Postdoctoral Researcher
Two postdoctoral position is available in the recently established UCLA/National Science Foundation (NSF) Center for the Environmental Implications of Nanomaterials (CEIN) in the Integrated Research Group (IRG) on modeling the multimedia environmental distribution and toxicity of nanoparticles (Mend-TN) . The CEIN is a multidisciplinary center involving groups from Engineering, Medicine, Biology and Chemistry with partners from a number of the National Laboratories and in Europe (Germany and Catalunya, Spain).
The postdoctoral position will involve close interaction with researchers of the MenD-TN team and other IRGs of the CEIN. The MenD-TN group will be physically located at both the California Nano-Science Science Institute (CNSI) as well as at the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, both at UCLA. The research activities of the research associate will focus on the development of : (a) advanced models (analytical, neural network and machine vectors) for predictive toxicological response of nanoparticles; (b) quantitative-structure-activity models of nanoparticle physicochemical properties; and (c) multimedia transport and fate models of the behavior of nanoparticles in the environment, and (d) practical tools to assess the environmental exposures and risks associated with nanoparticles. Another important outcome of the program will be a hierarchical framework for the deployment of artificial intelligence algorithms, machine learning, and visualization tools for both database analysis (e.g., data mining) and the development of an integrated computational nanotoxicity expert system. The research work will involve close interactions with an International team of researchers who are developing an extensive database for the toxicological and physicochemical properties for nanomaterials and tools that will assist in the safe design of nanomaterials.
The CEIN will serve a critical national need to further understanding of the environmental health and safety of nanomaterials. This effort is a major step for the U.S. to move forward in ensuring that the harnessing nanotechnology will be done in an environmentally responsible manner. Through the CEIN we will be developing new data, computational and decision making tools that will help both those in industry and government to better understand the potential impact of nanomaterials on our environment. Moreover, one essential goal is to be able to predict the type of nanomaterials (chemistry, morphology, etc.) that will be benign, and thus to be able to develop design tools that will help establish the type of nanomaterials that will be environmentally “safe” in various end-use applications.
The CEIN provides a unique opportunity to be involved and contribute to a globally visible program that will forge a new research direction and paradigm shift geared to demonstrate the benefits of the linkages between engineering, mathematics, computer science and medicine. The positions offers a unique opportunity to interact with students, Faculty, industrial affiliates of the program and International partners.
The qualifications for the position are described below:
Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Toxicology, Chemical, Civil, Materials Science/Chemistry or Mechanical Engineering, or a field related to the areas of experience described below.
Experience: Familiarity with transport phenomena, basic modeling of chemical or particle transport in the environment, exposure assessment and basic risk analysis. Experience with computer-based modeling, neural networks, and artificial intelligence is essential. Experience with basic toxicology, colloidal science and environmental chemistry would also be an asset. Experience and working familiarity with relational database design and management, and web-based databases and corresponding user-interfaces for queries and data analysis.
The University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) is an exceptional research institution and an attractive and comfortable campus located in West Los Angeles. The postdoctoral positions are each for a period of two years, with the possibility for extension. The salary is competitive and includes a medical insurance program.
Please send resume and contact information for three references.
(source: higheredjobs.com)
Tags: CA-Los Angeles