PhD position in Innovative Training Network "Machine Learning Frontiers in Precision Medicine" in Zürich

100%, Basel, temporary

One PhD position is available in the Marie Curie Innovative Training Network "Machine Learning Frontiers in Precision Medicine" (MLFPM). The PhD student will work under the supervision of Prof. Caroline Uhler at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering in Basel, Switzerland.

The Marie Curie Innovative Training Network "Machine Learning Frontiers in Precision Medicine" (MLFPM; ) brings together leading European research institutes in machine learning and statistical genetics, both from the private and public sector, to train 14 early stage researchers. These scientists will develop and apply machine learning methods to health data. The goal is to reveal new insights into disease mechanisms and therapy outcomes, and to exploit the findings for precision medicine, which hopes to offer personalized preventive care and therapy selection for each patient.

Besides working on their project at their home institutions, the researchers will participate in network-wide training events like summer schools and retreats. Moreover, they will conduct two secondments of three months each at other network partners.

ESR2 will work on Machine Learning and Causal Inference to Optimize Genomic Interventions using Disease State Representations with Caroline Uhler at ETH Zürich in Basel, Switzerland.

Applicants with a background in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Medicine, Biology or related fields are encouraged to apply. We expect that applicants hold a university degree that qualifies them for doctoral studies at their recruiting organization.

MLFPM is striving for diversity. In particular, we are committed to increase the percentage of female scientists and therefore especially encourage them to apply.

At the time of their recruitment, candidates must be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and have not been awarded a doctoral degree.

Moreover, candidates have to fulfill the mobility condition: they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date.

All researchers will be enrolled in PhD programs, so they need to have a university degree that qualifies for PhD studies, i.e., a Masters degree or equivalent.

Candidates with a biological or medical background, without or with little mathematical background, are also encouraged to apply. Upon recruitment, mathematical preparation plans will be organized for these candidates where needed.

The position is available at the earliest convenience but no later than January 1, 2020.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.