PhD Position in Soft-Matter Modeling for Mechanobiology

University of Groningen; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation hours 232/year

End-of-year bonus 8.3%

Professional development

Job summary

The University of Groningen invites applications for a four-year PhD position at the Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, at the interface of biophysical modeling, soft matter and cell mechanobiology. You will develop a quantitative framework linking mechanical cues to cell responses and signaling, primarily through computational work with opportunities to contribute to experiments.

The role demands a strong background in continuum mechanics, numerical methods, and English communication,

Qualifications

• M.Sc. in a relevant field with strong mechanics background.
• Experience with numerical methods and finite-element modeling.
• Excellent English communication in written and spoken form.

Responsibilities

• Develop a quantitative framework linking mechanical forces to cell mechanics and signaling.
• Study an integrated cell–material system with stimuli-responsive soft material.
• Create analytical and numerical models to predict material deformation and force transmission to cells.

Skills

Continuum mechanics

Numerical modeling

Team collaboration

English communication

Education

M.Sc. degree in Applied Mathematics, Biophysics, Mechanical Engineering, or Materials Science

Tools

COMSOL

Job description

Organisation/Company University of Groningen Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Engineering » Biomedical engineering Engineering » Materials engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 15 Oct 2026 - 22:00 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 38.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

A 4-year PhD position is available at the interface of biophysical modeling, soft matter and cell mechanobiology at the Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, within the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen.

What are you going to do?

The project addresses a central question in mechanobiology: how do cells sense, encode and respond to mechanical cues? You will develop a quantitative and predictive framework that links the generation and transmission of mechanical forces to cell mechanics and intracellular signalling, with particular emphasis on mechanosensitive calcium signalling. The aim is to determine how the magnitude, spatial distribution and temporal dynamics of mechanical cues shape cellular responses.

You will investigate an integrated cell–material system in which living cells are mechanically coupled to a stimuli-responsive soft material. Controlled external stimulation will deform the material and generate spatially and temporally defined forces at the cell–material interface. You will develop analytical and numerical models that predict material deformation, force transmission to cells and the resulting changes in cellular mechanics and signalling. The position is primarily computational, but a successful candidate will also contribute to experiments.

We are looking for a curious candidate who enjoys working at the interface of physics, engineering and biology, and who meets the following qualifications:

• M.Sc. degree in Applied Mathematics, Biophysics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or related disciplines
• A strong foundation in continuum mechanics and transport phenomena
• Experience with numerical methods and finite-element modeling using COMSOL
• An interest in biological systems and in connecting theoretical models with experimental observations
• Enthusiasm, self-motivation, creativity, and team spirit
• Excellent communication skills in English (verbal and written)

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with fluorescence or live-cell imaging
• Hands-on experience with microfabrication and microfluidics
• Familiarity with cell culture and biological assays

Additional Information

What can you expect from us?

• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.

Information about applying

When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible. The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy .

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP application code

Acquisition is not appreciated.

Additional comments

Do you have any questions or need more information?

Questions about the content of the job?
Vesna Bacheva (Assistant Professor): [e-mail]

Questions about your application process?
Vesna Bacheva (Assistant Professor): [e-mail]