A key challenge of biology is to map interactions between genomes (G) and their environments (E) to predict fitness correlates of an organism (O) and ultimately forecast population-level (PopP) ecological and evolutionary dynamics; this is the GEOPop grand challenge. Recent advances in computational modeling and high-throughput quantitative phenotyping have set the stage to address this challenge; machine-learning can now establish sequence-to-function models for individual genes [1], biophysical modeling can integrate multiple gene functions in different environments to predict growth and correlates of fitness [2], and genome-wide rates of spontaneous mutation can reveal evolutionary potential [3]. To pursue the GEOPop challenge for viruses, a team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is forming around a core of computational and experimental investigators: Philip Romero (biochemistry), Nathaniel Sharp (genetics), and John Yin (systems biology of viruses).
1. Song H, Bremer BJ, Hinds EC, Raskutti G, Romero PA: Inferring protein sequence-function relationships with large-scale positive-unlabeled learning. Cell Systems 2021, 12(1):92-101. e108.
2. Yin J, Redovich J: Kinetic Modeling of Virus Growth in Cells. Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews 2018, 82(2).
3. Sharp NP, Sandell L, James CG, Otto SP: The genome-wide rate and spectrum of spontaneous mutations differ between haploid and diploid yeast. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 2018, 115(22):E5046-E5055.
We seek candidates for a postdoctoral traineeship to join the GEOPop team. The strongest applicants will possess experience and publications in two or more of the following areas: machine learning of biomolecular structure/function, mathematical modeling of biophysical processes; high-throughput molecular or virus phenotyping, deep mutational scanning, protein engineering, molecular virology; or evolutionary genetics, population genetics.
This opportunity postdoctoral trainee has potential to be supported through opportunities at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; applicants must be U.S. citizens or hold permanent resident status. To apply, submit a CV, cover letter, and contact info for three references to john.yin@wisc.edu by 20 Feb 2021 for full consideration. Women, minorities, and others who are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, are especially encouraged to apply.
To apply, submit a CV, cover letter, and contact info for three references to john.yin@wisc.edu by 20 Feb 2021 for full consideration.