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IMPORTANT NOTE: I moved to the University of Delaware and therefore this page is no longer updated. Please refer to my new web page for information about my current work. (08/31/2007)


Open Positions in Dr. Taufer's Group

List of open positions (a descritpion of the positons follows):
  • Two Research Assistant Positions to Work on RNA Secondary Structure Prediction Using a Grid of Heterogeneous Computers
  • One Research Assistant Positon to Work on Protein-Ligand Docking Simulations using Global Computing Systems
Two Research Assistant Positions to Work on RNA Secondary Structure Prediction Using a Grid of Heterogeneous Computers

Two ARP-funded RA positions, one for a graduate student and another for an undergraduate student, are available immediately at the Global Computing Lab (Computer Science Department) to work on interdisciplinary research that combines computer science and bioinformatics. The aim of this project is to design and build an adaptive grid computing system that, at runtime, identifies and exploits grid computing resources across the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) campus to predict secondary structures of large numbers of RNA segments using a variety of prediction programs.
For the graduate position, preference will be given to self-motivated students who are looking for Ph.D. or M.S. research topics and have the following qualifications:
  • strong programming experience and skills in C/C++ and Java
  • strong knowledge in Linux and Windows
  • knowledge in parallel and distributed computing
  • sincere curiosity toward interdisciplinary research, in particular research that combines computer science and bioinformatics
Undergraduate students who plan to go the graduate school at UTEP next semester are also encouraged to apply for this position.
For the undergraduate position, preference will be given to self-motivated undergraduate students who are looking for some experience in grid computing and have the following qualifications:
  • programming experience and kills in C/C++ and Java
  • knowledge in Linux and Windows
The appointments are initially for one year but can be extended for one more year. Students will be paid on a salary basis, which includes fringe benefits. The salary will depend on the student’s experience.


How to apply:

Interested applicants should contact either Dr. Taufer (mtaufer@utep.edu) or Dr. Leung (mleung@utep.edu). It will be appreciated if the applicants can bring their CV and a preliminary statement of research interests.


One Research Assistant Positon to Work on Protein-Ligand Docking Simulations using Global Computing Systems

One enthusiastic student is sought to pursue Ph.D.-thesis studies in the area of global and grid computing to engage in interdisciplinary research and development activities within a NSF-funded project called "DAPLDS - a Dynamically Adaptive Protein-Ligand Docking System based on Multi-Scale Modeling", starting in Fall 2005. DAPLDS involves collaborations with The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) in La Jolla, California and the University of California Berkeley. Research visits to these schools are part of the funded project. This project aims to implement and use global computing cyber-infrastructures that enable adaptive multi-scale modeling to acquire further knowledge of the atomic details of protein-ligand interactions (i.e., protein-ligand docking simulations).

The ideal candidate is a talented and highly motivated student who is willing to learn and work in a team. A strong interest in research and excellent programming skills in at least two programming languages such as FORTRAN, C/C++, and Java are required. The multidisciplinary nature of the work makes individuals with a background in bioinformatics, computational sciences and computational biology/chemistry ideal for the position. Students with a degree in computer science, bioinformatics, or computational engineering are especially encouraged to apply.

The University of Texas at El Paso is a minority-serving university with a large endowment and a strong reputation for academic excellence. The Department of Computer Science has access to excellent research facilities, including one IBM eServer pSeries 590 and one IBM eServer pSeries 690, several Beowulf class Linux clusters, and a Laboratory for Global Computing. The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and actively seeks women and minority applicants for this position.

How to apply:

Applicants for the position should send their resume, other relevant documents (e.g. description of one's own research profile, goals, and ambitions) that could influence the selection process, and at least three references to Dr. Michela Taufer (mtaufer@utep.edu).



Last Change: Apr 2006
Author: Taufer Michela