Hiring & News

_data/authors.yml

@@ -3,8 +3,7 @@
 Laura Symul:
   name        : "Laura Symul"
   uri         : "https://lasy.github.io/"
-  email       : "[email protected]"
-  bio         : "Postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University, Department of Statistics."
+  email       : "[email protected]"
+  bio         : "Assistant Professor in non-clinical biostatistics at UCLouvain."
   avatar      : "profile.png"
-  twitter     : "@LauraSymul"
   googlescholar : "Qi_sA3AAAAAJ"

_data/navigation.yml

@@ -15,5 +15,5 @@ main:
   - title: "CV"
     url: /cv/
 
-#  - title: "News"
-#    url: /year-archive/  
+  - title: "News"
+    url: /year-archive/  

_pages/about.md

@@ -7,9 +7,13 @@ redirect_from:
 ---
 
 > ✨ NEWS ✨
-From Sept 2023, I am starting a position as a Chargée de cours (equiv. Assistant Prof) at [ISBA](https://uclouvain.be/en/research-institutes/lidam/isba) (Institute for Statistics, Biostatistics, and Actuarial Sciences) at [UCLouvain](https://uclouvain.be/en/index.html) (Belgium). I'll start recruiting doctoral students and postdocs soon.
+Hi there! 
+We're hiring a post-doc to work on the statistical integration of multi-omic data generated in the context of an interventional study aiming to restore a healthy vaginal microbiota. Find all the info [here](/posts/2024/01/FRESH-Lactin-V-postdoc).
 
-I am a research scientist at Stanford University, in the Department of Statistics, working with [Prof. Holmes](https://statweb.stanford.edu/~susan/susan_person.html).
+
+Hello and Welcome!
+
+I am an Assistant Professor at [ISBA](https://uclouvain.be/en/research-institutes/lidam/isba) (Institute for Statistics, Biostatistics, and Actuarial Sciences) at [UCLouvain](https://uclouvain.be/en/index.html) (Belgium) since September 2023. Before that, I was a postdoc at Stanford University (Department of Statistics), working with [Prof. Holmes](https://statweb.stanford.edu/~susan/susan_person.html).
 
 My [research](/research/) focuses on developing statistical methods applied to women's health and menstrual health in particular. This includes research on fertility, on cycle-related symptoms and on drivers of changes in vaginal microbiota communities. I address my research questions by creating parametric and nonparametric statistical models of biological processes that I fit to multi-domain clinical data, self-reported digital records (data from mobile phone apps), and publicly available datasets.
 
@@ -21,7 +25,6 @@ My [research](/research/) focuses on developing statistical methods applied to w
 Visual summary of research agenda</figcaption>
 </figure>
 
-
 I obtained my PhD in computational biology from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), in Switzerland, where I worked on the molecular regulation of the circadian clock. In particular I was interested in the regulation of rhythmic gene expression and protein translation combining analyses of -omics data with mathematical models describing the regulatory dynamics to infer quantities otherwise not measurable.
 
 I have also specialized in the visualization of data and, during my industry experience, have helped companies and organizations to take data-driven decisions.

_posts/2024-01-29-FRESH-Lactin-V-postdoc.md

@@ -0,0 +1,91 @@
+---
+title: "Hiring! Postdoc position in biostatistics for women's health"
+date: 2024-01-29
+permalink: /posts/2024/01/FRESH-Lactin-V-postdoc
+tags:
+  - research
+  - hiring
+---
+
+
+**Fully Funded Postdoctoral Position in Biostatistics/Computational Biology for Women's Health**
+
+A 1-year (renewable) postdoctoral position in biostatistics / computational biology is open in the non-clinical biostatistics unit of [ISBA](https://uclouvain.be/fr/node/9330) (Institute of Statistics, Biostatistics, and Actuarial Sciences) at [UCLouvain](http://www.uclouvain.be/) in Belgium.
+
+The project focuses on the **analysis and integration of several omic datasets** that have been generated from samples collected from participants of the [FRESH Lactin-V trial](https://ndabaonline.ukzn.ac.za/UkzndabaStory/Vol9-Issue24/could-common-bacteria-protect-women-in-sa-against-hiv-/). The FRESH clinic is located in [Durban, South Africa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durban), and the FRESH Lactin-V trial enrolled local participants who are at high risk of HIV infection. The trial aims at evaluating the benefits of a live probiotic ([Lactin-V](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1915254)) for lowering vaginal inflammation and restoring a healthy vaginal microbiota and, as a consequence, preventing HIV acquisition.
+
+## The position
+
+Your main responsibilities will be to analyze and integrate several omic datasets to identify variables associated with lowered inflammation and summarize changes induced by the probiotic. This will include:
+
+-   preprocessing the diverse omic datasets and performing quality control on these datasets,
+
+-   applying supervised multi-omic (multi-view) methods (and proposing adaptations when needed) to identify factors associated with product success,
+
+-   applying unsupervised multi-omic methods to describe trajectories of the vaginal ecosystem in both study arms, and
+
+-   regular meetings with the study team, and consulting on additional univariate analyses carried out by colleagues.
+
+This position does not include teaching responsibilities, but if the candidates desire some teaching experience, UCLouvain offers teaching opportunities.
+
+## Your working environment
+
+Upon joining, you will be affiliated with the *Institute of Statistics, Biostatistics, and Actuarial Sciences* ([ISBA](https://uclouvain.be/fr/node/9330)), one of the research centers of the *Louvain Institute of Data Analysis and Modeling in economics and statistics* ([LIDAM](https://uclouvain.be/en/research-institutes/lidam)), at the [*Université catholique de Louvain*](http://www.uclouvain.be/), in Belgium. Building on almost 600 years of experience, the *Université catholique de Louvain* is at the forefront of innovation and excellence in education and research, ranked first among Belgian francophone universities.
+
+Currently, the institute (ISBA) hosts a dozen faculty members and 15-30 young researchers (Ph.D. students and post-doc researchers). ISBA offers a stimulating environment for early-stage researchers (see [Key Facts and Figures](https://cdn.uclouvain.be/groups/cms-editors-isba/research/key-figures/REPORT_isba_Key_Facts_Figures_2021_2022.pdf)). It regularly organizes seminars, short courses, and workshops, facilitating the ongoing education and training of postdoctoral scholars and preparing them for their next venture.
+
+UCLouvain provides access to high-performance computing clusters and storage managed by a dedicated IT team.
+
+For this project, you will be working closely with [Assistant Prof. Laura Symul](https://lasy.github.io/) and with the FRESH Lactin-V trial team, including [Prof. D. Kwon (Ragon Institute / MIT / Mass Gen / Harvard, USA)](https://kwonlab.mgh.harvard.edu/), [Prof. S. Holmes (Stanford University, USA)](https://statistics.stanford.edu/people/susan-holmes), [Prof. L. Liebenberg (Stellenbosch University, South Africa)](https://za.linkedin.com/in/lenine-liebenberg-ba0aa425).
+
+The FRESH Lactin-V trial is one of the many projects of [the Vaginal Microbiome Research Consortium (VMRC)](https://vmrc4health.org/) and is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This project will provide you with an opportunity to be part of an international consortium of highly skilled and diverse collaborators throughout the US and Africa.
+
+## Candidate requirements
+
+-   A Ph.D. in **applied statistics, biostatistics, or computational biology** (or equivalent research experience) and good knowledge of the methods covered in this [textbook](https://web.stanford.edu/class/bios221/book/) (Modern Statistics for Modern Biology).
+
+-   **Prior experience analyzing biological data** and a good ability to translate biological questions into statistical ones.
+
+-   Extensive experience with **R**, good knowledge of **Bioconductor** data structure (*e.g.,* SummarizedExperiment, MultiAssayExperiment, etc.), and enthusiasm for the *tidyverse* philosophy.
+
+-   Experience with tools facilitating **open and reproducible research** (e.g., Rmarkdowns, Quarto documents, or Jupiter notebooks)
+
+-   Demonstrated proactivity and ability to work in teams.
+
+-   Good written and oral **communication** skills.
+
+-   Commitment to contribute to an **inclusive research environment**.
+
+## Funding and working conditions.
+
+The position is fully funded for at least a year. Net salary ranges from 2700 to 3200 € based on previous experience and international mobility. There are numerous opportunities to apply for funding to extend the postdoctoral fellowship (through career grants or participation in follow-up projects).
+
+We strive to offer a friendly and supportive work environment through **flexible working hours** (for example, for your young parents) and the possibility of **working from home part-time**. To facilitate and encourage interactions among team members, meetings are preferably scheduled in-person. Team members are encouraged to join courses and conferences in Belgium and abroad to present their work.
+
+## Working in Louvain-la-Neuve and living in Belgium.
+
+If you are an international scholar interested in this position and have questions about our campus and what it is like to live in Belgium, I invite you to consult [this website](https://uclouvain.be/en/study/study-in-belgium-ti.html). UCLouvain has a dedicated office to help you navigate the various administrative processes you will go through. Our campus is a pedestrian town with all the amenities you would need. It is easily reachable by bus or train from Brussels, with numerous opportunities to quickly develop a good social network of national and international students and young professionals.
+
+## Application
+
+To apply for the position, please email the following documents to Laura Symul (laura.symul[at]uclouvain.be):
+
+-   A **cover letter** describing your interest in the position and how you match the requirements.
+
+-   A **detailed CV** that includes a list of publications, pre-prints, posters, and/or software contributions; a link to publicly available code/data analysis you have contributed to; education and professional experience; awards; teaching experience; any additional information you deem relevant.
+
+-   If no code is publicly available, please include a document or script that best illustrates your programming experience and interests.
+
+-   Among your past work/projects, select one and provide a short narrative describing your motivations, your specific contributions, and the skills you have gained through it.
+
+-   A list of at least 2 academic references (past mentors or colleagues).
+
+Please contact me (Laura Symul) with any questions about the position. Once you apply, I will reply with an email confirming I’ve received your application within a week. If you have not received that confirmation email, please email again.
+
+The position is currently open, and applications are accepted. The starting date is to be defined with the candidate and is expected to be during the spring of 2024.
+
+Candidates from Sub-Saharan Africa (where the samples have been collected) and women are strongly encouraged to apply.
+
+
+Feel free to share this ad around, either through its link or by sharing [this pdf](http://lasy.github.io/files/job-ads/202401 postdoc FRESH Lactin-V.pdf)
+