PRR Project

Summary

Job descriptionThe candidate will be leading a highly-versatile and interdisciplinary research team within CEMAT working broadly on mathematical models in biology and biomedicine, and specializing in mechanisms and bioprocesses of infectious diseases, dynamics, evolution and control. This is an area of current attention and expansion in the center mirroring the societal challenges related to pandemic preparedness, vaccine research and antibiotic resistance. A strong emphasis will be on mechanistic understanding of the qualitative behavior of pathogen systems, the complex underlying nonlinear phenomena, parameter criticality and biomedical implications. This will be achieved via modeling and computation frameworks for simulation, prediction, parameter estimation, and real-time forecasting. Mathematical research will be devoted to new systems of ordinary and partial differential equations (ODE/PDE), advances in dynamical systems theory, new applications of probability and statistics to interface with biological data, stochastic processes, Bayesian inference, nonlinear optimization, computer simulations, algorithm design and formal mathematical analysis. The PI will present a strong research plan, supervise and mentor students and post-docs, provide curricular contributions to PhD and Master programs at IST, develop and maintain a solid line of research and produce excellent scientific output, interact with CEMAT members, organize and host scientific meetings at local and international level, attract competitive funding.??????? Scientific profileThe position is intended for a researcher of international profile of mid-career stage, in the scientific area and fields of research as specified above (GScholar h-factor 12 or above). The ideal candidate’s background in Mathematical Biology should strike a balance between theory and applications with strong evidence of theoretical contributions in infectious disease research, as well as more practical and applied aspects linking mathematical models with data (clinical, epidemiological, genetic) and specific pathogen systems.In particular the successful candidates will have:A PhD in Mathematics (obtained 12-15 year before application).A breadth and depth of knowledge in areas of Mathematics and its applications, and specific related topics to Mathematical Modeling in Biomedicine commensurate with raising the profile of the activities in this field across the CEMAT.An international reputation in research in mathematical biology, focus on infectious diseases, with strong connections to multi-strain pathogen data.An excellent record of publications (>7 papers as corresponding /leading author in last 7 years, and high-impact journals)Evidence of independence and research leadershipEvidence of research design and development to achieve high impact.Evidence of collaboration and co-authorship with Portuguese and international partners or industrial collaborators.Experience of successful research proposals – attracting competitive funding from organizations, industry and other external bodies.Ability to deliver student learning in mathematical biology and biomedicine, including project design and supervision. (MSc/PhD)A high productivity index (number and quality of papers per funding received), and visibility of student work.Experience in teaching and organizing scientific events/workshops. Rationale:This proposed PI position in Mathematical Biology aims at establishing a unique consolidated long-term research in this field within CEMAT, expanding the area of Mathematical Modeling in Biomedicine. The primary goal will be to develop innovative mathematical and quantitative modeling platforms for biomedical research in infectious diseases, to help in the deep understanding, prevention and control of infectious disease dynamics and evolution, at individual and population level.This position brings added value to CEMAT by: i) highlighting and nurturing a currently under-represented area; ii) enabling a true integration between mathematics and biology to meet global health challenges such as respiratory pathogens, infectious diseases and climate change, personalized vs. public health approaches, and population biology in diverse eco-epidemiological systems; iii) linking mechanistically biological data and mathematical models.CEMAT will thus become a reference center for this type of research in Portugal. This position will enable an invigorated modeling team to work on highly relevant topics such as multi-strain pathogen dynamics, computational vaccine research, antibiotic resistance, microbial ecosystem modeling, biodiversity and optimal infection control.At CEMAT we have identified excellent potential candidates amongst those eligible for the FCT Tenure program, in particular researchers proven to be competitive in previous FCT calls/grants, and whom we know will be interested in a tenured position at CEMAT that matches the above profile.