Sainsbury Laboratory

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant/Research Associate position in the group of Professor Henrik Jönsson at the Sainsbury Laboratory, Cambridge University, to carry out fundamental research in the field of Computational Morphodynamics in plants.

The shoot apical meristem is a stem cell niche in plants instructive in determining the development of the above-ground part of the plant. Multiple factors are involved in the regulation of differentiation and growth of the cells in the tissue and computational models are required to quantitatively understand how these factors are integrated. The project will focus on computational modelling of gene regulatory networks, hormone signalling and transport and/or mechanics for predicting tissue shape and dynamics with the aim to better understand the maintenance of the stem cell niche, its plasticity to external cues, and its ability to regenerate. It will include development and use of quantitative analysis tools for 4D microscopy data to be used for model development and validation. The successful applicant should have or build a strong interest in solving problems related to plant development and they will have the opportunity to develop skills in advanced live microscopy and plant and molecular biology techniques.

Applicants must have or be close to obtaining a PhD in Computational Biology, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Bioengineering, Systems Biology or a related field. Proficiency in dynamical models of molecular regulation in cells, finite element models of mechanics of materials, or image analysis methods is required. Candidates are expected to have experience in the following areas: dynamical and/or finite element modelling. Software development in C++ and/or Python will be expected together with the development and use of tools for advanced quantitative analysis. Expertise in systems biology and/or theoretical biophysics would also be advantageous.

https://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/41356/