Société Française de Bioinformatique

Mots-Clés

Synthetic Biology AI methods Neural Network Biotechnology

Description

Missions

We are seeking motivated candidates to develop and apply innovative neural network methods for biotechnology applications. Successful candidates will take part in the BIOS European project at the MICALIS Institute. Several job opportunities are open. 

Depending of skills, the recruited persons can:

• (i) Develop Neural Mechanistic Models to translate mechanistic models of cellular subsystems into neural networks. The main advantage of neural models is the capacity of fine-tuning parameters directly through gradient backpropagation rather than an iterative adjustment loop. The neural models will be trained on experimental data for a variety of applications.
• (ii) Develop approaches for hybrid learning that will couple kinetic models with AI methods to improve model accuracy by updating the structure and parameters. AI methods will include Genetic Algorithm, Reinforcement Learning, Variational AutoEncoder.
• (iii) Transform the learning recommandations into actionable items to drive Build and Test on automated platforms.

MICALIS (INRAE & AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas, France) is a research unit of more than 350 researchers developing multidisciplinary approaches and promoting microbial systems biology towards the development of synthetic biology applications for health and biotechnology. Within MICALIS, the recruiting research team specializes in developing computed aided design tools and AI based new approaches for biotechnology (http://jfaulon.com/machine-learning-biotechnology/). 

Profile

• Applicants should have validated an engineering degree or a PhD in computer science, bioinformatics, or computational physics/chemistry.
• Good programming skills are mandatory, experience in Python is a plus.
• While prior knowledge in machine learning or cellular modeling is not essential but would be a plus – the team already has strong expertise in these areas.
• Good communication in English and strong collaborative skills are expected.
• Appetence for learning new skills, a willingness to exchange, and an open mind set for new ideas are sought-after skills.

Positions are open for 12 months (then renewable for 2 more years). The appointees will be hired through fixed-term contracts in accordance with the French legislation. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experiences.

To apply, applicants should send a curriculum vitae, a motivation letter and contact details of two references to jobs@galaxy-synbiocad.org. Applications are open until June 1st, 2022.