PhD position in statistical protein structure prediction, University of Copenhagen

One of the major unsolved problems in bioinformatics is the protein folding problem: given an amino acid sequence, predict the overall three-dimensional structure of the corresponding protein. It has been known since the seminal work of Christian B. Anfinsen in the early seventies that the sequence of a protein encodes its structure, but the exact details of the encoding still remain elusive. Since the protein folding problem is of enormous practical, theoretical and medical importance - and in addition forms a fascinating intellectual challenge - it is often called the holy grail of bioinformatics.Currently, most protein structure prediction methods are based on rather ad hoc approaches. The aim of this project is to develop and implement a statistically rigorous method to predict the structure of proteins, building on various probabilistic models of protein structure developed by the Hamelryck group. The method will also take the dynamic nature of proteins into account.

Requirements:Knowledge of statistics, machine learning and programming (C++ or equivalent). Knowledge of biology or biophysics is a plus, but not a requirement. 

Place of enrollment: Department of Biology, Bioinformatics Center 

Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Thomas Hamelryck

Co-supervisor: Prof. Michael Sørensen, Department of Mathematical Science 

Application deadline: January, 5th, 2014, with start in 2014.

More information here: http://dsin.ku.dk/positions/