3 year Postdoctoral Research Position (Stochastic modelling of reaction-diffusion processes)

We invite applications for a three-year postdoctoral research position, funded by the European Research Council Starting Grant awarded to Dr Radek Erban. The successful candidate will work with Dr Erban at the Oxford Centre for Collaborative Applied Mathematics (OCCAM) which is part of the Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford. The salary will be on Oxford's Grade 7 salary scale for academic-related staff (starting salary £28,839-£30,594). This position is available from 1st January 2010 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Project summary: There are two fundamental approaches to the mathematical modelling of chemical reactions and diffusion: deterministic models which are based on partial differential equations (PDEs), and stochastic simulation algorithms (SSAs). Stochastic models provide a more detailed understanding of reaction-diffusion processes, and are often necessary for the modelling of biological systems where the small numbers of molecules of some chemical species make deterministic models inaccurate or even inapplicable. Several reaction-diffusion models have been proposed in the literature but they each have their limitations. The first objective of the project is to investigate under which conditions different stochastic reaction-diffusion models are equivalent and under which conditions they differ. The second major objective is to design a reliable, correct and efficient method for the stochastic simulation of reaction-diffusion processes in biology. To achieve this goal, we will investigate how combining stochastic reaction-diffusion models with different levels of detail (or even combining SSAs with deterministic PDEs) can be done accurately and efficiently. Besides addressing open questions about existing reaction-diffusion SSAs, we will also investigate and implement a new class of SSAs which were introduced in the recent work of the research group.

Applicants should have a PhD (awarded or submitted at the time of taking up the position) in applied mathematics or related discipline, together with familiarity of partial differential equations and experience of scientific computing. Familiarity with stochastic simulation algorithms and their analysis and background knowledge in modelling reaction-diffusion processes is desirable.

Further particulars may be obtained from the Administrative Assistant at the Mathematical Institute, 24-29 St Giles', Oxford, OX1 3LB, email vacancies [-at-] maths [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk and from the link below. Applications should include a Curriculum Vitae, a covering letter explaining your suitability for the position and how you meet the selection criteria, and the names and contact details of two referees. Applications must arrive by noon on Friday 27 November 2009. Ensure that you clearly quote the reference BK/09/031. Candidates should ask their referees to send their references directly to the Administrative Assistant, Mathematical Institute so that they arrive before the closing date. It is the responsibility of candidates to ensure that their references arrive by the closing date. Interviews for this position will be held on Thursday December 10, 2009 (telephone interviews are possible).

Oxford University is committed to equality and valuing diversity.