re-posted from bioinfo.fr, 25.06.2010

Description

Studying lipid metabolism of Plasmodium is of great interest as its normal functioning is essential for the survival of the parasite. Targeting this metabolism with drugs represents a new pharmaceutical approach against malaria. Plasmodium is well suited for systems biology studies because during its life cycle this parasite activates a rare diversity of metabolic pathways. Reconstructing synthesis pathways of lipid metabolism in Plasmodium is crucial for understanding the biology of this agent of disease.
The objective of this thesis is to develop a methodology for constructing dynamic mixed metabolic and genetic networks by using heterogeneous data. This methodology will be applied to transcriptomic and metabolomic data in order to build a model for lipid metabolism in Plasmodium. This model will be used for /in silico/ studies of the life cycle and of the defences against perturbations of the parasite.

The PhD Student will join the new team “Biological Physics and Systems Biology” in the lab DIMNP (UMR 5235) in Montpellier. This team develops physical, mathematical and computer science approaches for the understanding of the functioning of biological systems. At the centre of its approaches is the multi-scale modelling of the biological processes by using statistical physics, dynamical systems and stochastic processes techniques.

Qualifications and experience

A candidate should be motivated by systems biology and with strong background in mathematical modelling and computer science. Sound knowledge in applied algebra, differential equations and machine learning, and substantial proficiency in an object-oriented language (e.g. Python, Java, C/C++, Matlab) are absolutely required. Previous training in biology is an advantage.

To apply, please send an e-mail with a CV and the names of 3 referees to Ovidiu Radulescu.

Deadline: 2 July 2010.

Prof. Ovidiu Radulescu
DIMNP - UMR 5235 CNRS/UM1/UM2
Pl. E. Bataillon - Bat. 24
Universite de Montpellier 2, CP 107
34095 Montpellier Cedex 5, FRANCE
Phone: +33-(0)4-6714-9221
Fax: +33-(0)4-6714-4286
email: ovidiu.radulescu@univ-montp2.fr