Brown University Center for Computational Molecular Biology Postdoctoral Research Associate
The Brown University Center for Computational Molecular Biology (CCMB) seeks outstanding applicants for Postdoctoral positions at the interface between the computational and biological sciences. The CCMB is a research Center uniting faculty, researchers and students from four Departments at Brown: Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology and Biochemistry. The mission of CCMB is to make breakthrough discoveries in the life sciences through the development and application of novel computational, mathematical, and statistical techniques. Biological research themes include the regulation of gene expression, population and evolutionary genomics, and genomic analyses of cancer and human disease. Brown has excellent resources in high performance computing (CCV), next generation sequencing (Core Facility), and a wealth of other research opportunities spanning the computational, mathematical and life sciences including a joint graduate program with the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole.
Successful applicants will propose a collaborative research project hosted by two or more faculty mentors from different research areas, at least one of which should be affiliated with CCMB. Projects with high potential for new discoveries, those that uniquely foster new collaborations between computer scientists, biologists or medical researchers, or those that focus on preliminary studies aimed at specific external funding opportunities are most likely to be supported. Applicants are encouraged to contact faculty mentors to discuss possible projects and effective collaborations that might broaden the scope and ensure the success of the proposed research.
Support will be provided for 2 years at a competitive salary, plus benefits, and a research account of $5,000. Applicants must have completed their PhD in one of the core fields associated with CCMB prior to their appointment. CCMB Scholars are expected to interact well across disciplinary boundaries, play an active role in the intellectual life of the Center, and give a least one presentation per year on their project. Most projects should have a strong computational component, and candidates should provide evidence of appropriate background, or a plan for acquiring these skills during the project. Wet lab projects may be proposed, but support for the laboratory work must be provided by one or more of the applicant's mentors.
The application material should be submitted by the applicant as a single PDF and include: 1) a brief Cover Letter summarizing the application, 2) a current CV with contact information, 3) the research proposal, not to exceed 4 single spaced pages including figures, but excluding references. Three letters of recommendation should be sent by separate cover from established researchers or former professors who are familiar with the applicant's education and research background. In addition, letters of support should be sent from up to two of the applicant's proposed mentors who can state their role in the project, the nature of support provided, and identify the sources of additional funding that might be required for successful completion of the proposed research.
Review of applications will begin March 15, 2012 and will continue until position is filled. All pdf submissions should be emailed to ccmb@brown.edu with a subject line of "CCMB Postdoctoral Search FP12-219". Letters of recommendation should be sent to the same address listed above, subject line to include Applicant name and FP12-219. Announcements of positions will be made May 1, 2012.
Brown is an EEO/AA employer. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.