---------------------------------------------------- Subject: SMB Digest v09i33 SMB Digest August 26, 2009 Volume 09 Issue 33 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: Workshop: Mathematical Methods in Systems Biology, Jan 4-7, Tel Aviv Satellite Meeting of the ICM2010, Aug. 16-18, Hyderabad 7th Georgia Tech - ORNL Conference on Bioinformatics, Nov. 12-14 ECCS'09, Final Call for Registration/Poster Submission, 1 Sept. German-USA Collaboration in Computational Neuroscience CRCNS, November 17 Deadline & Other Important Changes PhD Studentship: Mathematical Ecology Postdoc: Multi-scale modeling in Immunology, U Michigan Postdoc Position: Computational Biology, University of Washington Tenure-track Position: Mathematical Biology, Purdue University SMBnet Reminders ---------------------------------------------------- From: Urszula Ledzewicz Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2009 22:04:01 -0500 Subject: Workshop: Mathematical Methods in Systems Biology, Jan 4-7, Tel Aviv Announcement of an international workshop: Title: International Workshop "Mathematical Methods in Systems Biology" Dates: January 4-7, 2010, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel Sponsored by: Office of International Science and Education and Division of Applied Mathematics of the National Science Foundation, Society for Mathematical Biology, Faculty of Exact Sciences and School of Mathematical Sciences of Tel Aviv University Link: http://www.math.tau.ac.il/~mmsb Description: The workshop goals are to bring together applied mathematicians and researchers working in various fields of systems biology in order to exchange ideas and initiate and promote collaborations. We are inviting researchers from various areas in applied mathematics (e.g., mathematical modeling, computer simulation, optimal control theory, numerical methods), engineering (e.g., medical imaging, computer assisted diagnosis) and systems biology (e.g., cancer systems biology, cancer modeling, detection and treatment, epidemiology and infectious diseases, signaling pathways) to participate in an effort to create an interdisciplinary setting for the exchange of ideas, methods and methodologies used by the different groups, with the hope of advancing the development of a mathematical toolbox of procedures that would be useful in the solution of concrete practical problems of interest to the medical field. We plan to publish proceedings of the workshop as a special issue in the journal "Mathematical Biosciences and Engineering". ---------------------------------------------------- From: RamRup Sarkar Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:04:27 +0530 (IST) Subject: Satellite Meeting of the ICM2010, Aug. 16-18, Hyderabad We are going to organize a Satellite Meeting of the International Congress of Mathematics (2010) on APPLICATION OF CONTROL THEORY AND OPTIMISATION TECHNIQUES IN BIOCHEMICAL PATHWAYS during August 16-18, 2010 at Hyderabad, India. This satellite symposium will explore the close analogies between biochemical regulatory networks and engineered automatic control systems. At the symposium, internationally known researchers will discuss relevant mathematical foundations and model systems from biology that would enhance the interdisciplinary discussions. In contrast to other workshops in similar areas, this one will emphasize rigorous mathematical theory along with their application. Mathematicians, Physicists, Engineers, and Biologists who are working in the area of Control Theory and Optimisation techniques with an interest in applying it to biological systems, specifically to model biochemical pathways. Senior graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and young scientists are encouraged to apply. More details are available in the meeting website. Satellite Meeting of the International Congress of Mathematics (2010) on APPLICATION OF CONTROL THEORY AND OPTIMISATION TECHNIQUES IN BIOCHEMICAL PATHWAYS August 16 to 18, 2010, Hyderabad, India Website link: http://www.ccmb.res.in/ICM2010/icm2010.htm ---------------------------------------------------- From: Georgia Tech Conference Announcement Date: Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:32:55 -0400 (EDT) Subject: 7th Georgia Tech - ORNL Conference on Bioinformatics, Nov. 12-14 CALL FOR PAPERS Dear Colleagues The 7th Georgia Tech - ORNL Conference on Bioinformatics - In silico Biology: Genome Biology and Bioinformatics will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, November 12-14, 2009 http://www2.isye.gatech.edu/binf2009/ Georgia Tech continues the tradition of organizing bi-annual International Conference on Bioinformatics, bringing together leading researchers in genomics, bioinformatics and genome biology to present recent advances in the field and to discuss open problems. Important Dates Deadline for early registration: October 15, 2009 Deadline for poster abstract submission: October 1, 2009 Notification of acceptance of abstracts: October 11, 2009 We invite papers submissions in the following areas * genomics; * transcriptomics; * proteomics; * reconstruction and modeling of gene networks; * evolutionary biology; ---------------------------------------------------- From: "François Képès" Date: Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:13:13 +0200 Subject: ECCS'09, Final Call for Registration/Poster Submission, 1 Sept. Dear Colleague, An impressive list of speakers (plenary, track sessions, satellite meetings) has been assembled for ECCS'09, the major conference on complex systems. See eccs09.info Systems Biology is particularly strong this year, and I would like to encourage you to participate and contribute to ECCS'09. With best wishes, François KEPES Important: ECCS'09 Poster submission deadline is 1st September 2009. ECCS'09 Last assured registration is 1st September 2009. Please forward this message to interested colleagues and institutions. This is at the same time a special invitation for submitting a poster contribution to ECCS'09. It is an excellent opportunity for both experienced and young researchers to discuss your research topic with experts from various fields of research. Each track of ECCS'09 has a special 5 min poster presentation slot in which you can attract attention to your poster. There will also be a best poster prize sponsored by Springer. European Conference on Complex Systems 2009 (ECCS'09) University of Warwick September 21-25, 2009 WWW: http://eccs09.info/ Additional information can be obtained from the conference website. ---------------------------------------------------- From: "Whang, Kenneth C." Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2009 23:12:20 -0400 Subject: German-USA Collaboration in Computational Neuroscience The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) have entered into an agreement that will enable US-German collaborative research proposals to be considered through a common review process. For more information, please see NSF Dear Colleague Letter 09-60 (http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf0960) and the Collaborative Research in Computational Neuroscience program page (http://www.nsf.gov/crcns/). Proposals will be due on November 17, 2009. Broad distribution of this announcement is encouraged. Individuals interested in occasional forthcoming news about the program can sign up for the CRCNS Public Announcements list by sending a blank e-mail to join-crcns-announce@lists.nsf.gov. NSF 09-60 German-USA Collaboration in Computational Neuroscience http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2009/nsf0960/nsf0960.pdf ---------------------------------------------------- From: "Whang, Kenneth C." Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2009 23:20:30 -0400 Subject: CRCNS, November 17 Deadline & Other Important Changes Dear Colleagues, Please note the following important changes affecting the next competition of Collaborative Research in Computational Neuroscience (CRCNS). 1. DEADLINE CHANGE The deadline for proposals has changed from October 30, 2009, to November 17, 2009. 2. POSTDOCTORAL MENTORING PLANS Each proposal that requests funding to support postdoctoral researchers must include a description of the mentoring activities that will be provided for such individuals. Proposals that do not comply with this requirement will be returned without review. Please see http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/pappguide/nsf09_29/gpg_2.jsp#IIC2j for further information. 3. USE FASTLANE, NOT GRANTS.GOV As announced on May 21st, proposers must prepare and submit proposals to the National Science Foundation (NSF) using the NSF FastLane system at http://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/. NSF will continue to collaborate with institutions who have invested in system-to-system submission functionality as their preferred proposal submission method. NSF plans to provide a web services interface for those institutions that want to use their existing grants management systems to directly submit proposals to NSF. ---------------------------------------------------- From: "White, Steven M" Date: Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:49:06 +0100 Subject: PhD Studentship: Mathematical Ecology Modelling host-parasitoid phenological co-evolution Applications are invited for a PhD studentship in Mathematical Ecology jointly supervised by Dr Christina Cobbold, University of Glasgow and Dr Steven White, NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology in Wallingford. The project aims to develop mathematical models for the coevolution of phenology in insect host-parasitoid systems. Insects are the most diverse group of animals on the planet and represent more than half of all known living organisms; of these at least 10% are parasitoids. The tight coupling of host insect and parasitoid life-cycles means that coevolution is particularly strong in host-parasitoid systems because evolution is a matter of life or death; parasitoids only survive if they can overcome host defences and hosts are invariably killed if their defences fail. Asynchrony in the timing of life stages of both the hosts and parasitoids can ultimately lead to changes in the strength of the host-parasitoid interaction, including changes in population stability and abundance. Hence, phenology, the study of the times of recurring natural phenomena, is key in understanding host-parasitoid ecology and evolution. Moreover, phenology is particularly sensitive to climatic change, and recent evidence of shifts in phenology induced by climate change show changes in hatch date and development time in insects. The aim of the project is to use mathematical modelling to examine how the observed variation in development and host usage strategies in parasitoids may arise through selection pressures acting on different phenology and fitness related traits in host and parasitoids. Some key objectives include: · To develop a new theory of the coevolution of host and parasitoid phenology. · Provide understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of host-parasitoid systems and how these are influenced by the underlying population structure, interactions and climate change. This project is part of the University of Glasgow Department of Mathematics doctoral training scheme and is assessed on an individual applicant basis. The funding is at standard EPSRC rates, plus home fees. The preferred start date is 1st October 2009, but other start dates may be possible. It is suitable for UK or EU-eligible students (fees and stipend) or other EU students (fees only) with a good or expected good (2:1 or above or equivalent) Honours degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Theoretical Ecology or other numerate subject. Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr White (smwhit@ceh.ac.uk or Dr Cobbold (c.cobbold@maths.gla.ac.uk). Applications (preferably by email), with a completed application form (found at http://www.gla.ac.uk/departments/mathematics/postgraduate/ detailed CV (including expected or actual degree class), together with the names and email addresses of at least two academic referees, should be sent to Dr C Cobbold, Department of Mathematics, University of Glasgow, 15 University Gardens, Glasgow G12 8QW, UK. Email: c.cobbold@maths.gla.ac.uk. Closing date 11th September 2009. ---------------------------------------------------- From: Denise Kirschner Date: Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:07:51 -0400 (EDT) Subject: Postdoc: Multi-scale modeling in Immunology, U Michigan POSTDOC: Multi-scale modeling in Immunology, University of Michigan We are immediately seeking outstanding candidates to work on computational modeling of the immune response at multiple spatial scales. The postdoctoral fellow would be co-mentored by Denise Kirschner and Jennifer Linderman at the University of Michigan. The project is part of a grant to use multi-scale and multi-system approaches to understand tuberculosis and involves integrating animal data and in silico models. An estimated one-third of the human population is infected with the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Granulomas are self-organizing collections of immune cells that form in the lungs after inhalation of Mtb; they both contain the infection and provide a niche for bacterial survival. Understanding granuloma formation and maintenance thus provides a key to identifying as well as manipulating factors that lead to different outcomes following infection. Overall, this project involves both experimental work and mathematical/computational modeling to understand how tumor necrosis factor and other factors influence granuloma formation and maintenance. The post-doctoral fellow will concentrate on integrating the big picture biology processes and computational modeling aspects of the project. Thus the ideal applicant will have experience in modeling with a strong interest, and some experience in, immunology and the study of pathogens. Good communication skills are essential. Pay is determined by the standard NIH post-doc pay schedule. Applicants should send a CV, names of 3 references, and a letter describing research interests and summarizing Ph.D. work to Denise Kirschner (kirschne@umich.edu) Copies of published papers are welcome. ---------------------------------------------------- From: Ka Yee Yeung Date: Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:50:59 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Postdoc Position: Computational Biology, University of Washington A postdoctoral fellow position in computational biology is anticipated to open in the fall of 2009 at University of Washington, Seattle, WA. The candidate will join a multi-disciplinary group working on edge-cutting research problems in computational biology. Job Description We seek a highly motivated and diligent researcher at the early stage of academic career with the ability to carry out research projects independently. The position will focus on biomarker discovery for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) by integrating gene expression data, resources from the literature and network analysis. The successful candidate will mainly work with Dr. Ka Yee Yeung, Ph.D. in computational biology, at University of Washington and Dr. Vivian Oehler, M.D. in hematology, at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. The candidate will also be part of a multi-disciplinary team consisting of Dr. Roger Bumgarner in the Department of Microbiology and Dr. Adrian Raftery in the Department of Statistics. The candidate will be expected to participate in data analysis, algorithm and software development, to work cooperatively with collaborators, to actively publish and present results, and other duties as required. The applicant must have a Ph.D. in biostatistics, statistics, computer science, computational biology or any physical sciences with a strong background in mathematics and computing. The applicant is also expected to demonstrate excellent programming skills to solve complex research problems. Location Seattle, WA in the Pacific Northwest is widely considered to be one of the top US cities for young professionals. Seattle offers residents a mild climate, a multitude of cultural activities, several professional sports teams, superb cuisine and outdoor activities including cycling, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, boating etc. Application Interested candidates should send the following materials to Dr. Ka Yee Yeung (kayee@u.washington.edu): A cover letter highlighting your background and relationship to this position A Curriculum Vitae (CV) The names and contact details of at least three references. The review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Under-represented minorities are especially encouraged to apply. ---------------------------------------------------- From: Sally Goeke Date: Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:00:41 -0400 Subject: Tenure-track Position: Mathematical Biology, Purdue University The Departments of Mathematics and Biological Sciences in the College of Science, Purdue University, invite applicants for a joint tenure-track faculty position in mathematical biology in the area of dynamical systems. The primary department of appointment will be the Department of Mathematics. Potential areas of research interests include: * Evolutionary dynamics and intervention and control in infectious diseases * Dynamics and modeling of cells and coupled systems of cells Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent in an appropriate discipline and some postdoctoral experience. The appointment will be made at the assistant or associate professor level. The successful applicant is expected to conduct research in mathematical biology to address fundamental questions in the areas listed above, teach undergraduate and/or graduate students, and participate in ongoing programs in the both departments. Applications should be submitted online through http://www.mathjobs.org and should include (1) the American Mathematical Society cover sheet for academic employment, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) a research description, and (4) between three and five letters of recommendation, one of which discusses the candidate's teaching qualifications. Reference letter writers should be asked to submit their letters online through www.mathjobs.org. Direct all inquiries to goeke@math.purdue.edu. Screening of applications will begin November 15, 2009 and will continue until the position is filled. Purdue University in an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action 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 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 **************************************************** ----------------------------------------------------