The Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics seeks a postdoctoral researcher who will work with the Libby research group investigating the evolution of microbial community interactions. The employment is full-time for three years with a start in Fall 2024 or upon agreement. Apply latest June 17, 2024.

Project description and working tasks:
The Libby research group, based at IceLab and the Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics (Umeå University), conducts research on microbial ecology and evolution on topics concerning the evolution of complexity. Given that many microbial interactions are mediated by chemicals such as metabolites, the chemical environment contains public information concerning the details of microbial interactions. Yet, metabolism is plastic so organisms have multiple ways to grow and different strategies may evolve. Thus, there are opportunities for signalling and manipulation. The primary objective of this postdoctoral postion is to enhance our understanding of the types of strategies that may be enacted in this context and how the various constraints of metabolic systems may define the possible interactions. The postdoctor’s role will be to use mathematical models and metabolic models to study the evolution and dynamics of these microbial interactions.

Qualifications:
To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. These qualification requirements must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the appointment decision.

To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organisations, military service, or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area. Postdoctoral fellows who are to teach or supervise must have taken relevant courses in teaching and learning in higher education.

The candidate should have a doctorate in mathematics or relevant computational science. We are looking for a talented and motivated candidate with a record of productive interdisciplinary research in mathematical biology, familiarity with microbial metabolic modeling, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Solid verbal and written English communication skills are required.

Previous research experience in the field of microbial metabolic modeling and evidence of interdisciplinary collaborations are a merit. A strong background in mathematical biology is also a strong merit.

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:729819/