  We demonstrate a modeling and computational framework that allows for rapid
screening of thousands of potential network designs for particular dynamic
behavior. To illustrate this capability we consider the problem of hysteresis,
a prerequisite for construction of robust bistable switches and hence a
cornerstone for construction of more complex synthetic circuits. We evaluate
and rank most three node networks according to their ability to robustly
exhibit hysteresis where robustness is measured with respect to parameters over
multiple dynamic phenotypes. Focusing on the highest ranked networks, we
demonstrate how additional robustness and design constraints can be applied. We
compare our results to more traditional methods based on specific
parameterization of ordinary differential equation models and demonstrate a
strong qualitative match at a small fraction of the computational cost.
