University of Utah, Department of Mathematics

Position ID: UofUtah-PDCLOTMODELING [#21411]
Position Title: Computational Modeling of Blood Clotting, Non-Faculty Postdoctoral Position
Position Type: Postdoctoral
Position Location: Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States [map] sort by distance
Subject Area: all areas of applied mathematics
Starting Date: 2023/07/01
Application Deadline: 2023/05/15 11:59PMhelp popup finished (2022/11/03, finished 2023/06/28)
Position Description:   URMs  

*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***

Computational Modeling of Blood Clotting

 

Applications are invited for an NIH-funded postdoctoral associate position within the Department of Mathematics at the University of Utah to work with Professor Aaron Fogelson and his group on biophysical and biochemical modeling of normal and pathological aspects of blood clotting.   The work is part of an ongoing and successful interdisciplinary and highly collaborative effort.  The goal of the project is to further develop and analyze mathematical models of bleeding and thrombosis and to use these models to probe which natural physiological variations among people or among different tissues in a person's body modify the effectiveness of clinically-used anticoagulants (against thrombosis) and pro-hemostatic (against bleeding) agents.   The postdoc’s involvement in research into other aspects of normal clotting and thrombosis is also possible.  For those interested, there may be the possibility of teaching for the Department of Mathematics.

 

We seek highly-motivated persons with expertise in mathematical modeling of biochemical and biophysical processes and experience with computational solution of complex models.  A PhD in mathematics, chemical or biomedical engineering, systems biology, or a related field is required. Ideally, applicants will have extensive experience formulating models of physiological

processes, analyzing the models’ behaviors including computationally (in Matlab, Python, or a compiled language such as C or Fortran), carrying out model sensitivity analyses, interpreting the results in biological terms, and communicating with applied mathematicians and other quantitative and life scientists.   No prior knowledge of blood clotting is necessary, but a willingness to learn about it is critical. 

 

This project involves close collaborations with mathematicians, bioengineers, and biochemists at the University of North Carolina’s Medical School and Department of Mathematics, the University of Colorado Medical Center, the University of California, Merced, and Duke University.   It builds on the group's previous research some of which is described in the papers listed below.  Since the work is very collaborative, effective written and oral communication skills are essential. 

 

The Mathematics Department at the University of Utah is home to a large and very interactive community of faculty, postdocs, and students working in Mathematical Biology.  The postdoc would have the opportunity to be part of that community.   As already mentioned, the projects the NIH grant supports are collaborative efforts with mathematicians, engineers, and life scientists at Utah and at other institutions, and the postdoc would become a part of that group and interact frequently with group members.  For a mathematical scientist looking towards a career doing research in mathematical biology, whether in academia or industry, time spent working in these communities will be intellectually enriching and broadening, and will provide experience in ‘team-based’ research.

 

For additional information about our other current and past research projects in modeling blood clotting and physiological gels, please see https://sites.google.com/view/aaronfogelsonutahmath/home.

 

Previous Relevant Research:

 

Fogelson AL, Nelson AC, Zapata-Allegro, C, Keener JP. ‘Development of Fibrin Branch Structure Before and After Gelation’. SIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics, 2022, 82.1, 267-293.  

 

Link, KG, Stobb, MT, Monroe, DM, Fogelson, AL. Neeves, KB, Sindi, SS. & Leiderman, K. `Computationally driven discovery in coagulation’. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, 2021, 41(1), 79-86.

 

Link KG, Stobb MT, Sorrells MG, Bortot M, Ruegg K, Manco-Johnson MJ, Di Paola JA, Sindi SS, Fogelson AL, Leiderman K, Neeves KB.  ‘A mathematical model of coagulation under flow identifies factor V as a modifier of thrombin generation in hemophilia A.’ Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. 2020; 18.2, 306-317.

 

Link KG, Sorrells MG, Danes NA, Neeves KB, Leiderman K, Fogelson AL. A Mathematical Model of Platelet Aggregation in an Extravascular Injury under Flow. Multiscale Modeling and Simulation 2020;18(4):1489-1524.

 

Link KG, Stobb MT, Di Paola J, Neeves KB, Fogelson AL, Sindi SS, Leiderman K. A local and global sensitivity analysis of a mathematical model of coagulation and platelet deposition under flow. PLoS One. 2018, 3(7), e0200917.

 

Leiderman K, Chang WC, Ovanesov M, Fogelson AL. ‘Synergy between tissue factor and exogenous factor XIa in initiating coagulation.’ Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology 2016; 36.12, 2334-2345.

 

Fogelson, AL, Keener, JP. ‘Toward an understanding of fibrin branching structure.’ Physical Review E, 2010, 81.5, 051922.

 

Kuharsky, AL, Fogelson, AL, "Surface-mediated control of blood coagulation: the role of binding site densities and platelet deposition." Biophysical Journal 2001; 80.3 1050-1074.

 

Term of Appointment

 

The appointment is for an initial term of one year, with renewal possible depending on adequate progress and on continued availability of funding.  Subject to these caveats, the position is intended to be for 3 years.   The anticipated start date for the position is July 1, 2023, but alternatives may be negotiable.

 

How to Apply

 

Applicants should post the following at https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/UofUtah. (1) a vita, (2) a brief statement of research interests and experience, and (3) at least three letters of reference.

 

For further information about these positions or to indicate your interest in them, please contact Professor Aaron Fogelson, fogelson@math.utah.edu



The Carnegie Foundation has placed the University of Utah in their “highest research activity” category, and the University of Utah is the flagship institution of the Utah System of Higher Education. The University is located in Salt Lake City at the foot of the spectacular Wasatch Mountains. This location offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation, with nine world-class ski resorts within an hour of Salt Lake City, and five national parks only a few hours away. Salt Lake City is the center of the Wasatch Front metropolitan area, with a population of approximately 2.6 million residents. The city has extensive arts and cultural activities, and a major, newly renovated international airport, which serves as a principal Delta Airlines hub with direct flights to most U.S. cities, many cities in Canada and Mexico, as well as Paris, London, and Amsterdam. The area has received international recognition for its new light rail system, foodie culture, downtown renewal, increasing diversity, and welcoming culture. In 2017, U.S News and World report ranked Salt Lake City as the 10th best place to live in the nation.

 

A diverse scholarly community stimulates innovation and educational excellence. The Department of Mathematics at the University of Utah works to maintain a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment where everyone can flourish. We are actively working to increase our diversity and to promote belonging and community for all. We value constructive input and welcome feedback from our community.

 

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and educator, and does not discriminate based upon race, national origin, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, status as a person with a disability, genetic information, or Protected Veteran status. Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University of Utah policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities. To inquire about the University’s nondiscrimination or affirmative action policies or to request disability accommodation, please contact: Director, Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, 201 S. Presidents Circle, Rm 135, (801) 581-8365. For additional information about the University’s commitment to equal opportunity and access see: http://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/.

 

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds, and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically underrepresented students.



The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, national origin, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, status as a person with a disability, genetic information, or Protected Veteran status. Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities. To inquire about the University’s nondiscrimination or affirmative action policies or to request disability accommodation, please contact: Director, Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, 201 S. Presidents Circle, Rm 135, (801) 581-8365. Additional information can be found at  http://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/.


Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
www.math.utah.edu
email address
801 581-8307
 
Hiring Committee
Department of Mathematics
University of Utah
155 South 1400 East, JWB 233
Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0090
USA