Connectionists: Postdoctoral and Doctoral positions in Leeds, UK

[N Cohen]

One Postdoctoral and one Doctoral Opening

Biosystems Group
School of Computing
University of Leeds, UK

1. Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: 
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Modelling of biological neural networks and neural computation

Applications are invited for an EPSRC-funded postdoctoral Research 
Fellowship in the Biosystems Group, School of Computing, University of 
Leeds

The Engineering and Physical Research Council (EPSRC) has awarded a grant 
of £1.8M for research into Amorphous Computing, Random Graphs and Complex 
Biological Systems (AMORPH). AMORPH is an interdisciplinary research 
collaboration between the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield, Southampton, 
Royal Holloway and King's College, London and industrial partner BT. We 
focus on the study and development of network models in a broad range of 
biological (neuroscience, epidemics and gene regulation) and communication 
(telephone, internet) domains. By applying random graph theory methods and 
taking inspiration from the organisation of complex biological systems, we 
will develop methods for amorphous computing.

The successful candidate will work with Dr. Netta Cohen in the Biosystems 
Group, School of Computing at Leeds. Areas of research include 
computational modelling, simulations and bio-inspired applications of 
biological neural networks: from abstract models of development, learning 
and memory, to the study of rhythms and coordination in simple motor 
networks in invertebrates. Current research approaches are diverse and 
based both on experimental data and on abstract modelling and simulations. 
Funding is available for 40 months.

All highly motivated candidates with a PhD in Physical, Mathematical or 
Computer sciences, or other relevant areas to the project are encouraged 
to apply.

International applications are welcome.

Applications received before 10 July, 2006 are guaranteed full 
consideration.

Informal enquiries to Dr Netta Cohen, netta at comp.leeds.ac.uk

To apply, visit http://jobs.leeds.ac.uk, click on 'Research' on the right 
hand menu, and see full advert under Job Reference 312067.


2. PhD: Amorphous Computing, Random Graphs and Complex Biological Systems
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Amorph is an exciting multidisciplinary research project, aimed at 
studying a range of biological networks that can be described as 
performing `amorphous computing'. Our goal is to develop an appropriate 
language and tools to model the dynamics of and on these networks, within 
the context of the theory of random graphs. This is a collaborative 
project, including biology, mathematics and computer science, and spanning 
a range of biological domains (from the molecular level, through 
neuroscience to epidemiology).

One PhD studentship (for UK/EU candidates) is available to work with Dr 
Netta Cohen (Biosystems) and Prof Martin Dyer (Algorithms and Complexity) 
at the School of Computing, University of Leeds, England, in collaboration 
with Dr Colin Cooper in Kings College, London. Possible areas of research 
for this PhD project span mathematical and computational investigations of 
biological neural networks, gene, protein and/or metabolic networks, as 
well as bio-inspired applications thereof. Opportunities also exist for 
collaborations across the Amorph consortium.

All highly motivated candidates with strong backgrounds in physics, 
mathematics, biology, computer science, or other related areas, and who 
have an interest in complex networks are encouraged to apply. Some 
research experience is desirable. Background in biology is not a 
prerequisite.

For further information, please email Netta Cohen, enclosing a CV.

To apply, please visit 
http://www.comp.leeds.ac.uk/research/research_opps/phd_apply2.shtml

Applications received before 3 July 2006, are guaranteed full 
consideration.

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Netta Cohen
BioSystems Group
School of Computing 			Phone: +44 (0)113 3436789 
University of Leeds 			Fax:   +44 (0)113 3435457
Leeds, LS2 9JT 				Email: netta at comp.leeds.ac.uk 
United Kingdom				www.comp.leeds.ac.uk/netta/