The successful candidates will join the laboratory of Dr. Rakesh Kaundal to develop systems bioinformatics approaches including Machine Learning-based to decipher host-pathogen interaction networks in diverse Avian and HPAI strains. The students will focus on system and data integration, algorithm development and computational modeling of the interactions among pathogen proteins and host proteins using diverse data types or properties. Specific responsibilities include: (i) Comprehensive computational mapping of avian-HPAI host-pathogen interactions, including proteomic and transcriptomic approaches, (ii) In silico drug target identification and therapeutic candidate screening, e.g. structure-based computational screening using molecular docking, high-throughput virtual screening, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and (iii) Implementation of a public database and predictive tool development, an intuitive UI for hypothesis testing and exploratory research. In addition, the candidate is also expected to explore the applicability of these tools on relevant host-pathogen interaction systems.
Qualifications:
1. For MS candidates: a BS degree in Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, Math/Stats, or related life sciences field.
2. For PhD candidates: a MS degree in Bioinformatics, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, Math/Stats, or related life sciences field.
3. Programming skills with Python, R, Java, C/C++, or Perl, and efficiency in Linux / UNIX operating systems.
4. Independent problem-solving skills.
5. Have good communication skills, strong team-work spirit, and self-learning abilities.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Strong interest in Computational Biology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Computer Science or highly related field.
2. Experience in developing Machine Learning-based models and large-scale data analysis systems.
3. Knowledge about PINs, graphical models such as the dynamic Bayesian networks.
Please provide a current CV, a brief statement of your research interests, and contact information for at least three references who can address your skills and abilities in science, and submit materials directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Rakesh Kaundal at rkaundal@usu.edu or mail your application package.