PhD: micro-bioreactor experiments for yeast systems biology

The King group is recruiting a Ph.D. student to help develop new experimental design methods for large-scale automated experimentation. The test system for these methods will be ‘Genesis’, a Robot Scientist designed to transform the practice of yeast (S. cerevisiae) systems biology. A Robot Scientist is an autonomous laboratory automation system that applies artificial intelligence to automate the discovery of scientific knowledge through cycles of experimentation. When complete Genesis will be able to design and execute ten thousand hypothesis-led experiments in parallel.

Information about the division
The Division of Systems and Synthetic Biology at Chalmers is a diverse group of scientists working on systems biology questions that influence the progress of biotechnology and the understanding of human diseases. The SYSBIO team has over 100 members, with about half of the scientists working at the bench, and half working in silico. The project is to be carried out in the research group of Prof. King.

The position is funded through the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP), and the successful applicant will join the WASP graduate school.

-The details of the departmental research activities may be found here.

Major responsibilities
• Your major responsibilities are to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing in English.
• The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours.
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with the assistance of a mentor if required.
• Conduct individual and collaborative research projects.
• Write up research work for publication.
• Continually update knowledge and understanding in field or specialism.
• Translate knowledge of advances in the subject area into research activity.
• Deal with routine communication using a range of media.
• Communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically.
• Prepare proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g. for funding and contractual purposes.
• Communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature.
• Liaise with colleagues and students.
• Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration.
• Join external networks to share information and identify potential sources of funds.
• Manage own research and administrative activities, with guidance if required.
• Work with colleagues on joint projects, as required
• Collaborate with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest.
• Attend and contribute to relevant meetings.
• Use new research techniques and methods.
• Use initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• Use creativity to analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.
• Contribute to collaborative decision making with colleagues in areas of research.
• Use research resources, laboratories and workshops as appropriate.
• Plan and manage own research activity in collaboration with others.
• Balance with help the competing pressures of research and administrative demands and deadlines.
• Be aware of the risks in the work environment and their potential impact on their own work and that of others.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in Science in statistics, computer science, or a related numerical subject. The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English.

You also need:
Extensive experience with statistics or machine learning.
Experience in the design of experiments.
University teaching experience.
Biostatistical experience.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
Read more here and apply