Postdoc in Cancer Metabolism Modelling at the University of Birmingham

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We are seeking a talented and motivated postdoctoral fellow to work between Dr. Daniel Tennant and Dr. Fabian Spill’s research groups at the Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR) and the School of Mathematics, at the University of Birmingham.

In this exciting interdisciplinary project, the post holder will develop systems biology models of metabolic pathways of brain tumours. The models will be constructed with collated publicly available data, previously published data as well as ongoing datasets within the Tennant research group. Through a flux based analysis of metabolites, this model will be tested by real-world experiments, and iteratively adjusted to allow the prediction of novel targets that are essential in low oxygen (hypoxic) conditions, but functionally redundant in physiological oxygen conditions. Through the post holder’s analysis of data sets, we will gain novel insights into the mechanisms enabling tumour cells to thrive in hypoxic environments that ultimately enable therapeutic escape, outgrowth and invasion of the cancer cells.

In addition, the role will involve development of new methods of data acquisition and analysis, and applying knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding. The post holder will disseminate research findings for publication, research, seminars etc. They will also supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline.

The successful candidate will have a PhD (or be near to completion) in systems biology, mathematical biology, computational biology or similar disciplines and substantial experience in the quantitative analysis of intracellular metabolic or signalling pathways. Experience in flux-based analysis of metabolic pathways and programming languages (e.g. Matlab or R) is desirable but not essential, as full support and training will be provided.

The post is funded for 2 years by Cancer Research UK, potentially extendable upon future successful grant capture, and is available from 1st March 2020. Further career development opportunities, e.g. support for fellowship applications, will also be provided.

The IMSR provides a world-class and well-equipped research environment, which encourages interdisciplinary research to address some of the most challenging healthcare issues currently facing society (www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/metabolism-systems/index.aspx). The School of Mathematics hosts a vibrant Mathematical Biology group with eight permanent members, all of whom successfully collaborate with colleagues in the Medical School, Biosciences or Bioengineering in Birmingham and beyond. Further relevant research groups include Optimisation, Numerics, Analysis, Algebraa nd Combinatorics (www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/engineering-sciences/mathematics.aspx).

Informal enquires can be made to Dr. Daniel Tennant (d.tennant@bham.ac.uk) and Dr. Fabian Spill (f.spill@bham.ac.uk).

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the Apply Online button on

https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BXK966/research-fellow

or visit https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/jobs/index.aspx.

Please quote Job Ref 95519 in all enquiries.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity at The University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community

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