OFFERING OF A 4 YEAR PHD SCHOLARSHIP IN BIOINFORMATICS IN TARRAGONA (SPAIN)
The research group SIPOMICS (SIgnal Processing for OMIC Sciences) is seeking candidates to grant a 4-year PhD scholarships at the Electronic Department of the Rovira i Virgili University of Tarragona (Spain). The scholarship is to be funded between October 2009 and September 2013.
The main research topic of the scholarship can be classified under the general term of “Bioinformatics” (Signal Processing for Biology). In the thesis, the main tasks of the PhD candidate will be the development and application of advanced signal processing algorithms (such as deconvolution, variable selection, statistical analysis, multivariate and Chemometric approaches) and artificial intelligent data analysis methods to handle/fusion data from biomedical instrumentation such as High Resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (HR-NMR) and/or Mass Spectrometry (either liquid or gaseous). The research will be clinically oriented to apply these algorithms to real biomedical applications. The research group is tightly related to a Metabolomic Platform recently created (see www.metabolomicsplatform.com), a very novel facility which is equipped with state of the art 600 and 500 NMR machines with Cryoprobes and HR-MAS probes for the measuring of bio fluids and tissues as well as state of the art LC/GC-TOF-MS instruments.
Tarragona is a medium-size city (100000 inhabitants) with a Mediterranean climate and many recreation opportunities (nice beaches, theme parks, touristic resorts and facilities). It is located 100 km Southwest of Barcelona (at 1 hour car drive) and it is well communicated by train, highways and even low cost flights from its own airport. Additional information about the University and the department can be found at their respective web addresses (http://sauron.etse.urv.es/DEEEA/angles/index.html and www.urv.cat).
Candidates should have a bachelor and/or a master degree on Telecommunication Engineering, Computer Science or Mathematics. It is important to stress that previous knowledge of the measurement techniques mentioned above (NMR or Mass Spectrometry) is not necessary although additional background, knowledge or experience in Matlab programming, Bioinformatics in general, Chemometrics, and/or Biochemistry applications will be highly appreciated. The bachelor degree or Masters degree should be obtained before July 31st, 2009.
Interested candidates should send a pdf electronic version of their Complete Curriculum Vitae. Interested candidates should also send a Research Expression of Interest Letter, up to 3 recommendation letters (scanned) with the mentor’s contact data and a complete academic expedient (subjects, credits and grades) to the following email address:
jesus.brezmes@urv.cat
In the topic of the e-mail please use the words “Sipomics PhD scholarship”. In the body of the email please specify the candidate’s contact data very clearly. Skype accounts will be highly appreciated because they offer the possibility to have a personal on-line interview. The deadline for this call is May 10th, 2009. Additional information or questions can be sent to the same e-mail address, jesus.brezmes@urv.cat