Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

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The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics conducts research in computational mathematics, discrete mathematics, mathematical modelling and analysis, and mathematical statistics. Our teaching is conducted at all levels and includes mathematics, mathematical statistics and computational science. Among our partners are international research groups, academic institutions, public organizations and companies.

The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics seeks a postdoctoral researcher who will work with the Libby research group investigating the evolution of microbial community interactions. The employment is full-time for three years with a start in Fall 2024 or upon agreement. Apply latest June 17, 2024.

Project description and working tasks 
The Libby research group, based at IceLab and the Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics (Umeå University), conducts research on microbial ecology and evolution on topics concerning the evolution of complexity. Given that many microbial interactions are mediated by chemicals such as metabolites, the chemical environment contains public information concerning the details of microbial interactions. Yet, metabolism is plastic so organisms have multiple ways to grow and different strategies may evolve. Thus, there are opportunities for signalling and manipulation. The primary objective of this postdoctoral postion is to enhance our understanding of the types of strategies that may be enacted in this context and how the various constraints of metabolic systems may define the possible interactions. The postdoctor's role will be to use mathematical models and metabolic models to study the evolution and dynamics of these microbial interactions.

Qualifications
To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. These qualification requirements must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the appointment decision. 

To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organisations, military service, or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area. Postdoctoral fellows who are to teach or supervise must have taken relevant courses in teaching and learning in higher education.

The candidate should have a doctorate in mathematics or relevant computational science. We are looking for a talented and motivated candidate with a record of productive interdisciplinary research in mathematical biology, familiarity with microbial metabolic modeling, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Solid verbal and written English communication skills are required.

Previous research experience in the field of microbial metabolic modeling and evidence of interdisciplinary collaborations are a merit. A strong background in mathematical biology is also a strong merit.

Application
The complete application must include:

  • A brief description of your research interests and a statement describing why you are interested in the position,
  • Curriculum vitae (CV),
  • List of publications,
  • Degree certificate from doctoral studies and other relevant degrees,
  • Contact details of two reference persons.

The application must be written in Swedish or English. The application must be made via our e-recruitment system Varbi and must be received latest 17th of June 2024. 

More information
Further details about the postion are provided by Eric Libby (eric.libby@umu.se)

More information about the department:
https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-mathematics-and-mathematical-statistics

We look forward to receiving your application!

Type of employment Temporary position
Employment expires 2027-08-31
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 2024-10-01
Salary Månadslön
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-844-24
Contact
  • Eric Libby, Associate Professor, eric.libby@umu.se
Union representative
  • SACO, +46907865365
  • ST, +46907865431
  • SEKO, +46907865296
Published 22.May.2024
Last application date 17.Jun.2024 11:59 PM CEST

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