Post Doc: Learning interactions in collective cell migration

Vrije Universiteit; Amsterdam; Hybrid; EUR 40,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday leave entitlement (232 hours/年

8% holiday allowance

8.3% end-of-year bonus

Commuting expenses contribution

Personalized benefits package

Sports facilities access

Job summary

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is seeking a highly motivated Post Doctoral researcher to join the Broedersz group in the Section for Physics of Living Systems. The Vici-funded project investigates the fundamental interaction rules governing collective cell migration using non-equilibrium statistical physics and data-driven modelling.

You will work in an interactive environment to develop inference methods and apply them to multicellular migration experiments, aiming to reveal how cell–cell

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or closely related field.
• Background in theoretical, statistical, soft or biological physics preferred.
• Experience with inference/ML tools and basic programming is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Investigate interaction rules governing collective cell migration using non-equilibrium statistical physics.
• Develop data-driven theoretical frameworks to infer interaction rules from multicellular migration experiments.
• Collaborate in an interactive, interdisciplinary research team.

Skills

Machine learning experience

Basic programming

Theoretical/ statistical physics

Education

PhD in Physics

Job description

Your function

Our theory group is a worldwide leader in studying the statistical physics of living systems. We currently have an opening for an Vici funded 2.5-year Post Doc position. 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. Who 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

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

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 VUAmsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for abetter world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offeryou:

• a salary of minimum € 3.546,00 (Scale 10) and maximum€ 5.538,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience
• your initial contract is for one year (0.8 FTE minimum). Upon positive evaluation, extension is possible

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 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.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.