Connectionists: Two PhD students Bayesian machine learning / statistics

[Tom Heskes]

Two PhD students Bayesian machine learning
for identifying synaptic gene networks (1,0 fte)
================================================

VU University Amsterdam,
Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR)

Radboud University Nijmegen,
Institute for Computing and Information Sciences (iCIS)

Maximum Salary: EUR 2,612 gross/month
Closing date: 1 March 2011
http://www.nwo.nl/nwohome.nsf/pages/NWOP_8BWBKD


Job description
===============

You will be working on the NWO Complexity project SYNCOBE, which aims to 
identify synaptic gene networks in complex brain disorders. Brain 
disorders are one of the most pressing health problems in today’s 
western society. Despite the fact that most brain disorders are highly 
heritable it has been difficult to identify gene defects causing the 
disease. Most likely the expected complexity of these diseases, 
involving interactions between very many genes, hampered the 
identification of disease genes so far. In this project we want to 
improve standard methods for identification of disease genes using 
Bayesian statistics.

One PhD student will focus on methods to characterize the gene networks 
that influence synaptic functioning. Synapses are small dynamic units in 
the brain of about 1 μm3 in size, which are critical for information 
processing. Synaptic dysfunction is currently implicated in a wide range 
of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including neurodegenerative 
diseases, depression, and mental retardation.

The second PhD student will apply Bayesian statistics to investigate 
whether genetic variation in the gene networks can predict brain 
disease. On the long run, this must pave the way for new rational 
therapeutic strategies, exploiting the predictive power of a 
probabilistic network description.


Requirements
============

You should meet the following requirements:

A masters degree in computer science, mathematics, physics, 
bioinformatics or a related field, with a strong interest in (Bayesian) 
statistics/machine learning, genetics, or cellular (neuro)biology. A 
strong motivation to pursue a career in science, an interest in working 
as a team and the ability to work across disciplines are required.


Organization
============

The project is a collaboration between CNCR at the VU University in 
Amsterdam and iCIS at the Radboud University Nijmegen. Both are leading 
academic communities in the Netherlands. The first PhD student will be 
primarily based in Amsterdam, the second one in Nijmegen.

Websites: http://www.cncr.nl and http://www.ru.nl/is/ml


Conditions of employment
========================

Employment: 1,0 fte
Starting at € 2,042 per month, the salary will increase to € 2,612 per
month in the fourth year.


Additional conditions of employment
===================================

You will be appointed as a PhD student for a period of four
years. Your performance will be evaluated after 18 months. If the
evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years.


Additional Information
======================

Dr. Niels Cornelisse (CNCR)     Prof.dr. Tom Heskes (iCIS)
niels.cornelisse at cncr.vu.nl     t.heskes at science.ru.nl


Application
===========

You can apply for the job before 1 March 2010 by sending your 
application by email to:

Mrs. Els Borghols
els.borghols at cncr.vu.nl