The Research Associate will work with the Director of the MeDiNMaT IRG to set project priorities and serve as liaison with the various program partners at UCLA and abroad, in addition to working closely with Postdoctoral and graduate student members of the MeDiNMaT team. The MeDiNMaT group will be physically located at both the California Nano-Science Science Institute (CNSI) as well as at the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, both at UCLA. The research associate and postdoctoral students will focus their activities on: (a) development of advanced models (analytical, neural network and machine vectors) for predictive toxicological response of nanoparticles; (b) quantitative-structure-activity models of nanoparticle physicochemical properties; and (c) multimedia transport and fate models of the behavior of nanoparticles in the environment and the implications for environmental exposures and risks. An important element of the program is to develop nested multimedia models to describe the dynamic distribution of nanoparticles in the environment, and hence assess their likely transport and exposure pathways. An important outcome of the program will be a hierarchical framework for the deployment of artificial intelligence algorithms, machine learning, and visualization tools for both database analysis (e.g., data mining) and the development of an integrated computational nanotoxicity expert system. The research work will involve close interaction with an International team of researchers developing toxicological and physicochemical properties for nanomaterials with a goal of developing a major database for such materials and predictive environmental-based models for the safe management of nanomaterials. 

The CEIN will serve a critical national need to further understanding of the environmental health and safety of nanomaterials. The CEIN is a major step for the U.S. to move forward in ensuring that the harnessing nanotechnology will be done in an environmentally responsible manner. Through the CEIN we will be developing new data, computational and decision making tools that will help both those in industry and government to better understand the potential impact of nanomaterials on our environment. Moreover, one essential goal is to be able to predict the type of nanomaterials (chemistry, morphology, etc.) that will be benign, and thus to be able to develop design tools that will help establish the type of nanomaterials that will be environmentally “safe” in various end-use applications.

The CEIN provides a unique opportunity to be involved and contribute to a globally visible program that will forge a new research direction and paradigm shift geared to demonstrate the benefits of the linkages between engineering, mathematics, computer science and medicine. The positions offers a unique opportunity to  interact with students, Faculty, industrial affiliates of the program and International partners.   
 

Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Chemical, Civil, Materials Science/Chemistry or Mechanical Engineering or a field related to the areas of experience described below.

Experience: Development and/or working familiarity with relational database design and management, and development and maintenance of web-based databases and corresponding user-interfaces for queries and data analysis.  Familiarity with transport phenomena, basic modeling of chemical or particle transport in the environment, exposure assessment and basic risk analysis. Experience with computer-based modeling, neural networks, and artificial intelligence is essential. Experience with basic toxicology, colloidal science and environmental chemistry would also be an asset.

The University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) is an exceptional research institution and an attractive and comfortable campus located in West Los Angeles. The postdoctoral positions are each for a period of two years, with the possibility for extension. The salary is competitive and includes a medical insurance program.