We are always looking for postdoc/graduate researchers who will potentially work with me and other more experimental biology-oriented members in the lab. Currently my lab has two major research directions, both related to understanding the dynamics of cell phenotypic conversions. Mammalian cells can assume different phenotypes, and studying the dynamics of conversion between different phenotypes emerges as an exciting new field.
- The first project is on analyzing time-lapse single cell images and extracting dynamic information on cell phenotypic conversion for theoretical and computational modeling. My lab has developed a framework for single cell imaging and computational image analysis (e.g., Wang et al., Science Adv 2020) to study the conversion dynamics and mechanism. The researcher will collaborate with others on studying various cell differentiation and transdifferentiation (including reprogramming) processes from a new perspective of nonlinear dynamical systems theory.
- The second project is on analyzing high throughput data (e.g. scRNAseq data) to reconstruct single cell dynamics, and analyze cellular dynamics using dynamical systems theory and statistical physics. A good introduction can be found from our preprint and package. Eventually projects 1 and 2 merge together.
- If interested, the researcher will have opportunity to perform simple experimental cell biology and imaging studies as well.
Overall I am looking for people who are passionate about research.
Warning: Working in my lab requires strong background in mathematics and programming.