The research group of Prof. Christof Teuscher has an immediate opening for a paid PhD or MS student in the area of molecular computing and novel computing paradigms.
Molecular computing is a promising computational paradigm, in which computational functions are evaluated at the nanoscale, with potential applications in smart molecular diagnostics and therapeutics. However, despite recent advances in the field, prospects for direct application of these techniques to solve real-world problems are limited by the lack of robust interfaces between molecular computers and biological and chemical systems. This project will address these limitations by targeting two application domains, wide-spectrum chemical sensing and cell surface analysis using molecular logic cascades. Drawing on a combination of experimental, theoretical, and computational tools, molecular computing systems will be developed for use in these application domains. Molecular circuit architectures that process sensor inputs from chemical sensors and cell-surface analysis reactions will be designed, modeled, and implemented in the laboratory, and computational modeling will be used to predict and optimize interactions between DNA circuit components and their binding targets. Furthermore, advanced molecular circuit architectures capable of adaptive, bio-inspired behavior, such as dynamic learning and adaptation, will be designed, with a view to future experimental implementations of these features.
The position is funded by the National Science Foundation. The project is a collaboration with teams from the University of New Mexico and Columbia University.
QUALIFICATIONS
- The ideal candidate has experience in DNA and molecular computation, unconventional computation, computational intelligence, machine learning, neural networks, reservoir computing, and optimization techniques.
- Must be enrolled in the ECE or CS MS or PhD program at PSU for the fall ’21, winter ’22, and spring ’22.
- Excellent Python programming skills.
- Interested in far-reaching cutting-edge interdisciplinary research.
- Outstanding academic records.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Highly motivated, responsible, independent, with outstanding work ethics.
- Visionary, creative, outside-the-box thinker.
WHAT YOU GET
A place to invent, design, create, investigate, support and advice, an unconventional lab environment, free coffee, a GRA stipend, tuition, a foosball table, access to a powerful research compute server, a unique team, opportunities to collaborate with researchers from other fields.
WHAT WE DO
The mission of teuscher.:Lab is review the foundations of computer technology to help solve tomorrow’s technological and societal problems. We use a radical interdisciplinary approach and apply tools from computer science, computer engineering, physics, biology, complex systems science, and cognitive science to the study and the design of next generation computing models and architectures. Our research and education have global impact. We educate lifelong learners through academic excellence.
APPLICATION
Send application materials to teuscher@pdx.edu. Review will begin immediately. The position remains open until filled. Portland State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
