Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Postdoctoral Research Assistant

SRF number: SRF37226
Full time, Fixed term
35 hours per week
Salary: £30,942 – £35,845 per annum

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Assistant for an exciting multi-disciplinary project combining computational modelling and experimental research in platelet biology, a dynamic field within cardiovascular biology. This project is part of the John Templeton Foundation Cohort Program ‘Agency, Directionality, and Function: Foundations for a Science of Purpose’. The program brings together 24 international research teams, ours being one of four based in the UK. The project is particularly suited for creative minds combining strong, proven technical skills with a genuine interest in the philosophy of biology.

We aim to establish a novel framework that operationalizes concepts of goal-directedness in terms of biological mistake-mistaking. While initially, and for you primarily, this will be developed and validated within a well-established cell system concerned with blood clotting, we aim to translate philosophical classifications into practical methods, models and prediction directly relevant to working scientists across all of the life sciences. You will be expected to contribute to these innovative theoretical advances. The project offers the opportunity to work in a unique setting that brings together theoretical and experimental natural scientists as well as philosophers – locally and under the umbrella of a massive international collaboration working towards a common goal.

As this position has two core technical aspects, computational modelling and experimental haematology, we welcome applications from candidates who are strong in one aspect but are keen and capable of learning the other.

The position is for a fixed period of up to 2 years and 8 months from 1st December 2021. A delay in start date may limit the duration of the position.

The successful applicant will:
• Have a PhD in a subject area appropriate to this field of research.
• Have research experience with the modelling of complex/biological systems.
• Be able to program/script in a suitable language, e.g., Python, C (++), Matlab.
• Know, or be willing to learn, techniques to contribute to experimental studies.
• Be interested in (the development of) the analysis of large datasets.
• Be able to work effectively as a team member within a large interdisciplinary group.
• Enjoy discussing ideas with people from a wide variety of academic backgrounds.
• Have an interest in philosophy, in particular the philosophy of biology.
• Have a proven track record through the publication of research.

Closing date: 7 November 2021.

Apply link: https://jobs.reading.ac.uk/displayjob.aspx?jobid=8546