---------------------------------------------------- Subject: SMB Digest v08i22 SMB Digest June 4, 2008 Volume 08 Issue 22 ISSN 1086-6566 Editor: Ray Mejía ray(at)smb(dot)org 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.springer.com/11538 . Inquiries about membership or BMB fulfillment should be sent to membership(at)smb(dot)org . Issue's Topics: Frontiers in Multi-Scale Systems Biology, October 18-21, Atlanta Workshop: Modeling & Simulation in Nursing, Old Dominion University PhD Position: Growth & Remodelling of Bone Tissue, U Paris 12 PhD & Postdoc Positions: Neuronal Morphogenesis & Network Formation Postdoctoral Positions: Cancer Modelling, University of Waterloo Postdoctoral Researcher: Infectious Disease Modelling, U Guelph Postdoctoral Fellowship: Vector/disease Genetic Models, NC State Teaching Fellowship: Applied Mathematics, University of Bath Research Scientist Position: Infectious Disease Modeling, Battelle SMBnet Reminders ---------------------------------------------------- From: Eberhard Voit Date: Thu, 29 May 2008 14:38:11 -0400 Subject: Frontiers in Multi-Scale Systems Biology, October 18-21, Atlanta Frontiers in Multi-Scale Systems Biology October 18-21, 2008 Atlanta, GA http://www.ibsi.gatech.edu/frontiers/ Dear Colleague: Georgia Tech has recently launched a new research institute, the Integrative BioSystems Institute (http://www.ibsi.gatech.edu). Celebrating the creation of this institute, we will be hosting a very exciting international conference this October 18-21 with a superb roster of speakers addressing a spectrum of topics of integrative systems biology, from experimental ^omics^ to databases, modeling, high-performance computing in biology, and applications. We are limited in space to 300 attendees and believe that these slots will fill up quite rapidly. We would therefore like to invite you to check out our conference website and, if you and/or your collaborators are interested in attending, to register as soon as possible. We think you will be impressed with the speaker line-up and hope you will consider participating in the event. Eberhard Voit and Jeffrey Skolnick Co-Chairs of the Organizing Committee ---------------------------------------------------- From: Holly D Gaff Date: Fri, 30 May 2008 13:11:11 -0400 Subject: Workshop: Modeling & Simulation in Nursing, Old Dominion University 2008 Partners in Education Workshop: Modeling and Simulation in Nursing Friday, October 17, 2008 at Old Dominion University's Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center, Suffolk, VA The Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center is pleased to announce the 2008 Partners in Education Workshop: Modeling and Simulation in Nursing. Modeling and simulation (M&S) is used in all levels of nursing, from the education of skills to the use of models for evidence-based decision making, integrated into practice and advanced practice degrees. The purpose of this workshop is to convene researchers, educators, and health care providers to discuss current uses of M&S in nursing, consider new areas in which M&S can be used, and identify opportunities for collaboration. Our keynote speaker will be Jean Giddens, Ph.D., APRN, BC, Associate Professor, University of New Mexico College of Nursing. Dr. Giddens is the creator of "The Neighborhood", a virtual, web-based community that serves as a platform for the undergraduate concept-based curriculum at the University of New Mexico College of Nursing. This flyer serves as a call for podium presentations, posters, and demonstrations. Two focus areas will be: 1) The use of simulated learning environments for health professions education (e.g., standardized patients, human simulators, online tools, etc.) 2) Evidence-based decision making using clinical data related to topics such as patient safety, cost effectiveness, workforce staffing and infectious disease. Submissions on other related topics are welcome. Please submit a 200 word abstract and your preference presentation format by July 15, 2008 to Stacie Ringleb, Ph.D. at SRingleb@odu.edu. ---------------------------------------------------- From: Vittorio SANSALONE Date: Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:43:47 +0200 Subject: PhD Position: Growth & Remodelling of Bone Tissue, U Paris 12 Applications are called for a PhD candidate who will carry out research in biomechanics of bone remodelling at University Paris 12, FRANCE. Please find below details of the offer. For further information, please contact me or visit our website: http://www.univ-paris12.fr/lmp/ PhD studentship Growth and remodelling of bone tissue: poromechanical behaviour, microstructure and biochemical coupling. At Laboratory of Osteo-Articular Biomechanics and Biomaterials, UMR CNRS 7052 Laboratory of Mechanics and Physics University Paris 12 - Val de Marne (Paris Est) 61, Av. du Général de Gaulle, 94010 Créteil, France Contacts Salah Naïli Vittorio Sansalone e-mail naili@univ-paris12.fr vittorio.sansalone@univ-paris12.fr tel +33 1 45 17 14 45 +33 1 45 17 15 72 fax +33 1 45 17 14 33 web http://www.univ-paris12.fr/lmp/ Deadline Monday, June 30, 2008 Eligibility Students with a proper degree or expecting to obtain it by December 2008 are eligible. Salary 20 000 EUR/year plus benefits; extra money available on condition. Application procedure Interested applicants should send their CV by e-mail. Applications will be accepted also after the deadline, until the position is filled. Keywords Biomechanics; Bone; Adaptation, Growth & remodelling; Poromechanics; Microstructure; Coupled multi-physics phenomena; Modelling & simulation. Education and skills required The candidate is expected to have a solid background in continuum mechanics (both solid and fluid mechanics). Previous knowledge of numerical methods (FEM, FDM, etc.) and scientific programming tools (C++, MatLab, etc.) is required. A keen interest for biomechanics and life sciences, as well as a penchant for multidisciplinary research are important assets. Description This PhD project focuses on the adaptation (growth and remodelling) of the bone tissue and its microstructure. Both mechanical and biochemical stimuli shall be considered to understand and predict mesoscopic bone properties, addressing in particular its poromechanical response. The general aim is to develop a biomechanical theory where bone is modelled as a porous medium whose microstructure adapts to the (mechanical and chemical) environment. The mesoscale properties of the evolving microstructure shall be obtained by means of suitable homogenization procedures. This will eventually lead to an effective macroscopic characterization of the poromechanical response of bone tissue. Of necessity, this research shall be multidisciplinary, since the coupling between mechanics, biology and chemistry will be its main theme. While doing most of his/her work in mechanics, the student will be asked to study also topics from biology and chemistry, under the guidance and in collaboration with experts in these disciplines. The biomechanical model shall be implemented in a computational code. Results from numerical simulations shall be eventually compared with experimental outcomes, in order to validate the model. This research work should provide us with a better understanding of adaptivity of bone tissue. Ultimately, it could lead to improvements on the existing therapeutic protocols and clinical practices. ---------------------------------------------------- From: Arjen van Ooyen Date: Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:10:08 +0200 Subject: PhD & Postdoc Positions: Neuronal Morphogenesis & Network Formation Applications are invited for PhD and Postdoctoral positions in the Neuroinformatics Group of the Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), VU University Amsterdam. The positions are funded by an EU-FP7 grant for the collaborative project "Self-Constructing Computing Systems" (SECO) and by the NWO Computational Life Sciences project "Neuronal Network Formation through Reciprocal Interactions between Activity and Structure" (NETFORM). The aim of our research is to investigate the principles by which neurons grow out and assemble themselves into functioning circuits. The first research line focuses on the development of dendritic and axonal growth models. We will create computational models of neuronal morphogenesis in which cell-type specific axonal and dendritic trees develop through neurite elongation and branching as mediated by the actions of growth cones and in interaction with the cellular environment. A major challenge is to find a balanced level of description of neurite outgrowth based on cellular, biophysical mechanisms (e.g., cytoskeletal dynamics) that will be suitable for an algorithmic implementation. The models will be used to study, for example, competitive interactions in neuronal morphogenesis, the impact of electrical activity on neuronal morphology, the formation of aberrant neuronal morphology in brain diseases, and axonal navigation in the development of cortical and thalamic circuitry. The second research line focuses on the reciprocal interactions between neuronal network structure and activity dynamics in developing neural circuits. Using computational models, we will explore the impact of activity-dependent plasticity rules (modulating neuronal morphology, structural connectivity, synaptic strengths, and intrinsic neuronal excitability) on the evolution of developing neuronal networks under their own (spontaneous) firing activity. One important open question that we will address is whether homeostatic, activity-dependent processes at the local synapse or neuron level are capable of achieving homeostasis of global network activity. We will study whether networks will evolve towards self-consistent states, in which firing patterns stabilizes the synaptic connectivity structure that also gives rise to these firing patterns. Ideal candidates should combine a strong neurobiological interest and knowledge with an excellent background in computational/biophysical modeling (research line 1) or computational neuroscience/neuronal network modeling (research line 2). PhD positions are for a period of 4 years, Postdoctoral positions between 2 to maximally 4 years. For further information about these positions, please contact Dr. Arjen van Ooyen, arjen.van.ooyen@cncr.vu.nl, or Dr. Jaap van Pelt, jaap.van.pelt@cncr.vu.nl. Application letters including a CV, research experience, a short statement of research interests, and contact details of two referees should be sent by email to Dr. Arjen van Ooyen before the 7th July 2008. ---------------------------------------------------- From: Siv Date: Sat, 31 May 2008 22:53:04 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Postdoctoral Positions: Cancer Modelling, University of Waterloo Postdoctoral positions in Cancer Modelling, University of Waterloo Applications are invited for one or possibly two postdoctoral positions in the Biomedical Research Group of the Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Waterloo. The successful candidate(s) will have a PhD in Applied Mathematics, Physics, or Engineering, and expertise in the mathematical/computational modeling of tumor growth and control. The ability to interact with physicians and biologists is highly desirable. Candidates should in the first instance send a cover letter, CV, and the names of at least three potential referees to the address below. Electronic applications are strongly recommended. Although the starting date is negotiable, the preference is for candidate(s) who can start in September/October 2008 or as soon as possible thereafter. Further details and information can be obtained from Dr. M. Kohandel (kohandel@math.uwaterloo.ca) or Dr. S. Sivaloganathan (ssivalog@math.uwaterloo.ca). Biomedical Research Group Department of Applied Mathematics University of Waterloo Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G1 Email: biomech@math.uwaterloo.ca http://www.math.uwaterloo.ca/~biomech/ ---------------------------------------------------- From: Chris Bauch Date: Mon, 2 Jun 2008 10:57:29 -0400 Subject: Postdoctoral Researcher: Infectious Disease Modelling, U Guelph Postdoctoral Researcher: Infectious Disease Modelling Department of Mathematics and Statistics University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario, Canada Applications are invited for a 2-year postdoctoral researcher position in mathematical modelling of infectious diseases. The successful applicant will develop differential equation and/or agent-based simulation models of sexually-transmitted infections or paediatric infectious diseases. The researcher will work in an interdisciplinary environment as part of an active and growing research group, and will develop models for use in answering policy-relevant questions. Duties: (1) To develop, parameterize, and analyze infectious disease models; (2) To publish results and present results at conferences; (3) To contribute to the activities of the research group, including participating in lab meetings and interacting with graduate students. Required Expertise: Applicants should have a doctoral degree in mathematics, statistics, physics, computer science, or epidemiology/related fields. Experience in mathematical modelling and programming skills are essential. Ability to write scientific papers and work in an interdisciplinary group setting with epidemiologists and public health researchers is likewise essential. Experience with infectious disease or population biological modelling is strongly preferred. Compensation: Salary will be commensurate with experience. Additional income may be available through teaching university-level mathematics courses. To apply: Please send letter of interest and CV (including publications and list of references) to Dr. Chris Bauch, Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1. Email: cbauch@uoguelph.ca. Webpage: www.uoguelph.ca/~cbauch. Applications submitted electronically are preferred. Applications received by 31 July 2008 will receive full consideration, but applications can be considered at any time. ---------------------------------------------------- From: Alun Lloyd Date: Tue, 3 Jun 2008 13:51:25 -0400 Subject: Postdoctoral Fellowship: Vector/disease Genetic Models, NC State Postdoctoral Fellowship: Vector/disease genetic models NC State University Vector/disease genetic models: We need a mathematically oriented biologist (or a biologically oriented mathematician) with experience in population genetics and/or epidemiology to work on an NIH- and Gates Foundation-funded project. The project is aimed at building stochastic, spatially explicit, simulation models that link insect population dynamics, disease epidemiology, and population genetics in a way that can contribute to improving strategies for releasing transgenic mosquitoes to reduce the incidence of human disease. The fellowship is for 2 years but could be extended for a third year pending additional funding. In addition to working on model development and analysis, the person in this position will collaborate in an interdisciplinary group composed of mosquito ecologists, disease epidemiologists, molecular biologists, biomathematicians, ethicists, and scientists from disease- endemic countries, in efforts to develop novel transgenic strategies for disease reduction. The person in this position will work with the PIs (Fred Gould & Alun Lloyd) and another postdoc in organizing a workshop to teach other researchers how to use the models. There will be an opportunity for some empirical research (if desired), and for interactions with other members of the lab who are working on other ecological and evolutionary research. NCSU has just begun development of an interdisciplinary graduate program in Genetic Pest Management, so there are likely to be teaching opportunities. An overview of the area of research and an entry point to relevant literature can be found in: Gould, F. K. Magori, and Y. Huang. 2006. Genetic strategies for controlling mosquito-borne diseases. Am. Sci. 94:238-246. Sinkins, S. P., and F. Gould. 2006. Gene-drive systems for insect disease vectors. Nat. Rev. 7:427-435. North Carolina State University is a leading research institution with a strong commitment to the study of quantitative and population genetics. The University is situated in Raleigh, NC and is within 30 miles of Duke University, UNC-Chapel Hill, NIEHS, an EPA research unit, and the Research Triangle Park. NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. To apply: Send to Fred_Gould@NCSU.edu 1) A one or two page letter of intent. 2) a CV, and 3) Names of 3-4 references. Closing date for applications is July 15, 2008, or until a suitable candidate is found. For further information call Fred Gould at 919-515-1647 or email to above email address. ---------------------------------------------------- From: N F Britton Date: Tue, 3 Jun 2008 17:35:53 +0100 (BST) Subject: Teaching Fellowship: Applied Mathematics, University of Bath Teaching Fellowship in Applied Mathematics, University of Bath, UK Fixed-term (12-month) Teaching Fellowship, ideally from 1 September 2008. Teaching in Mathematical Biology is required. See http://www.bath.ac.uk/jobs/job_desc.cgi?08H211A for further particulars. ---------------------------------------------------- From: "Ferrell, Jennifer M" Date: Thu, 29 May 2008 14:30:47 -0400 Subject: Research Scientist Position: Infectious Disease Modeling, Battelle Battelle is a world leader in science and technology research. Our Applied Biology and Aerosol Technology (ABAT) Product Line specializes in providing support to government and commercial organizations interested in the development, evaluation, and implementation of materials, devices, and techniques designed to detect, provide protection against, and mitigate the effects of chemical, biological, and radiological hazards. Battelle's ABAT group is currently seeking qualified individuals with backgrounds in Infectious Disease Modeling and a degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, Mathematics, or related disciplines to fill a Research Scientist position. Compensation will be based on relevant qualifications and experience. Battelle offers competitive compensation and benefits programs. Candidates should be familiar with mathematical, statistical, and analytical methods for studying infectious disease transmission and public health response. This will involve the development and use of deterministic and stochastic models and studies regarding the efficacy of various medical responses to disease outbreaks. Suitable candidates will: * Create, develop, and interpret computational models regarding the spread of infectious diseases and the impact of medical response approaches. * Have significant experience in the programming language C++, and have familiarity with Linux platforms, C#, the statistics language R, Visual Basic.NET, and implementation of computational models for distributed processing. * Train, mentor, and supervise junior scientists * Present and report project progress and results to clients. Additionally, the selected candidate will be expected to perform project management functions, as necessary, to ensure timely execution of project work and within budget. Also, the selected candidate will be responsible for technical execution of projects to include data analyses, preparation and presentation of briefings at client meetings, and authoring technical reports. A moderate amount of domestic travel is anticipated. Candidate resumes must demonstrate the following minimum requirements in order to be forwarded for consideration: * Ph. D. with 0 to 2 years of experience or M.S. with 3 to 7 years of experience in epidemiology, public health, mathematics, biostatistics or related field and publications relevant to the efforts of infectious disease modeling * Excellent oral and written communication skills * The ability to work in a team environment * Sole U.S. citizenship, with the ability to obtain and maintain required government security clearances as a condition of employment * Sufficiently medically fit to work in the laboratory and in the field to perform assigned duties. ---------------------------------------------------- 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 simply receive notice when the next issue is available, send mail to LISTSERV@listserv.biu.ac.il with "subscribe SMBnet Your Name" in the body of the mail (omit the quotes and include your name). After you subscribe, you will receive a greeting with additional information. Submissions to appear in the SMB Digest may be sent to SMBnet(at)smb(dot)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 **************************************************** ----------------------------------------------------