The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Institute of Physics call for applications for the position of a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the mechanics of living materials.
Living materials are made of cells or cell components, birds, or even people and robots. They are driven from the inside out, leading to phenomena such as flocks of birds and crowd waves at concerts. The physics of this active matter is highly relevant to developmental biology, as it helps us understand how organisms develop and maintain their shape.
The aim of this project is, based on recent progress in extending vertex models, to build a model that incorporates these processes from the bottom up. They will focus on understanding the emergent active mechanics, flows, and rigidity of such materials that incorporate microscopic internal pulling forces. At the same time, we will assess how biology can functionalize them and make predictions for processes such as gastrulation and germband extension in drosophila or the chick embryo, and separately for in-vitro systems such as MDCK sheets and model organoids.
Salary
- A gross monthly Salary ranges from € 3.420 to € 4.490, gross per month
- Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses(8.3 %), training, and career development
Job Requirements
Applicants for the Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Mechanics of Living Materials should meet the following criteria.
- PhD in Physics or a related discipline and a good publication record
- A background in soft condensed matter theory
- Strong computational skills in either python or Matlab and knowledge of C/C++
- A genuine interest in interdisciplinary science and talking to biologists
- Creative and independent thinker
- Good communication skills, and good English language level
Application Process
- CV including publication list
- Research statement (3 pages maximum)
- Name and contact information of at least 2 references
To apply for Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Mechanics of Living Materials, click here.
Application Deadline: June 10, 2022.
For more information, visit the official site.
