Postdoctoral Position in Mathematics of Biological Networks
A theoretical ecologist, a mathematician, and a protein biophysicist seek a postdoctoral scholar to explore methods of coarse graining naturally occurring biological networks that preserve dynamics of random processes on the network. We are particularly interested in analysis techniques exploiting spectral structures of related linear operators (such as the adjacency matrix and the graph Laplacian). Examples of such methods include spectral coarse graining (Gfeller & Los Rios, *Phys. Rev.* *Lett*. 2007) and communicability (Estrada & Higham, *SIAM Review* 2010). Sample networks for analysis will be drawn from a variety of biological settings, including ecological food webs, amino acid residue contact networks, signal transduction network, and other networks supporting a Markov chain description of dynamics related to the network's biological function. Funding is available for two years beginning July 1, 2011, with the possibility of extending to a third year. The successful candidate will have a strong interest in theoretical biology and the application of mathematical ideas to biological problems. A foundation in graph theory, spectral analysis (linear algebra), or Markov processes, while not necessary, would be welcomed. The postdoctoral fellow will be jointly mentored by Prof. Robin Snyder (Biology), Prof. Peter Thomas (Mathematics) and Prof. Patrick Wintrode (Physiology and Biophysics), and will have the option of selecting any of these departments as their primary affiliation in the University. Application materials, including a cover letter, a statement of research interests, unofficial graduate transcript, *curriculum vitae* and names and contact information of three references, should be uploaded to https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/jobs/2729 or mailed to Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, DeGrace Hall 205, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-7080, attention Prof. R. Snyder. Applications should be submitted by March 21, 2011 for full consideration, however applications will be considered until the position is filled.
