University of Minnesota, School of Mathematics

Position ID:

UMN-TMDCRAP [#23287]

Position Title:

Therapy Modeling and Design Center Scientific Director

Position Type:

Non tenure-track faculty

Position Location:

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States of America

Subject Area:

Math Biology

Appl Deadline:

2023/12/15 11:59PM help popup

finished (2023/10/02, finished 2024/04/03, listed until 2024/03/26)

Position Description:

*** this position has been closed. ***

The Therapy Modeling and Design Center (TMDC), a new University of Minnesota research center, seeks to hire a Scientific Director to lead multiple projects under the mission of the TMDC which is to leverage mechanistic mathematical modeling and engineering principles to optimize therapy designs. More information about the center can be found here: https://cse.umn.edu/tmdc.

The position reports to the TMDC Co-Directors Jasmine Foo and David Odde and will be responsible for individually leading TMDC modeling projects, managing a small cohort of post-docs leading TMDC modeling projects, leading TMDC grant writing efforts, and implementing the TMDC strategic plan. The position has secure funding for three years and strong prospects for future funding through grant writing and philanthropy efforts already in motion. The position allows for hybrid work and the salary range is $80K- $120K, depending on qualifications and experience. TMDC is committed to establishing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture and the successful applicant will be expected to help develop and implement center policies to this end.

For more information about the positions, please contact center directors, Jasmine Foo, Kevin Leder, and David Odde.

Major Responsibilities

TMDC Project Management (YR 1 10%, YRs 2+ 40%)

Mentor and manage a small (2 - 4) cohort of post-docs
Collaborate with TMDC Co-Directors and Associate Director Kevin Leder and therapy developer collaborators to develop a portfolio of research projects that will demonstrate the power of math modeling to optimize therapy and clinical trial designs.
Meet with TMDC post-docs on a weekly basis to review progress and provide expert guidance on TMDC research projects
Meet with Therapy Developer collaborators on an as-needed basis to discuss relevant biological theory, review literature, and discuss model development and results.
Lead a monthly meeting with the TMDC Co-Directors and Associate Director to provide updates on all TMDC projects
Develop and manage project schedules to ensure timely completion of project deliverables

Lead TMDC Research Projects (YR 1 70%, YRs 2+ 30%)

Conduct literature reviews
Develop novel theoretical models of the biological processes relevant to the subject therapy derived from literature and discussions with therapy developers and TMDC directors
Convert theoretical models to mathematical models using appropriate modeling strategies. Parametrize models using experimental/clinical data.
Simulate mathematical models of therapy using MatLab, C++, Python, or other suitable programming language.
Analyze simulation results and present to TDMC Directors and Therapy Developer collaborators
Develop and document process and results in internal reports and manuscripts submitted for publication in peer-reviewed archival scientific journals

Grant writing (YR 1 10%, YRs 2+ 20%)

Manage grant writing efforts aimed at securing $1M + in annual grant funding for TMDC.
Help develop grant concepts and strategy in collaboration with TMDC Co-Directors, therapy developer collaborators, and UMN staff engaged to support TMDC grant writing and submission.
Lead drafting of Research Strategy documents for center-scale grant proposals.

Strategic Plan Implementation (10%)

Build relationships, in collaboration with TMDC Directors, therapy developers and clinical trialists interested in engaging TMDC to support their therapy development projects
Work with TMDC Directors to build a diverse and inclusive environment in the TMDC, including development and implementation of TMDC DEI policies
Support TMDC communications tasks by drafting content for the TMDC website and other communications channels.
Plan, develop, implement, manage, and operate within the TMDC in a manner that results in a standardized and efficient process for collaborating with therapy developers and clinical trialists.

Required Qualifications

PhD - engineering, math, physical sciences, or related field, with life sciences knowledge
Math modeling experience including numerical solution approaches
Growth mindset / willing to learn new things
Strong publication record
2 years postdoctoral experience
Demonstrated potential for leading a research group and managing multiple projects

Preferred Qualifications

Clinical trials experience / knowledge
PK/PD modeling
Knowledge of differential equation and agent-based modeling
Cellular and molecular biology expertise
Working knowledge of statistics including sensitivity analysis
Demonstrated interest and accomplishment in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion

How to Apply:

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, go to the Interfolio job site and follow the application instructions. Applications will be reviewed starting December 1, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Candidates may contact the search committee at tmdc@umn.edu.

As part of your application, you must upload all of the following materials:

cover letter outlining background and interests
curriculum vitae, including a full list of publications
research plan (3-5 pages), must include specific plans for at least one initial research project, as well as indicate the broad scope of research interests
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statement
contact information for three references

We are not accepting applications for this job through MathJobs.Org right now. Please see the job description above on how to apply.

Contact: Katherine Dowd

Email: email address

Postal Mail:

: 206 Church St SE
Vincent Hall 127
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Web Page: https://cse.umn.edu/tmdc