Senior Research Associate in data-driven modelling and high- performance scientific computing in computational biotechnology

We seek a Senior Research Associate in data-driven mathematical and computational modelling using high performance scientific computing with applications to cell and developmental biology as well as developing software packages for biotechnological applications (including image analysis, cell tracking, statistical and machine learning). We are seeking a senior researcher with extensive interdisciplinary research experience in all the following areas listed below as well as having a solid track record of research publications in these areas. The primary focus is research; however, the individual may be provided with an opportunity to teach undergraduate and graduate courses as a Sessional Lecturer and will be compensated accordingly. Experience in teaching high performance scientific computing and numerical analysis topics in higher education institutions is an asset.

High performance computing

• Has experience using various HPC clusters for large scale simulations of complex bulk-surface partial differential equations (PDEs), geometric surface PDEs and PDEs in continuum mechanics
• Be able to write parallel programmes from scratch as well as using existing libraries with ease
• Has a deep understanding of state-of-the-art numerical solution methods, including geometric multigrid methods, finite differences, and finite elements and their parallelization architectures and challenges
• Must be competent to create or develop new graduate courses and programs to train a new generation of early career high qualified personnel agile and competent in large data simulations, high performance computing and their academic and industrial applications

Numerical analysis and simulation

• Has experience with mathematical biology related models, often consisting of partial differential equations and their numerical approximations
• Understanding mathematical modelling and the associated numerical analysis, often related to cell migration simulations
• Has a deep understanding of numerical solution methods such as geometric multigrid methods, finite differences, and finite elements
• Has the ability of translating numerical algorithms into open source and sometimes commercial software packages for wider use by the research community and industrial companies

Data-driven Mathematical and Computational Modelling with experience of collaborating with biologists

• Has experience collaborating with biologists, and published in biological journals
• Has experience working with biological data (image analysis, segmentation, tracking, machine learning using geometric bulk-surface partial differential equations)
• Has a deep understanding of image analysis and segmentation related to large datasets in cellular and developmental biology
• Be able to come up with new algorithms and software to solve data-driven mathematical models
• Use novel statistical and machine learning techniques and approaches to fit highly complex systems of partial differential equations to data using Bayesian and optimal control for parameter inference and estimation

Industrial and commercial experience

• Has experience with commercialization of research outcomes
• Has demonstrated experience of leading to the formation of spin-off and start-up companies emerging from industrial research collaborations
• Hence, must have some experience of seeking capital investment to support spin-off and start-up companies

Other experience

• The candidate will have a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, to create a welcoming community for all, particularly those who are historically, persistently or systematically marginalized
• The position requires a minimum of a PhD or equivalent in mathematics or a related discipline

The selected candidate must be able to work within a highly interdisciplinary environment, must have experience of working with biologists, applied mathematicians, computer scientists, biomedical engineers, and industrialists. Furthermore, the candidate must have proven record of leading research projects across several disciplines. The anticipated starting date is July 1, 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.

We take our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion seriously, and we strive to offer a productive and inclusive space for all department members. University-wide strategic priorities are outlined in the UBC Inclusion Action Plan (https://equity.ubc.ca/about/inclusion-action-plan/) and the Indigenous Strategic Plan (https://isp.ubc.ca/). Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. Inclusion is an individual and institutional responsibility, built through engagement with diversity in all its forms. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, martial or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Applicants are requested to supply a current CV including a list of publications, a statement describing previous performance in research, and a cover letter which includes a statement stating how you meet the selection criteria. Names and contact details of at least four references should also be sent and submitted by the closing date.

The deadline for application materials to be received is January 24th, 2024.

This position is a two-year term position. The position will be reviewed annually and is subject to satisfactory performance and available funding.

Salary will be in the range $CAD65,000-$CAD78,000.