Research Assistant/PhD student
A position is open for a research assistant/PhD student in the Computational Biology Group at the Institute of Molecular Systems Biology at ETH Zürich. The available position is offered in Claassen group that focuses on concepts from statistics, machine learning and mathematical optimization to describe biological systems from single cell data. We are looking for you as of April 15, 2015, or upon agreement, as a Research Assistant / PhD student
The position will involve research in an interdisciplinary consortium of researchers at ETH Zurich and University Zurich that aims at associating modalities of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol with increased risks of coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus type 2. HDL forms complex protein lipid particles with strong inter individual variation of composition and structure. However, structure-function relationships of HDL particles and their association with disease are poorly understood. This systems medicine project aims at multi-scale characterization of the HDL induced transcriptional response for selected tissues. Specifically, the candidate will (1) perform single cell transcriptomics experiments with a cohort of clinical HDL specimen of healthy and diseased individuals, apply and develop computational approaches to (2) learn dynamic transcriptional networks from time series experiments and (3) study cell-to-cell variation of the transcriptional response. The outcome of this interdisciplinary study will be put into context of HDL structure-function relationships and their association with disease and thereby contribute to the identification and validation of diagnostic markers and therapeutic strategies towards improved and personalized prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus type 2.
The ideal candidate brings along a degree that demonstrates an interdisciplinary background in both life and formal sciences. While a background in experimental biology is highly recommended to carry out the envisioned single cell transcriptomics experiments, a solid background in mathematics, statistics and programming is required to carry out the subsequent data analysis. A fluent level of English is mandatory. We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with excellent communication skills that is capable of working in an interdisciplinary environment and can team up with scientists for experimental as well as computational analysis. The candidate should have a high degree of initiative. A competitive salary will be provided, which will be well matched relative to the cost of living in Zürich. We offer work in a highly stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure, providing the successful applicant with unique opportunities to develop a strong interdisciplinary portfolio in both experimental and computational biology.
For further information about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Manfred Claassen by e-mail, , and visit our website http://www.imsb.ethz.ch/.
Applications with a motivation letter, full CV, diploma(s) and two contacts for further references should be sent online to: Prof. Dr. Manfred Claassen by e-mail, .
