Postdoctoral Research Associate in Biophysics and Machine Learning for Tumoroid Analysis

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Biophysics and Machine Learning for Tumoroid Analysis

The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education.

The role holder will perform research into the use of machine learning informed by the results of biophysical simulations in the prediction and analysis of cell organisation in tumoroids.

Cells are active and can both manipulate and be manipulated by their environment. This feedback between environment and cells can lead tissues to become self-organised. This self-organisation is important for the correct functioning of biological tissues. We hope to understand (and eventually control) the arrangements of cells in spheroids and tumoroids.

The project will primarily involve the development and testing of machine learning techniques based on biophysical simulations to predict the organisation of tumoroids and analyse their level of health. The successful candidate will also grow tumoroids in the laboratory and perform confocal microscopy on those tissues to establish the organisation of cells.

• To undertake training to run CONDOR simulations and in biophysics as required.
• To run and analyse CONDOR simulations on our high-performance computing cluster.
• To develop a deep-learning model for engineered tissue, train and validate it.
• To document this model.
• To contribute to writing papers and give presentations (at e.g. conferences and at the OU) as required.
• To contribute to the lively academic environment in the School of Physical Sciences.
• Maintain cell cultures and perform imaging studies and analysis on these cultures

Essential:

• A PhD in physics, biology, applied mathematics, computing or a closely related field (PhD candidates who have submitted or are about to submit their thesis will be considered)
• Experience of machine learning frameworks (e.g. TensorFlow)
• Knowledge of Python and C++
• Ability to communicate research results effectively
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Can demonstrate being a good team worker and able to work under own initiative
• Experience with biophysical simulation
• A willingness to work on biological systems and undertake training in that area if required

Desirable:

• Familiarity with the Linux operating system
• Experience in microscopy and / or wet biology
• A record of peer-reviewed publications and/or conference submissions commensurate with career stage

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