Excitable Gene Regulatory Circuits

A full-time postdoctoral researcher position in computational biology is expected to be available soon in Dr. Marc Turcotte’s Quantitative & Computational Biology Group. In this project, the successful researcher will focus on using analytical and computational approaches to systematically study the dynamical properties of candidate excitable gene regulatory circuits enabling competence in the bacterium Bacillus subtilis. Competence is a cellular state of the bacterium during which it can incorporate exogenous DNA into its genome. Specifically, you will model and simulate both the continuous and discrete (stochastic) versions of excitable (and other) gene regulatory circuits, in order to provide a global and detailed view of how biochemical noise redistributes as a function of circuit topology in candidate networks. You will look for possible conservation laws. This computational survey of topologies is expected to shed light on how evolution might be harnessing biochemical noise as an evolutionary handle.

This research will require a Ph.D. in mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, computer science, or a closely related field. More specifically, you will need experience in nonlinear dynamical systems theory, bifurcation theory, ordinary differential equations, stochastics, statistics and optimization. Above all, you will need to demonstrate a passion for elucidating fundamental problems in biology using mathematical and computational approaches.

Fluency in Matlab and a strong knowledge of Mathematica are among the required skills. Excellent UNIX skills are expected. Parallel computations will be performed at UTSW on an in-house UNIX cluster (Green Center for Systems Biology) and/or remotely, using the extensive computational facilities at the Texas Advanced Computer Center (TACC).

Interested individuals should immediately submit via email, a concise one-page description of research interests, short-term and long-term plans, a C.V., and contact information (including phone numbers) for three references to:

Dr. Marc Turcotte
Marc.Turcotte@utsouthwestern.edu
www4.utsouthwestern.edu/turcottelab

G Protein Signaling

To study mechanisms of signal amplification, integration  and timing  in receptor-G protein-effector systems.  We are interested in how regulation by receptors, GAPs, Gbg subunits and  other inputs are coordinated to control signal amplitude, duration and pathway. We work both with purified proteins and in cells, and focus on essential mechanisms of signaling and quantitative interpretation of experiments.   We use both traditional  biochemical and cellular measurements as well as data from fluorescence sensors .

Strong applicants could come from a signaling background or from other areas of biochemistry, biophysics, molecular pharmacology or computational/systems biology.  You will dig into all of these areas before you leave.

Applicants should send a CV,  a brief statement describing their research interests and the names and contact information for three referees.

Feel free to call or email me for questions, or go to our website: http://www4.utsouthwestern.edu/rosslab

Elliott M. Ross
Department of Pharmacology
Graduate Programs in Cell Regulation and Molecular Biophysics
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
6001 Forest Park Dr.
Dallas, TX  75390-9041
Email:  ross@utsw.swmed.edu
Telephone 214-645-6134

Tumor Angiogenesis

A Post-Doctoral position is available immediately in the Pharmacology Department at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.  UT Southwestern is home to four Nobel Laureates and 15 National Academy of Sciences members, thereby creating a leading academic medical center that conducts more than 2000 research projects annually.  The new post-doctoral scientist will work as a member of a team to develop new therapies that target and destroy tumor blood vessels.  (see Huang, et al., Cancer Res.; 65:4408-16, 2005; He et al., Clin. Cancer Res. 13, 5211-8, 2007). Candidates should hold a Ph.D. or M.D. and have a strong background in animal experimentation, physiology, immunology or related subject.  Experience with antibody techniques and cell biology would be an advantage.

Send CV to:

Philip Thorpe, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Pharmacology
UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
5323 Harry Hines Blvd., NC7.304
Dallas, TX 75390-9041
214/648-1499
(FAX) 214-648-1613
Linda.Watkins@utsouthwestern.edu

Computational Biology

A full-time computational biology postdoctoral position is available in the Altschuler & Wu laboratory. The successful candidate will investigate cellular responses to perturbations through a combined approach of microscopy-based assays, imaging processing, statistical analysis, and mathematical modeling. The lab is highly multi-disciplinary and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with biologists at the bench.

Applicants should have (or be about to receive) a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or other closely related fields.

Applicants should submit a brief one-page description of research interests and plans, a resume, and contact information for three references to:

Dr. Steven Altschuler
steven.altschuler@utsouthwestern.edu

Systems Biology

A full-time postdoctoral position is available in the Altschuler & Wu Laboratory, Division of Systems Biology, Green Comprehensive Center for Molecular, Computational, and Systems Biology and the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. The successful candidate will investigate design principles underlying cell polarization. Our lab investigates mechanisms of spatial and temporal organization using a combined approach of mathematical modeling, molecular biology, and quantitative microscopy.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in either biological or mathematical sciences. Applicants with a Ph.D. in biological sciences should have a strong background in standard molecular biology techniques and microscopy, with interest in investigating and working with quantitative measurement of network behaviors combined with mathematical modeling. Applicants with a Ph.D. in mathematical sciences should have a strong background in mathematical analysis, signal processing or scientific programming with interests in investigating biological questions and working with biological systems.

Applicants should submit a brief one-page description of research interests and plans, a resume, and contact information for three references to:

Dr. Lani Wu
lani.wu@utsouthwestern.edu

UT Southwestern Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer