, Publications Committee Society for Mathematical Biology ---------------------------------------------------- From: "Whang, Kenneth" Date: Mon, 7 Nov 2005 16:30:08 -0500 Subject: CRCNS Awards for FY2005 Dear Colleagues, The Collaborative Research in Computational Neuroscience program is pleased to announce 22 new projects funded from its 2005 competition. A list of project titles appears at the end of this message. CRCNS will accept a new round of proposals in FY2006. Deadline dates are December 1, 2005 for letters of intent (required) and January 5, 2006 for proposals. For further information about the program and abstracts of all awards, please visit the CRCNS program web site, http://www.nsf.gov/crcns/. CRCNS FY05 AWARDS Blackwell, Kim - George Mason University - Spatio-temporal Dynamics of Dopamine Activated 2nd Messenger Pathways Calhoun, Vince - Hartford Hospital - Spatiotemporal Fusion of fMRI, EEG and Genetic Data Using Independent Component Analysis Canavier, Carmen - University of New Orleans - Analysis of synchronization in hybrid neural circuits Cohen, Avis - U of MD College Park - An integrated locomotion model for lamprey swimming Connor, Charles - Johns Hopkins University - Higher-Level Neural Specialization for Natural Shape Statistics Gedeon, Tomas - Montana State University - Optimality of a Sensory Receptor Array Hartemink, Alexander - Duke University - Neural Flow Networks in Songbirds Itti, Laurent (collaborative) - U of Southern California - Characterizing Bayesian Surprise in Humans and Monkeys Baldi, Pierre (collaborative) - U of Cal Irvine - Characterizing Bayesian Surprise in Humans and Monkeys Jung, Ranu - Arizona State University - Modeling Neuromusculoskeletal Alterations after Spinal Cord Injury Kass, Robert - Carnegie Mellon University - Analysis of Multiple-Electrode Neuronal Data: Evolution of Cortical Activity During Learning Kay, Leslie - University of Chicago - Multiple gamma oscillations in the rat olfactory system and their roles in attention and sensory dynamics Lane, Terran - University of New Mexico - Bayesian Analysis of Neural-Behavioral Interactions in Mental Illness Lisberger, Stephen - U of Cal San Francisco - Precision and coding in smooth pursuit Poe, Gina R. - University of Michigan - Neuromodulation of Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity in Waking and REM Sleep Riesenhuber, Maximilian - Georgetown University - A model-based investigation of face processing in normal and autistic subjects: from neurons to behavior and back Saggau, Peter - Baylor College of Medicine - Concurrent Computational and Optical Approaches for Studying the Input/Output Relationships of Neurons Samaras, Dimitrios - SUNY Stony Brook - Machine Learning Techniques to analyze dynamic functional neuro-imaging of the mechanisms underlying inhibitory control Shamma, Shihab - U of MD College Park - Auditory Scene Analysis and the Cocktail Party Problem Shenoy, Krishna - Stanford University - Extracting Dynamical Structure Embedded in Motor Preparatory Activity Shouval, Harel - U of Texas HSC Houston - The cellular basis of receptive field plasticity in visual cortex: An integrative, experimental and theoretical approach Tasdizen, Tolga - University of Utah - Large-scale computational reconstruction of three-dimensional neural connectivity from serial-section microscopy Terman, David - Ohio State Univ - Importance of Temporal Information for Olfactory Codes ---------------------------------------------------- From: "Whang, Kenneth" Date: Mon, 7 Nov 2005 16:41:09 -0500 Subject: CRCNS letters of intent -- New procedures for December 2005 COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE New procedures for letters of intent due December 1, 2005 As of the December 1, 2005 cycle, letters of intent for the CRCNS program must be submitted to NSF by FastLane. E-mailed letters of intent will no longer be accepted. Letters of intent are required for all CRCNS proposals, whether or not the PI has submitted to the program before. For more information, please download the latest release of the program solicitation at http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf04514. This release also includes updated contact information for CRCNS program officers at NSF and NIH. ---------------------------------------------------- From: "Whang, Kenneth" Date: Mon, 7 Nov 2005 16:51:19 -0500 Subject: Training in Computational Neuroscience (forthcoming RFA) Notice of Intent to Publish a Request for Applications for Training in Computational Neuroscience: From Biology to Model and Back Again (NOT-DA-06-003) National Institute on Drug Abuse The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in collaboration with the other NIH Institutes and Centers comprising the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research intend to publish a Request for Applications (RFA) soliciting applications that focus on Training in Computational Neuroscience: From Biology to Model and Back Again. This RFA is expected to be published in November 2005. This funding opportunity will enable the development of novel programs that provide integrated research education and research training in neuroscience and the theoretical and technological approaches of computational neuroscience. Applications in response to this RFA must include a full-time undergraduate research training component that will combine coursework and hands-on laboratory research experience and may also include a short-term research education component for scientists at all stages of the career continuum and/or a predoctoral research training component. For more information please see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-DA-06-003.html http://neuroscienceblueprint.nih.gov/ ---------------------------------------------------- From: Markus Owen Date: Wed, 2 Nov 2005 16:17:08 +0000 Subject: PhD Studentship, University of Nottingham, UK PhD Studentship: Integrative modelling of morphogenetic epithelial patterning and polarity Centre for Mathematical Medicine, School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK. A PhD studentship in Mathematical Biology is currently available under the supervision of Dr Markus Owen (Mathematics, University of Nottingham) and Dr Nick Monk (Computer Science, University of Sheffield), within the Centre for Mathematical Medicine, School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK. Students should have a first or upper second class degree in mathematics or a related subject. Developmental biology is the science of organismal growth from a fertilised egg to a mature organism. It is of fundamental scientific interest, as well as having much to tell us about a variety of diseases. Because there are many similarities between disparate organisms, even fruit fly biology is relevant to human development and disease. A particular example of pattern formation in the developing fruit fly is known as planar cell polarity (PCP). It is interesting to note that defects in the PCP pathway have been connected with invasive properties of cancer cells. Mathematical modelling and analysis can help to understand the mechanisms that lead to regular patterns of PCP and complex cell rearrangements. This project will develop new models for PCP and extensions to include cell birth, death and movement, and include a specific application to abdominal patterning. Model analysis will require a variety of tools from applied mathematics, including dynamical systems theory, ordinary and partial differential equations, and numerical simulation. No background in biology is required. This project will form part of a larger programme of work focusing on developmental patterning and polarity, with other researchers focusing on models for Drosophila eye and wing, supported by collaboration with Dr David Strutt (Developmental Genetics, Sheffield), an internationally recognised expert on Drosophila polarity. Funding is equivalent to the normal fees and maintenance of a UK/EU student. Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Markus Owen, tel: 0115 846 7214 or Email: Markus.Owen@Nottingham.ac.uk. Applications can be made on-line at: https://pgapps.nottingham.ac.uk/. Alternatively, application forms are available from the Postgraduate Admissions Secretary, School of Mathematical Sciences, The University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD. Tel: 0115 951 4948. Fax: 0115 951 4951. Email: pgmath@maths.nottingham.ac.uk. Students should state clearly that they wish to be considered for this studentship in the personal statement section of their application. Closing date: 30 November 2005 ---------------------------------------------------- From: Filippo Castiglione Date: Thu, 03 Nov 2005 11:28:07 +0100 Subject: Postdoctoral Position, IMMUNOGRID, CNR, Rome Postdoctoral Position: Simulation of the immune system and grid computing, IMMUNOGRID. A postdoctoral position is available at the Institute for Computing Applications (IAC) of the Italian National Research Council (CNR) - Rome, Italy. Interested individuals could read the complete advice at the following web address: http://www.iac.rm.cnr.it/~filippo/call.txt ---------------------------------------------------- From: Stephen Proulx Date: Mon, 7 Nov 2005 11:39:44 -0600 Subject: Postdoctoral Position, Evolutionary Ecology, Iowa State A postdoctoral position is available immediately in the Proulx lab at Iowa State University to investigate topics in evolutionary ecology using mathematical and computational tools. Topics of research include the evolution of gene families and dynamics of genetic networks (see http://www.proulxresearch.org for more details). The postdoc will have broad discretion to conduct research in these areas. ---------------------------------------------------- From: Sue Ann Campbell Date: Wed, 2 Nov 2005 10:47:51 -0500 Subject: Tenure-rack Position, Theoretical Neuroscience, U of Waterloo UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO Department of Applied Mathematics Tenure Track Position in Theoretical Neuroscience The Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Waterloo invites applications for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in the area of theoretical or computational neuroscience to begin 1 July 2006, or later. These prestigious chairs are intended for exceptional emerging researchers who have the potential to lead in their field (http://www.chairs.cg.ca). The position is at the Assistant or Associate Professor level. Rank and salary will be commensurate with experience and research record. Candidates should show evidence of an outstanding research program, should have a strong mathematical background, and demonstrate an active interest in biophysics, systems neuroscience, or cognitive neuroscience. The successful candidate will play a central role in the development of the Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience at the University of Waterloo. The centre will also be supported by a second Canada Research Chair. Applicants should send a curriculum vitae (including a statement of research interests and teaching philosophy) and the names and addresses of at least three referees to J. Wainwright, Chair, Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1 (reference letters should not be sent at this stage). Screening of applications will begin on December 15, 2005. The deadline for receiving applications is January 20, 2006. Applications received after this date will be considered only if the position has not been filled. The Department of Applied Mathematics, together with the Departments of Combinatorics & Optimization, Pure Mathematics, Statistics & Actuarial Science and the School of Computer Science, form the Faculty of Mathematics, which is a major centre for research in the mathematical sciences. Further information about the Department may be obtained from our webpage at www.math.uwaterloo.ca/AM_Dept/index.html. The University of Waterloo encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including women, members of visible minorities, native peoples, and persons with disabilities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. ---------------------------------------------------- From: "Turhan, Kevser" Date: Mon, 7 Nov 2005 14:07:18 -0500 Subject: Two Positions, Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Rochester Postdoctoral Fellow/Research-Track and Tenure-Track Assistant/Associate Professor Positions in Biomathematics Modeling Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry has immediate openings for two positions: one is a postdoctoral fellow or research track assistant professor position and another is a tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor position in biomathematical modeling. The potential candidates are expected to have a strong background in applied mathematics, especially in differential equations. Preference will be given to the candidate with experience in mathematical modeling of biomedical systems (in particular, immunology and infectious diseases modeling). The tenure-track position involves serving as Co-Director of the Mathematical Modeling Core in the newly established Center for Biodefense Immune Modeling to develop mathematical models for immune response to viral infection based on immunological experiment data. Experience in computer simulations, numerical analysis and statistics is a plus. Good communication skills are essential. The position Please send CV, three references and other supporting materials to Dr. Hulin Wu, C/O: Ms. Kevser Turhan (Job Code: Math-1) Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 630, Rochester, NY 14642. Email: Kevser_Turhan@urmc.rochester.edu ---------------------------------------------------- From: J. Stark Date: Fri, 4 Nov 2005 17:47:28 +0000 Subject: Lectureship, Biomathematical Sciences, Imperial College Department of Mathematics Lectureship in Biomathematical Sciences Applications are invited for a Lectureship in Biomathematical Sciences within the Department of Mathematics at Imperial College London, starting 1 October 2006 or as soon as possible thereafter. Collaboration between biomedicine and the mathematical sciences is a very high priority throughout the whole of Imperial College London. Within the Department of Mathematics, this has been reflected by the recent appointments of a chair and a lectureship in this field and the establishment of the Biomathematical Sciences research group. Members of this group have a very broad range of research interests, including biological networks, biological pattern formation, developmental biology, DNA topology and models of evolution. Many have close links with experimental biologists in the Faculties of Life Sciences and Medicine. Further details can be found at http://www.ma.imperial.ac.uk/ammp/bms/index.php The Department of Mathematics also plays a significant role in the newly formed BBSRC/EPSRC Centre for Integrative Systems Biology at Imperial College. This £7.5m interdisciplinary research initiative brings together experimentalists, modellers and computational scientists in the general area of host-pathogen interactions. In addition the newly established Institute for Mathematical Sciences has several biologically oriented research programmes. Candidates for this lectureship should possess a PhD in Mathematics, Theoretical Physics or other discipline within the mathematical sciences considered in its broadest extent. They would be expected to demonstrate an outstanding record of research in any area of biomathematics, theoretical biological physics, systems biology or similar discipline. Ideally, the successful applicant should have experience of collaboration with experimental biologists. This is a permanent appointment and salary will be in the range £36,200 - £40,430 per annum, depending on experience. An application form and further particulars can be obtained from http://www.imperial.ac.uk/employment/academic/index.htm. Alternatively please contact Mr Kalra Taylor, email: k.taylor@imperial.ac.uk tel: +44 (0)20 7594 8483. To apply, please post five copies of your application form together with a single copy of your CV, list of publications and names of three referees to Mr Kalra Taylor, Department of Mathematics, Exhibition Road, Imperial College London SW7 2AZ, UK. Closing date: 31st January 2006 Valuing diversity and committed to equality of opportunity ---------------------------------------------------- From: Sean Sun Date: Mon, 07 Nov 2005 20:35:53 -0500 Subject: Position, Biological Force Generation, Johns Hopkins University A position is open in the group of Prof. Sean Sun in the department of mechanical engineering and chemical engineering at Johns Hopkins University. Our group is interested in biophysical modeling, with special emphasis on theory of biological force generation. Ongoing research in the group include molecular motors, cell motility, mechanics of protein and membrane, and chromatin dynamics. A prospective candidate should have (or will complete soon) a computational/theoretical PhD in physics, applied math, chemistry, chemical engineering or a related field. Research experience in areas of soft condensed materials or stochastic dynamics is preferred but not required. The position is for 2 years with a possibility of renewal. Please include a CV with a publication list and 3 references in your application. ---------------------------------------------------- From: Joakim Sundnes Date: Thu, 3 Nov 2005 10:24:10 +0100 Subject: Open Positions, Computational Biology, Simula Research Laboratory Simula Research Laboratory has an ongoing project called Cardiac Computations, which is concerned with developing and deploying efficient simulators for a number of cardiac phenomena, including electrophysiology and mechanics. For more information, visit http://www.simula.no/departments/scientific/projects/cc We are currently looking for skilled personnel for employment on PhD and PostDoc level. The positions will be related to modeling and simulation of heart muscle mechanics. Your qualifications should include: * M.Sc or Ph.D. degree in computational mechanics, scientific computing, bioengineering or similar * Knowledge and understanding of relevant mathematical models, i.e. non-linear elasticity, soft tissue models, or cardiac electrophysiology models Please send your CV and publication list by email to Joakim Sundnes (sundnes@simula.no) before December 1. Simula Research Laboratory was established in 2001, and conducts basic research in selected areas within information and communication technology. The Cardiac Computations group is part of the Department of Scientific Computing, which is an internationally recognized research unit within its target fields. The laboratory is located in modern office facilities at Lysaker, just outside the city of Oslo, Norway. ---------------------------------------------------- From: "Estrada, Lourdes" Date: Thu, 3 Nov 2005 13:13:22 -0600 Subject: Research Scientist/Engineering Position, Vanderbilt Research Scientist/Engineer Vanderbilt University is seeking to hire a dynamic, productive researcher to coordinate the computational and simulation-based research component of the Vanderbilt Integrative Cancer Biology Center (VICBC). The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in computer science, computational science, or equivalent, and demonstrated research record in applying computational and mathematical tools to biological problems. Candidates should submit by email vitae, a brief statement of research interest, and 3 or more references to Lourdes Estrada, PhD (lourdes.estrada@vanderbilt.edu). Email applications are particularly encouraged; please write "VICBC Computing Coordinator" in the subject line. The responsibilities of this position include: - Be familiar with the overall theme of the VICBC grant project - Make recommendations for a timeline of implementation for the computational component of the project - Discuss short and long term scientific goals with Professor Peter T. Cummings and appropriate collaborators - Interface with students and postdocs to ensure task implementation - Deliver weekly brief of ongoing activities, project status and impending commitments - Conduct computational research to fulfill the goals of the VICBC project - Assist in the preparation of Annual Progress Reports and competitive renewal application - Participate in training activities both for students and for project Faculty - Interface with Lourdes Estrada, Ph.D., VICBC Scientific Coordinator, to facilitate budgeting and expenditures - Participate and coordinate proposals leading to the expanded role of the VICBC computational research Vanderbilt is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action (AA) Employer. ---------------------------------------------------- Subject: SMBnet Reminders To subscribe to the SMB Digest please point your browser at http://list.auckland.ac.nz/mailman/listinfo/math-smbnet and complete the subscription information. Alternatively, if you prefer to use e-mail, send mail to LISTSERV@listserv.biu.ac.il with "subscribe SMBnet Your Name" in the body of the mail (omit the quotes). After you subscribe, you will receive a greeting with additional information. Submissions to appear in the SMB Digest may be sent to SMBnet@smb.org Items of interest to the mathematical biology community may be submitted for inclusion in the SMBnet archive. See instructions at: http://smb.org/publications/SMBnet/pubs/fyi . The SMB Digest is also available on the SMB Home Page at http://smb.org/publications/SMBnet/digest/ The contents of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part with attribution. End of SMB Digest **************************************************** ----------------------------------------------------