Research Associate/Fellow (2 posts, fixed-term) (SCI470518)

We are looking for 2 researchers whose expertise lies in modelling and simulation applied to biology OR fitting mathematical models to real-world data, to work with Dr Gary Mirams on a £2M Wellcome-funded project entitled “Developing cardiac electrophysiology models for drug safety studies”. The central aim of the project is to develop and improve cardiac electrophysiology models to the stage that they can be used for prediction of drug action and subsequent clinical pro-arrhythmic risk. 

We are looking for expertise in EITHER mathematical modelling of the dynamics of a biological system, involving numerical simulations e.g. ODE, PDE or agent-based modelling OR extensive statistics/data science experience – for instance, fitting statistical/mechanistic models to data, performing uncertainty quantification/inference with methods such as MCMC.

The particular applications for these roles are respectively: 1) to develop methods and experiments to tailor mathematical models of cellular electrophysiology (action potential models) to particular batches of stem-cell derived cardiomyocytes and other cell types, particularly considering use of data from the dynamic clamp technique [5]; and 2) to develop a statistical/uncertainty quantification framework in which to consider our models’ inputs and parameters (and also model structures/equations); to compare model predictions with real experiments. 

We believe that talented and inclusive teams deliver the highest quality research and are seeking applications from high quality candidates who enhance the diversity of our existing team. The School is committed to creating opportunities for people traditionally under-represented in Mathematical Sciences. 

We are looking for confident, organised researchers who can evidence:

A PhD, or equivalent in mathematics/statistics/physics or closely-related discipline.Expert knowledge of either: Modelling a biological system using numerical simulations OR Optimisation / inference of model parameters from experimental data and Uncertainty QuantificationBackground knowledge in more than one of the following areas:ElectrophysiologyModel selectionExperiment designScientific computing in one of Matlab / C++ / Python / RSoftware engineering – testing, version controlExcellent computer programming skillsExcellent communication and organisational skillsThe ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary and multicultural team 

These 2 full-time positions are available from 1 February2019 or as soon as possible thereafter and will be offered on a fixed-term contract for a period of 36 months. Job share arrangements may be considered.

For information about the School of Mathematical Sciences and active research groups in the Centre for Mathematical Medicine & Biology see: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/mathematics/index.aspx.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Gary Mirams email: gary.mirams@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 16 Jan 2019
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)