Research Associate in Computational Biology

Location: South Kensington Campus 

Job Summary 

Applications are invited for a Research Associate in Computational Biology as part of the research group of Dr. Ruben Perez-Carrasco. 

As a member of our team, you will contribute in a project focused on analysing the biomechanical mechanisms of cell competition during early embryonic development. This will involve creating computational agent-based models of cell population competition and developing deep learning inference strategies to integrate the computational models design with live-cell imaging of cell cultures. 

The position is funded for up to 3 years, during which time you will conduct independent research under Dr. Ruben Perez-Carrasco’s supervision. This role is part of a joint collaboration with Prof. Tristan Rodriguez’s experimental group, offering the opportunity of informing experiment designs using the developed models and computational tools. 

Duties and responsibilities

• You will develop computational agent-based models incorporating rules of cell competition.
• You will derive analytical mean-field models compatible with the agent-based models studied.
• You will generate a deep learning tool involving Bayesian neural networks to integrate live-cell imaging data with computational models.
• You will independently conduct your own academic research under the supervision of Dr. Perez-Carrasco.
• You will become an active member of the Perez-Carrasco research group by taking part in its research programme, attending lab meetings, and providing support to fellow group members.
• You will engage in regular joint meetings with the research group of Tristan Rodriguez establishing a close communication between modelling and experiments. This will involve discussing the integration of live-cell imaging data with the computational models derived, informing the model descriptions as well as experimental design.
• You will participate actively in the Mathematical Biology community at Imperial College London.
• You will collaborate with other theoretical and experimental researchers to expand the scope of your research.
• You will attend relevant national and international conferences related to your research, where you will also present your work.

Essential requirements

• Hold, or be near completion of, a PhD in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Biology, or a closely related discipline.
• Possess experience in mathematical modelling of biological or physical systems. Desirably, with expertise in agent-based modelling.
• Have knowledge of deep learning tools or approximate Bayesian computation with the aim of combining data and generative models.  
• Demonstrate a creative approach to problem-solving.
• Exhibit the ability to work effectively as part of a team while providing your own initiative.

Further Information

The position is full time and fixed term for up to 36 months and is funded by the BBSRC. The successful candidates are expected to take up the position as soon as possible, but ideally before March 2024.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant.

Provisional interview timeline: candidates will be invited to an interview in November. Offers will be made only after all interviews have taken place.

The successful candidate will be based at Imperial College South Kensington Campus in the Department of Life Sciences. The DoLS Newsletters provide a useful insight into the activities and life in our department.

If you are interested, please submit a formal application by completing the online form. Should you require any further details on the role please contact: Dr. Ruben Perez-Carrasco –r.perez-carrasco@imperial.ac.uk.

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