PhD fellowship in BioPhysics
Niels Bohr Institute
Faculty of SCIENCE
University of Copenhagen
The Niels Bohr Institute, Faculty of Science at University of Copenhagen invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in computational modelling of active materials and their environment
Start date is (expected to be) 1 August 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The project
Many microorganisms, such as bacteria and cancer cells, exhibit remarkable collective dynamics, often described as "living liquids" or active fluids. Like conventional liquids, the boundaries of the fluid can control their behaviour and flow patterns.However, many physical systems exist within a deformable environment, where this living liquid can simultaneously reshape its soft surroundings. This leads to a range of fascinating phenomena, cancer cells invading the surrounding extracellular matrix, soil-dwelling bacteria burrowing through sand or infection of mucus by pathogenic bacteria.
This research project will use computational models to explore the bidirectional relationship between an organism’s motility and its adaptable environment, investigating how microorganisms not only adapt to, but also actively restructure their surroundings.
Who are we looking for?We are looking for candidates interested in biophysical systems and computational physics.
Our group and research- and what do we offer?As a newly established research group, we utilize state-of-the-art computational models to study pattern formation in microorganisms. By combining discrete solvers—particularly a particle-based mesoscale hydrodynamic solver known as MPCD—with continuum simulations, we aim to characterize the collective dynamics of biological matter, their hydrodynamic interactions, and their influence on adaptable environments.
This multiscale approach enables us to explore active systems that actively restructure their surroundings as effective ecosystem engineers.
We offer a highly creative and collaborative research atmosphere at the interface between physics, biology and fluid mechanics. Our research facilities high performance computing facilities and actively encourage cooperation and or collaboration with the researchers who develop the numerical solvers used.The PhD fellowship is given in accordance with Danish legislation and will typically run for 3 years. The salary is set accordingly to Danish Union Contracts which are very competitive within the international academic community.
Principal supervisor is Dr. Kristian Thijssen, Niels Bohr Institute, kristian.thijssen@nbi.ku.dk, kthijssen.com
The PhD programme
A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.
Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. Physics. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.
Terms of employment in the regular programmeEmployment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.
Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.
The terms of employment and salary are in accordance to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.
Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme- Carry through an independent research project under supervision
- Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
- Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
- Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
- Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
- Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project
We are looking for the following qualifications:
- Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
- Relevant publications
- Relevant work experience
- Other relevant professional activities
- Curious mind-set with a strong interest in soft matter systems
- Good language skills
Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
Please include:
- CV including publications (if any)
- Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc)
Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is 27 April 2025, 23:59 GMT +2.
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.
The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.
The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models.The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in May.
QuestionsFor specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.
General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.
Please note in your application that you found the job at Jobindex