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PhD Student / Postdoctoral Fellow
PhD/Postdoc in biological physics: modeling the evolution of biological networks Full-time
The Friedlander lab is seeking an outstanding, highly-motivated, curious and creative post-doctoral researcher(*) for cutting-edge theoretical research addressing fundamental questions in evolution. (*) – Outstanding PhD candidates are also welcome to apply.
The position is available immediately, and starting date is negotiable.
The proposed research: The Friedlander lab studies theoretically how biological networks evolve.
Most evolutionary models consider the evolution of a single gene, regardless of its network context. Genes, however, are often part of a network, where the products of one gene affect the activity of others. A fascinating example for a medium-sized network of interacting molecules is the self-incompatibility system of plants. This system enables plants to distinguish between self and non-self fertilization by specific matches and mismatches between pairs of specialized proteins. This immediately raises fundamental theoretical questions about the evolutionary emergence and maintenance of this mechanism. The exact project will be tailored with the candidate.
Our lab is theoretical-computational. The research is inter-disciplinary and uses various tools borrowed from physics and mathematics to address fundamental questions in biology. On the mathematical side, the analysis will comprise for example evolutionary and biophysical models, data analysis and stochastic computer simulations.
Qualifications: Former degree in physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering, computational biology or another related field.
A prerequisite is a keen interest both in mathematical modeling and in biological systems. Good quantitative skills and knowledge of a programming language (preferably in Matlab or Python) are essential.
Background in biology (formal or informal) in an advantage, but not a must.
How to apply:
Interested candidates should submit:
1. a one-page cover letter indicating your scientific interests and why you are a good fit to the lab,
2. your CV and list of publications, and
3. names and contact information of at least two references familiar with your work.
Please submit these materials to Tamar Friedlander (tamar.friedlander@mail.huji.ac.il)
with “Postdoc position 2021″ (or “PhD position 2021”) in the email subject. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive, interviews will be over Zoom, and the position will remain open until filled.
Informal inquiries are also welcome. Email any questions to Dr. Tamar Friedlander (tamar.friedlander@mail.huji.ac.il)
The University and Location: The group is part of the institute of Plant Science and Genetics, in the Faculty of Agriculture, Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is internationally ranked among the top 100 leading universities in the world and first among Israeli universities. The Faculty of Agriculture is located in the city of Rehovot, side-by-side with the Weizmann Institute. The city of Rehovot houses a vibrant student and post-doc community, including many international scholars. It is located in the center of Israel, south of Tel-Aviv with a convenient 30 min train connection.
The Hebrew University provides an international working environment with an excellent infrastructure. With the close-by Weizmann Institute, the Faculty of Agriculture is embedded into a collaborative scientific community.