A two-year post-doctoral position is available (start date flexible,
can start as early as July, 2016) in the group of Dr. Van Savage
(<http://faculty.biomath.ucla.edu/vsavage/>http://faculty.biomath.ucla.edu/vsavage/)
in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCLA. This
position will be supported by a recently awarded McDonnell Foundation
grant
(<https://www.jsmf.org/grants/20150014/>https://www.jsmf.org/grants/20150014/).
Savage combines mathematical models with analysis of large datasets
to uncover insights into biological systems. The overall goal is to
better understand, both empirically and theoretically, higher-order
interactions in biological systems that range from drug combinations
that may slow antibiotic resistance to consumer-resource interactions
in food webs. In this context, higher-order interactions means beyond
pairwise interactions that involve three or more objects. The project
has the potential to involve theory development, numerical
simulations, and data analysis. Savage will mentor the postdoc in
designing and conducting research projects, writing papers, giving
talks, and applying for jobs.
UCLA is a major research university with the Faculty of Arts and
Sciences, Medical School, and Engineering School all on the same
campus, allowing access to myriad researchers and resources that
could be useful to this project. UCLA is consistently in the top 5 in
terms of federal research funding awarded to universities. Los
Angeles is a vibrant, diverse city with outdoor activities available
nearby, including beaches and mountains. L.A. also has a wide array
of arts and culture, including world-class museums, theater, music,
and of course, movies.
Candidates are expected to be independent, highly motivated problem
solvers who communicate well and enjoy working in a collaborative
environment. The ideal candidate would have a background in
mathematical modeling, knowledge of either consumer-resource
interactions or microbial systems, and experience with programming
languages such as Matlab, R, Mathematica, C, and Python. Applicants
with only a subset of these skills are encouraged to apply.
Applications and any questions should be sent to
<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected]. The application should
include a Curriculum Vitae that details education, past research, and
publications. Applicants should also submit a cover letter that
describes their interest in the project and the names of three
references. Review of applications will begin immediately and
continue until the position is filled.
UCLA is an AA/EOE that is strongly committed to diversity and
excellence among its researchers.
Van Savage
Associate Professor
Dept. of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Dept. of Biomathematics
UCLA
Van Savage <[email protected]>
