The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics is opening a PhD position in Computational Sciences within the national Data-Driven Life Science program. The position covers four years of third-cycle studies, including participation in research and third-cycle courses. The last day to apply is June 17, 2024.

This position is part of a national data-driven life science (DDLS) program recruitment. DDLS uses data, computational methods, and artificial intelligence to study biological systems and processes at all levels, from molecular structures and cellular processes to human health and global ecosystems. The SciLifeLab and Wallenberg National Program for DDLS aims to recruit and train the next generation of data-driven life scientists and to create globally leading computational and data science capabilities in Sweden. The program is funded with a total of 3.1 billion SEK (about 290 MUSD) over 12 years from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg (KAW) Foundation.

In 2024, the DDLS Research School will be launched, and 20 academic and seven industrial PhD students will be recruited. During the course of the DDLS program, more than 260 PhD students and 200 postdocs will be part of the Research School. The DDLS program has four strategic areas: cell and molecular biology, evolution and biodiversity, precision medicine and diagnostics, epidemiology and biology of infection. For more information, please see

DDLS Research school

The future of life science is data-driven. Will you be part of that change? Then join us in this unique program!

Project description and tasks:
This project addresses a fundamental topic in evolution concerning how and why microbes interact in the ways they do. We know that microbes have many possible options, or strategies, regarding what resources they consume to grow. Depending on these choices, pairs of microbes may either compete or cooperate. What actually happens depends on the ability of microbes to correctly assess the situation, i.e. solve a type of inference problem. Yet, little is known about the difficulty of this inference problem or what heuristics organisms might evolve.

This research project is a collaboration between Eric Libby and Laura Carroll. It involves using machine learning techniques to infer the mechanisms by which microbes make decisions, bioinformatic techniques to compare these mechanisms to empirical data, and game theory and modeling approaches to improve our understanding. The project has many exciting directions and opportunities for different quantitative tools and approaches.

The position is part of the DDLS research school, which means that the student will receive training and resources as a part of the DDLS program. In addition, the student will be based at the interdisciplinary center, IceLab, where they will gain professional training in communication as well as in conducting interdisciplinary research.
https://www.umu.se/en/research/infrastructure/integrated-science-lab-icelab/

Umeå offers excellent working and living conditions. The city is young and located right next to a large river. It is surrounded by forests and lakes and lies close by the sea. In the vicinity there are plenty of opportunities for both indoor and outdoor activities.

For further information and instructions on how to apply, see:
https://umu.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:727379/