PhD Student Physics (m/f/d)

University of Cologne; Köln; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 55,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Broad research and training

Close research group integration/super

Diverse working environment with equal

Support in balancing work and family

Extensive advanced training

Occupational health management

Flexible working time models

Opportunity to work remotely

Job summary

The University of Cologne invites applications for a PhD position (f/m/x) in Statistical Physics/Quantitative Biology in the Institute for Biological Physics, research group of Professor Berg. The position is available from 1 October 2026 on a part‑time basis (19.92 hours per week). Initial appointment is for three years, with funds for extension.

Salary follows remuneration group 13 TV-L in the German public sector. Reference number Wiss2608-15; application deadline 15 September 2026.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in physics with excellent grades.
• Strong background in statistical physics.
• Genuine interest in biology.

Responsibilities

• Projects in cancer evolution, resistance dynamics, and statistical modelling of the immune system.
• Teaching load of 2 SWS alongside research activities (in English or German).

Skills

Statistical physics

Biology interest

Education

Master's degree in physics

Job description

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

PhD Position (f/m/x) in Statistical Physics/Quantitative Biology

Institute for Biological Physics | research group of Professor Berg

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region. Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.

The research environment at the University of Cologne provides an excellent setting for interdisciplinary doctoral training. PhD students have access to a broad range of

graduate-level courses and training opportunities through the graduate school BCGS (see https://www.gradschool.physics.uni-koeln.de/). The group is also embedded in a vibrant research landscape, especially the Collaborative Research Centre CRC1310 Predicting Evolution, which brings together researchers from different fields to model and forecast evolutionary dynamics (see https://crc1310.uni-koeln.de/).

We are looking for highly motivated individuals who enjoy working in an international team at the interface between statistical physics and quantitative biology.

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz - LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, personal orientation and identity.

The position is available form 1 October 2026 on a part-time basis (19,92 hours per week). The initial appointment will be for three years, funds for an extension are available. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications, the salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector. The reference number is Wiss2608-15. The application deadline is 15 September 2026. For further inquiries, please contact Professor Dr Johannes Berg ([e-mail]) and take a look at our FAQs.

Activities and responsibilities

YOUR TASKS

• Depending on the interests and background of the successful applicants, projects will be available in cancer evolution, resistance dynamics, and statistical modelling of the immune system. Projects involve concepts and methods from equilibrium and non-equilibrium physics and are often based on experimental collaborations.

For more details see www.thp.uni-koeln.de/~berg.

• The position includes a standard teaching load (in English or in German) of 2 SWS alongside research activities.

Qualification profile

YOUR PROFILE

• Applicants should have a Master‘s in physics with excellent grades, a strong background in statistical physics, and a genuine interest in biology.

Benefits

WE OFFER

• Broad research and training opportunities within the graduate school BCGS
• Close research group integration/supervision
• A diverse working environment with equal opportunities
• Support in balancing work and family life
• Extensive advanced training opportunities
• Occupational health management offers
• Flexible working time models
• Opportunity to work remotely