PhD in computational science with focus on chemistry - hybrid modelling - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden is seeking a PhD-student in computational science with focus on chemistry. The position is for 4 years of research including courses on graduate level. Application deadline is 10th August 2020.

Project description
Academic research breakthroughs have transformed the biopharmaceutical industry. The discovery of gene-editing tools (CRISPR/Cas9) and a completely new way to treat cancer through immunotherapy (2018 Nobel prize) has accelerated the ever-increasing demand for so called biologics. A major and profound challenge is that the cost and complexity for drug development and manufacturing of biologics are extremely high, resulting in huge burden for healthcare providers that is expected to increase due to an aging population. This is not at all sustainable and will prevent millions of patients’ across the world from getting access to life-changing treatments.

Emerging technologies, advanced data analytics, robotics and automation have revolutionized several industries. However, the biopharma industry seems to struggle to discover the huge potential and impact of digitalization to transform the industry to more efficiently and at higher speed, produce affordable therapies.

In this project we will develop new data analytics tools and strategies to analyze and integrate a multitude of data across early drug development and process development. A hybrid modeling approach consisting of deep learning, multivariate analysis and mechanistic modeling will be part of this work. Deep learning based approaches will be used for unstructured data including imaging data to extract phenotypic features. The resulting hybrid models represent ‘digital twins’ and as such can replace experimental work and via simulations speed up process development. These hybrid models can also be used as ’soft sensors’ in early process development and for process monitoring, simulation and control. In addition, we will expand the existing multi block tools to increase their capability of data fusion and integration. All this in collaboration with leading academic research institutes and industry stakeholders.

Qualifications
To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level the applicant is 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 and engineering, the applicant is required to have completed at least 90 ECTS credits in computational science and engineering courses, of which at least 30 ECTS credits shall have been acquired at second-cycle level. Computational science and engineering courses refers to courses with major quantitative, statistical or computing science elements, such as courses in computing science, mathematics and mathematical statistics, and 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.

Good knowledge in English, both written and spoken, is required. The candidate must be structured, have a solution-oriented approach and an interest to learn new things, especially in Advanced Data Analytics. Very good communication skills and the ability to work in a team are also requirements.

Experience with data science tools and machine learning methods, including scripting, mainly in Python and other languages (MATLAB, C, C++, etc.) is a merit as well as experience in experimental planning and data analytics.

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
A complete application should contain the following documents:

• A cover letter including a description of your research interests and motivation for applying
• A Curriculum Vitae
• Certified copies of degree certificates or equivalent, including documentation of completed academic courses, obtained grades and other relevant certificates
• Name and contact information of at least two reference persons

Applications must be submitted via our e-recruitment system. The last day to apply is 10th August 2020.

For more information please contact Professor Johan Trygg, johan.trygg@umu.se.

About us
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 doctoral 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 working at Umeå University: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/.