Research Fellow

Type of Contract: Funding limited for 36 months

A talented and creative researcher is sought to take part in a highly interdisciplinary project funded by the European Research Council (ERC). The overall aim of the project is to understand how intercellular signalling in developing embryos allows them to self-organize into complex structures. Our approach is to develop sophisticated mathematical models – informed by state-of-the-art biological knowledge and experimental data – to understand these counterintuitive reaction-diffusion mechanisms. We are particularly interested in discovering genuinely novel classes of reaction-diffusion mechanism, beyond the classic paradigms from applied mathematics and physics (e.g., Turing patterns). This will involve: (i) developing new analytical/theoretical tools for the study of reaction-diffusion systems, (ii) performing large scale, machine-learning-assisted numerical screens of putative reaction-diffusion circuits, and (iii) studying specific biological systems in collaboration with experimentalists to guide our models.

The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research team, led by Dr Tom Hiscock, who uses computational and theoretical approaches to understand fundamental questions in developmental biology. There are multiple projects available in the group, and considerable flexibility in project direction. Successful candidates will have the opportunity and mentorship available to develop their own ideas and shape the project direction from an early stage.

The candidate will be based at the Institute of Medical Sciences, where they will join a diverse community of researchers working on a range of biological and biomedical phenomena. They will also join a wider multi-disciplinary collaboration, alongside teams in Cambridge, Basel, and Dundee. The Hiscock group is based at the University of Aberdeen, located in an affordable and vibrant city with access to some of the best outdoors activities that the UK has to offer.

We are seeking a talented individual who is motivated to understand how embryos develop and who shows initiative and creativity in solving difficult research problems. Since the project will involve advanced mathematical and computational techniques, it is essential to have experience in mathematical modelling / dynamical systems theory / numerical methods / coding. An ideal candidate would have a PhD, or postdoctoral experience, in computational/mathematical biology (this includes PhD students who are near completion but have yet to submit). However, talented candidates from a wide range of disciplines are encouraged to apply – including from the physical/mathematical sciences without any prior biology background – provided they can evidence enthusiasm and commitment to learning about developmental biology.

In your application, please upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. Please also include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Salary will be at the appropriate point on the Grade 6 scale, £37,999 - £45,163 per annum, pro rata and negotiable with placement according to qualifications and experience.

The closing date for the receipt of applications is: 13 November 2024

To apply online for this position click the 'Apply' button above.

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