POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS

We seek Postdoctoral Fellows to participate in a five- year NSF funded collaboration between research groups at University of Notre Dame, the University of Missouri,  New York Medical College and Emory University. This project will develop a multiscale (genetic, cellular and supercellular) understanding of complex organ formation, focusing on avian limb development as a model for general organogenesis. The project will have experimental, computational, and theoretical components. The theoretical/computational goal is to develop an integrated simulation of limb development based on our existing reaction-diffusion equation framework and simulations of cell sorting and chemotaxis in cell  aggregates. Our objective is to integrate additional cell level processes (formation of extracellular matrix,  haptotaxis, and cell anisotropy) and subcellular descriptions (gene expression and regulation, modelling of cell signalling, cytoskeletal properties) to produce a flexible net-distributed package that can be customized to model other embryonic organogenesis. Experimental goals include quantitative studies of cell adhesion, molecule distributions, measurements of cell mechanical properties (surface tensions and viscosities), chemotactic secretion and response, tracking of gene expression and production of cell adhesion molecules and ECM production during limb formation.

The team of researchers at the University of Notre Dame consists of Prof. James A. Glazier, Dept. of Physics, Prof. Jesus Izaguirre, Dept. of Computer Science and Engineering and Prof. Mark Alber, Dept. of Mathematics. At Emory University, the chief scientist is Prof. George Hentschel, Dept. of Physics; at University of Missouri, Prof. Gabor Forgacs, Dept. of Physics and Biology; at New York Medical College, Prof. Stuart Newman, Dept. of Cell Biology and Anatomy. While the primary host for the postdoctoral positions will be at Notre Dame, opportunities will be available for extended visits to other sites.

1. Computational Position:
The applicant should have a strong background in the properties of reaction diffusion-systems and should have extensive experience in computer simulation of complex systems. Knowledge and experience in developmental biology is also essential. Experience in large scale code development and graphical presentation would be  helpful. Ph.D.'s in Biology, Computer Science and Physics will all be considered.

2. Experimental Position:
The applicant should have extensive experimental experience in cell biology. Familiaritywith either MRI or in vivo fluorescent confocal microscopy is desirable. Experience with tracking of gene expression or quantitaion of surface adhesion proteins also desirable. Ph.D.s in physics, biophysics, molecular or cellular biology will all be considered.

Initial appointments will be for one year, renewable for up to five years.

Applicants  for positions 1 and 2 should be available to begin the position no later than January 15th, 2001, but can begin immediately.

3. Mathematical Biology Position:
The applicant should have a strong background in modelling and analysis of pattern formation in biology and should have extensive experience in computer simulation. Ph.D.'s in Mathematical or Theoretical Biology, Computer Science or Physics will all be considered. The starting date for this position will be September 1, 2001.

All applicants should send a statement of qualifications, curriculum vitae, and three letters of reference to James A. Glazier, Dept. of Physics, 316 Nieuwland, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556-5670 or e-mail to  jglazier@nd.edu . Applications will be reviewed jointly be relevant faculty.

Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Early applications are encouraged.

GRADUATE STUDENT POSITIONS

1) Positions for two graduate students who would gain their Ph.Ds in computational or experimental biocomplexity are available at the University of Notre Dame. Students should contact and submit application  materials directly to the department most closely connected to their background:Mathematics, Physics, Biological Sciences or Computer Science. In addition, students should send a c.v., three letters of recommendation and statement of interest to Prof. James. A. Glazier, Department of Physics, 316 Nieuwland, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556. e-mail: jglazier@nd.edu .

2) Positions for two graduate students who would gain their Ph.D's in computational biocomplexity  in the Department of Physics at Emory University with Professor George Hentschel under the auspices of this Grant are also available. The graduate students would be enrolled in the Physical, Materials, and Computational Sciences Program (PMACS) which is a new interdisciplinary graduate program at Emory. A good working knowledge of C and C++ will be an essential prerequisite for this program. Experience in code development and graphical presentation would also be helpful. Applications including a CV and a letter of recommendation should be sent  as soon as possible to Professor H.G.E. Hentschel, Emory University, Department of Physics, Rollins Research Center, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322.  e-mail: phshgeh@physics.emory.edu.

3) Positions are available for one graduate student each in experimental biophysics at The University of Missouri and New York Medical College. Interested students should apply to Prof. Gabor Forgacs, Dept. of Physics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MS 65221. e-mail: forgacsg@missouri.edu . or Prof. S.A. Newman, Dept. Cell Biology and Anatomy New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595. e-mail: newman@nymc.edu .

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE FOR UNDERGRADUATES (REU) POSITIONS

We expect to have significant funding available to support part time funding for undergraduate student research during the semester and full time research during the summer at all locations. Preference for summer employment will be given to students from colleges which do not traditionally offer a strong research program and to local students who have done term time research. Interested students should contact the appropriate faculty with a c.v., three letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose  at least six months prior to the proposed start date of their research project.

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY (ROA) POSITIONS

Funding may be available for full time research appointments of up to six months at all locations for faculty from non-research oriented universities and possibly for high school teachers wishing to participate in this research program. Participation will require individual submission to NSF for ROA support and will require six months lead time. Interested teachers and professors should contact the appropriate faculty with details of their interest including a c.v., three letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.

University of Notre Dame, Emory University, University of Missouri, Columbia and New York Medical College are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers. Applications from women and minorities are encouraged.