The International Leibniz Research School (ILRS Jena) gives PhD students the possibility to prepare for their PhD exam in an ambitious program providing excellent research conditions.
We invite applications for a PhD Student Position (Ref.No. 05/2011)
Automated Analysis of Dynamic Properties in Biological Systems from Image Data
Image-based Systems Biology is concerned with the mathematical modeling and computer simulation based spatio-temporal image data. The basis for these models is acquired by automatizing the data analysis of microscopy images on infection processes for high-throughput scanning. The objective of this PhD project is to establish a comprehensive software platform that starts with the automated analysis of time-series image data and ends with plotting characteristic system properties as obtained from a mathematical analysis.
This requires
(i) to develop algorithms for the automated image analysis of biological systems that allow for the efficient high-throughput scanning of data from microscopy measurements, and
(ii) to develop algorithms for the mathematical characterization of dynamic system properties.
The software platform will be widely applicable to the image analysis of various biological systems and to the characterization of their dynamic properties. For example, with regard to interacting cellular systems the mathematical analysis includes the computation of the speed distribution, the turning angle distribution, the time-dependent displacement vector, etc that are derived from cell tracks as obtained from the automated image analysis. With regard to the image analysis, different methods will be applied ranging from the application of commercial software (e.g., Definiens) to the development of algorithms based on a pixel-by-pixel analysis. The challenge of this task is to perform this analysis in a fully automated fashion.
The software platform will be setup sufficiently broad in order to allow for a flexible application to various biological systems, e.g. including host-pathogen interactions at the inter-cellular level as well as mitochondrial network dynamics at the intra-cellular level. This project requires strong skills in mathematics and object-oriented programming.
We expect:
- a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Natural or Life Sciences. Research at ILRS is centred around “Microbial and Biomolecular Interactions”. Candidates about to earn their degree are welcome to apply.
- high motivation and interest to join one of the research areas of ILRS
- an integrative and cooperative personality
- very good communication skills in English
We offer:
- a top-level research environment
- efficient supervision by a team of supervisors
- a comprehensive mentoring program (cf. Program of Study)
- courses in state-of-the-art technologies and soft skills
- strong communication and interaction between the involved institutions
- Jena – City of Science: innovative business activities, successful scientific centres and a vibrant cultural scene around the famous Friedrich Schiller University
Further information:
Prof. Dr. Marc Thilo Figge, PI thilo.figge@hki-jena.de
Dr. Christine Vogler, ILRS Coordinator ilrs@hki-jena.de
For the first step of the application procedure please acquaint yourself with the scientific projects offered on our website
and thoroughly fill in the “Statement of Interest” form downloadable from this site. The application procedure is handled online exclusively via the ILRS website. Applications in English including the completed “Statement of Interest”, curriculum vitae, copies of relevant certificates (MSc, BSc, etc.), and references should be submitted to:
Deadline for application: November 30, 2011.
Anfangsdatum: 1. März 2012
geschätzte Dauer: 3 years
Bezahlung: TV-L
Homepage: http://www.ilrs.hki-jena.de