Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Postdoctoral Research Scholar Collective Logic Lab
School of Complex Adaptive Systems Arizona State University

The Collective Logic Lab at Arizona State University (PI Bryan C. Daniels) announces an opening for a two-year postdoctoral fellowship focusing on the inference of collective logic in living systems. The Research Scholar will lead a research project to build a generalized framework for constructing phase diagrams of collective behavior from data, identifying relevant coarse-grained control variables in high- dimensional systems. Based on the interests and background of the successful candidate, the project will focus on data arising in one or more biological domains, including group behavior in social insects, decision making in neurons, and differentiation in gene regulation. This project will extend existing analysis in the group that quantifies behavioral spreading to determine the drivers of functional aggregate outputs, and will draw on techniques from statistical physics, statistical inference, dimensionality reduction, and computational modeling.

Job details:

This is an in-person position with the successful applicant working on the ASU campus in Tempe, AZ, USA. The position is full-time, fiscal-year (12 month), benefits-eligible appointment with no tenure implications and no teaching responsibilities. The anticipated start date is Fall 2024. The position may be renewed annually contingent upon satisfactory performance, the needs of the center and the availability of resources but is anticipated to run for 24 months.

Job duties:

Conduct research projects including conceptualization, data analysis, writing papers, and presenting at scientific conferences.

What we offer:

·         Salary and benefits (competitive salary commensurate with experience).

·         Mentorship within a supportive lab environment.

·         Exposure to a diverse community of scholars within a school, college, university, and   broader network that highly value innovative, collaborative, and impactful research.

Who we are:

In the Collective Logic Lab, we want to know: How does coordinated, adaptive, purposeful collective behavior arise from noisy, fluctuating, uncertain components? Our research focuses on predictive modeling of collective behavior in biological systems using real-world data. We bring together expertise in computational modeling, data science, statistical physics, and biology. We are friendly with people and hard-nosed about science. https://www.public.asu.edu/~bdaniel6/cll/

Where we are:

The Collective Logic Lab is part of the School of Complex Adaptive Systems, within the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory, bringing our group into contact with applications of collective behavior in global contexts. https://collegeofglobalfutures.asu.edu/

Arizona State University models itself as the New American University, with a focus on inclusive, global, and innovative impact. Consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the country’s most innovative school, Arizona State University also takes the top spot in the nation for sustainability (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System) and global impact (Times Higher Education).

Tempe is a college town embedded in the city of Phoenix, the 5th largest city in the US. The Valley of the Sun offers cacti, sunshine, and diverse environments ranging from a dense urban arts district to the sprawling mountainous landscapes of surrounding Arizona.

Required Qualifications:

·         A doctoral degree in a relevant field (physics, quantitative biology, applied mathematics,  data science, computer science, or related areas) by the time of appointment. Applicants must be within five years of the doctoral degree award.

·         Demonstrated creative drive and determination to make and communicate scientific discoveries.

Desired Qualifications:

·         Enthusiasm for question-driven, transdisciplinary, collaborative research.

·         Demonstrated ability to work with experimental data and communicate with experimental colleagues.

·         Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and in close relation to a small team.

·         Demonstrated ability to contribute in one or more of the following areas: computational  models of collective behavior, analysis of dynamical systems, model selection techniques, contextualization of biological function.

To apply:

To apply, candidates must submit the following materials electronically to http://apply.interfolio.com/144141 1) a cover letter, 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) a statement of motivation and research interests (two pages maximum); 4) a statement addressing applicant’s commitment to goals embodied in the ASU Charter.; and 5) Contact information for three references (including name, phone number and email).

Deadline for initial review of complete applications will be May 15, 2024. If not filled, reviews will continue every two weeks until the search is closed.

Inquiries concerning the search should be addressed to the Chair of the Search Committee: Dr. Bryan Daniels, via bryan.daniels.1@asu.edu.

A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

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