PhD student in computational science - effects of chemicals on human health - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

We are looking for a doctoral candidate with a master's degree or degree of master of science in engineering in mathematical statistics, computer science or equivalent and a particular interest in chemicals and human health. You will work in a large network of European researchers in projects aimed at developing models and systems for identifying hormone disrupting chemicals. Our specific task is to develop statistical models to predict biological effects as well as the levels and distribution of chemicals in humans and other exposed organisms. Application deadline is May 21, 2019.

The doctoral position is linked to two major European research projects; "Novel Testing Strategies for Endocrine Disruptors in the Context of Developmental NeuroToxicity" and "Generation Of NoveL, Integrated and Internationally Harmonized Approaches for Testing Metabolism Disrupting Compounds". The projects involve several research fields including statistical modeling, machine learning, computational science, toxicology, epidemiology and environmental chemistry. Our part of the projects is primarily to develop computer-driven classification tools (e.g. via machine learning and traditional statistical methods) that allow for predicting the effects of chemicals on metabolic systems and brain development and function. Large amounts of data will be generated in the projects where we are responsible for model development and interpretation. We will also develop so-called physiologically based toxicokinetic models (PBTK) for the purpose of obtaining time-resolved data for the distribution of chemicals in different organisms including humans.

Tasks
Your mission will be to develop predictive tools for multivariate modeling where large amounts of data will be combined with biological markers for different hormone-related physiological disorders with the purpose of understanding mechanisms and identifying problem chemicals. The models will be developed in close collaboration with environmentalists and toxicologists who provide underlying data. The project also includes development of physiologically based toxicokinetic models (PBTK) and combining it with structure-activity models to determine levels of studied chemicals at target organs. In developing the PBTK models, you will develop data related to chemical properties, tissue distribution, biotransformation and linking and utilizing information from different responses and species. In summary, you will work with a variety of calculation-based methods with chemical and biological data. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with researchers from different disciplines and you are expected to play an active role in interdisciplinary cooperation.

Qualifications
To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level you are required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications.

To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in computational science, you are required to have completed at least 90 ECTS credits in computational science courses of which at least 30 ECTS credits shall have been acquired at second-cycle level. Computational science courses refers to courses with large quantitative, statistical or computing science elements such as courses in computing science, mathematics and mathematical statistics as well as relevant courses in biology, ecology, physics and chemistry. Applicants who in some other system either within Sweden or abroad have acquired largely equivalent skills are also eligible.

We are looking for you who are interested in statistically modeling of large amounts of data with applications in the environmental chemistry and human health fields. Practical experience in computational chemistry and toxicokinetics is meritorious but not a requirement. Experience in analyzing large amounts of data using statistical or computing science methods is merit and experience of programming or software for advanced data evaluation (R, Python, MATLAB, Simca, KNIME, PBPK, PBTK, ADME, QSAR, etc.) is also desirable. As a person, you are careful and able to work independently. Good oral and written proficiency in English is also required.

Terms of employment
The appointment aims at a PhD degree and the main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, which includes participation in research projects as well as postgraduate courses. In the assignments, teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years full-time or up to five years when part-time teaching. The salary placement takes place according to the established salary level for doctoral employment.

Application
The application must contain a cover letter stating why you are interested in the position, a resume, certified copies of degree certificates, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades and other relevant certificates, as well as names and contact information for at least two reference persons. You apply through our e-recruitment system. Log in and apply through the button at the bottom of the page. The deadline for applications is May 21, 2019.

Other information
Further information can be obtained from Professor Patrik Andersson, phone: +4690-786 5266, e-mail: patrik.andersson@chem.umu.se or associate professor Patrik Rydén, tfn: 090-786 9562, e-post: patrik.ryden@umu.se.

The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology with approximately 200 employees, of which approximately 40 graduate students, and a strong and expanding research. The Department has three major research areas: Biological Chemistry, Environmental and Biogeochemistry, and Technical Chemistry. We are also a strong partner in the KBC, Chemical-Biological Center. Information about the postgraduate education can be found on the Faculty of Science and Technology website: www.umu.se/en/faculty-of-science-and-technology/education/doctoral-studies/chemistry/. For more information about Umeå University: www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/.