Post Doc: Learning interactions in collective cell migration

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8% holiday allowance

8.3% end-of-year bonus

Commuting expenses contribution

Personalized benefits package

Sports facilities access

Job summary

The Broedersz group at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam invites applications for a Vici-funded 2.5-year Postdoctoral position on non-equilibrium statistical physics of collective cell migration. The project seeks to uncover interaction rules governing multicellular movement using data-driven theory and statistical inference.

You will work in an interactive team applying AI-inspired approaches to living systems.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics with potential focus in theoretical, statistical, soft or biological physics.
• Experience with inference or machine learning tools is a plus.
• Basic programming experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop data-driven theoretical frameworks to infer interaction rules from multicellular migration experiments.
• Combine non-equilibrium statistical physics with active matter concepts to study collective cell migration.
• Collaborate in an interactive environment to advance understanding of living systems.

Skills

Machine learning

Programming basics

Education

PhD in Physics

Tools

Python

Job description

Your function

The Broedersz group (Theoretical physics of life) has an opening for a Vici funded 2.5-year Post Doc position on the non-equilibrium statistical physics of collective cell migration.

Our theory group is a worldwide leader in studying the statistical physics of living systems. In this project, we seek to uncover the fundamental interaction rules that govern collective cell migration—a central biological process underlying development, immune responses, and cancer progression.

We are looking for a highly motivated Post Doc to strengthen our research team in an interactive and collaborative environment. We are looking for candidates interested in combining non-equilibrium statistical physics, active matter physics, and statistical inference/AI to unravel how cell–cell interactions shape collective cell migration. A central goal of the project is to develop and apply data-driven theoretical frameworks that infer interaction rules directly from multicellular migration experiments. We therefore seek a candidate who is excited by rigorous statistical mechanics and data-driven modelling, and who is eager to use these approaches to understand how complex biological functions emerge from interactions between individual cells.

Your profile

• PhD Degree in Physics
• Preferably with a background in theoretical physics, statistical, soft or biological physics
• Experience with using inference/machine learning tools and basic programming is a plus

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

What do we offer?

We offer guidance and help so you can develop the skills and experience to become an independent scientist. In addition, we offer an intellectually challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world.

• your initial contract is for one year (0.8 FTE minimum). Upon positive evaluation, extension is possible
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

About us

The Broedersz group is part of the Section for Physics of Living Systems within the Physics department at the VU Amsterdam, one of the best universities in the Netherlands, and a leading scientific institution in biophysics located in the vibrant and international city of Amsterdam. Our team is an inclusive and diverse environment, welcoming excellent students from all backgrounds. We offer a stimulating and collaborative environment in the physics of life. PhD students and Postdocs in our group have the opportunity to learn from the best scientists in the field, publish in high-impact journals, and present their work at international conferences.

Faculty of Science

Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.