Postdoctoral position in machine learning of 3D biological image data at BIOMAG

The BIOMAG (Biological Image Analysis and Machine Learning Group) has an opening for a postdoctoral researcher with a background in machine learning to work on cutting edge problems in developing novel active learning and regression models for 3D high-content image data of single cells. BIOMAG is a newly established group at the Biology Research Centre (BRC) Szeged, Hungary. The main focus of the group is to develop image analysis and machine learning algorithms applied to large-scale microscopic image-based data to i) improve the accuracy of analysis, ii) gain new insights into the biology and evolution of cellular morphology, and iii) ask fewer and more intelligent questions from human experts. BIOMAG is a member of the Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit (www.brc.hu/sysbiol/) at the BRC. As a part of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, we offer an excellent knowledge-base in systems biology, an inspiring environment, and state-of-the-art analysis facilities.
Background and project description
The Candidate will establish a new subgroup and lead the activities in applied machine learning. The project aims to develop novel methods to detect and describe behavioural and functional changes of cells in 2/3D microscopic images (see Horvath et. al., JBS 2011; Banerjee et. al.; PLoS One 2013; Smith et. al. JBS 2014; Banerjee et. al.. Science 2014; Smith et. al. Nature Methods 2014 in press). The major focus will be on how the combination of active learning and semi-supervised learning strategies (regression and classification) can improve and accelerate biological discovery.
Requirements
The successful Candidate has/is a:
? PhD in computer science or similar fields, specialized on machine learning
? Team player with initiative who is also able to work independently
? Proficiency in both written and spoken English
? Interest in biological applications
? Strong programming skills
? Experience with active learning, semi-supervised learning, or energy minimization techniques is a strong plus
? Strong background in mathematics and statistics is a plus
? Programming in Matlab or Python and basics in R, C++, and Java are plus
Contact and application
The project starts in January 2015. Send your application along with your CV and two reference contacts to Peter Horvath (horvath.peter-AT-brc.mta.hu). More information about us: www.brc.hu/sysbiol/horvath-peter-lab-index.html