PhD Position in Computational Evolutionary Genomics

Computational Comparative Genomics Group, University of Geneva, Switzerland, is looking for a highly motivated and innovative PhD student candidate (~4 years) to explore the wealth of genomic data from evolutionary perspective using bioinformatics approaches. Our group has a broad range of interests related to the functional evolution of genomes and actively contributes to international genome analysis consortiums. The specific project will be developed together with the candidate.

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in bioinformatics, including programming skills (or the willingness and drive to acquire them), and a good understanding of molecular biology (preferably with some experience/background in molecular evolution). A Diploma or MSc degree in Biology or Bioinformatics, practical experience in the Unix environment, and fluency in English are required.

The project will be supervised by Prof. E. Zdobnov at the Department of Genetic Medicine and Development of the University of Geneva Medical School. We are also part of the renowned Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics and offer a stimulating research environment with excellent facilities.

The international city of Geneva, described as “the smallest of the large capitals”, offers a vibrant city life within easy reach of the picturesque lake and stunning Alps.

Closing date for applications: November 15th, 2009

To apply: send your CV, statement of research interest, and names and contact details of at least two referees by e-mail to:

Evgeny.Zdobnov@isb-sib.ch
CMU / 9022
Rue Michel-Servet 1
CH-1211 Geneva 4
Switzerland

IST-EPFL Joint Doctorate Program

The Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) - Portugal and the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)- Switzerland have established a Joint Doctoral Initiative. The PhD program, comprises a curricular component as well as a strong research activity.

During the duration of the PhD program, students will spend about 50% of their time at IST and 50% of their time at EPFL and be advised by faculty members from both institutions.

The Joint Doctoral Initiative is oriented towards seven Focus Areas. The choice of areas is, in many cases, grounded on existing or long standing collaborations and correspond to areas where both EPFL and IST have strong competences and want to work together to build synergies and take advantages of their research and complementarities.

The Focus Areas in the Initiative are the following:

Biological and Medical Imaging
Distributed and Cognitive Robotics
Computational and Stochastic Mathematics
Antennas and EM devices for Wireless Applications
Environmental Hydraulics
Plasma Physics
Architecture

Click here to download the details of the joint program.

A selection committee consisting of faculty members both from EPFL and IST is responsible for ranking the candidates applying to the Initiative. Candidates must be accepted as PhD candidates both by EPFL and IST. Outstanding candidates will be awarded grants provided by FCT.

The application process is online and requires the following documents in additional to personal and academic information:

Diplomas or study certificates
CV (good knowledge of English is mandatory)
Statement of purpose (indicate interests and motivation, indication of chosen focus area)
Minimum of three references.

TIMELINE

July 15th to September 15th : Applications
October 30 Notification to applicants
November 30 Submission of additional docs for contract preparation
Feb 1st 2010 Contracts start date

Click here to access the online application form.

For any queries,mail your doubts to ist-epfl@ist.utl.pt

PhD Positions in Computational Biology at ETH Zurich

Two PhD positions are available in the Computational Biology Group at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering of ETH Zurich in Basel. Our group is engaged in developing mathematical models and efficient algorithms for complex biosystems. We are particularly interested in disease-associated cellular networks and evolutionary dynamics, including genetic and epigenetic variation in cancer and infectious diseases. We seek two PhD students for the following research projects: 

1) Analysis of deep sequencing data:

Development and application of statistical models and efficient algorithms for analyzing high-throughput next-generation sequencing data; haplotype inference of mixed virus and tumor samples; human SNP analysis in association studies; RNA-seq and ChIP-seq. 

2) Reconstruction of cellular networks from perturbation data:

Probabilistic network reconstruction from RNAi data in the framework of graphical models; experimental design of RNAi screens; network analysis and comparison.

Successful applicants have a strong background in computational biology, mathematics, computer science, statistics, physics, or a related field, and exposure to modeling biological systems. Candidates are expected to engage in interdisciplinary research groups and to foster collaborations with biologists and bioengineers.

The Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering of ETH Zurich is an integral part of SystemX.ch, the Swiss initiative in Systems Biology. It is located in Basel, a European hot-spot for biomedical research, in close proximity of the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, and the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. ETH Zurich is a major research university, offering an excellent environment for innovative and collaborative research across disciplines.

To apply: 

Please send the usual application material, including at least two references, as a single PDF file to niko.beerenwinkel@bsse.ethz.ch (preferred), or via surface mail to:

Prof. Dr. Niko Beerenwinkel
ETH Zurich
Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering
Computational Biology Group
Mattenstrasse 26
CH-4058 Basel
Switzerland
www.cbg.ethz.ch.