PhD fellowship in Physics of Life

The Niels Bohr Institute invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in Physics of Life at Biocomplexity Section. The project is part of the research project “Universal growth laws of Viruses of Bacteria”, which is financed by Novo Nordisk Foundation

Start date is (expected to be) 1 September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project
The project focuses on quantitative understanding of the viruses infecting bacteria (bacteriophages). Our goal is to achieve a universal understanding of interaction between viruses and their hosts. Phages are key drivers of microbial ecology, gene transfer and microbial evolution. They serve an ideal in-vivo model system to study virus-host interactions. We aim to explore virus development upon infection as a dynamic and stochastic process exhibiting decision-making behaviours. We also study the role of phages at various scales, from population to ecological levels to investigate epidemics as it spread in 2 or 3-dimensional geometries. Our research integrates theoretical, computational, and experimental approaches. We develop mathematical and computational models to mimic, suggest and perform experiments on these fascinating systems. The position offers the flexibility to explore a wide range of topics driven by the candidate’s interest in bacteria-phage systems.

Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a talented, highly motivated, and creative scientist who is interested in exploring fundamental questions in the exciting field of physics of life. Scientists with strong mathematical and computational skills in physics and complex systems who want to extend their skills to biological systems, especially on microbial systems, are strongly encouraged to apply. The position offers close collaboration with experimental biologists. Successful candidates must be imaginative and possess the curiosity to drive the project forward. Candidates must have excellent English skills, both written and oral. We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of Physics, Biophysics, Quantitative Biology, Systems Biology, Complex Systems, or related disciplines.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?
We are part of the Center for Models of Life in the Biocomplexity section at the Niels Bohr Institute, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, located in Copenhagen. Our research focuses on the science of complex phenomena in physics and biology. We engage on topics ranging from networks, non-equilibrium systems, gene regulatory dynamics, virus-host interactions, pattern formation, epidemics, microbial ecology and evolution, development of stem cells. We formulate models based on physical and mathematical principles and study these models with analytical and numerical methods. Additionally, we perform experiments on bacteria-phage systems in our local laboratory. We have close national and international collaboration with many labs, for instance in Switzerland, USA, Japan, and India. The successful candidate is expected to visit these labs. Our environment is dynamic and fosters fantastic scientific and social interactions with many talented researchers. For more information, please visit our website: https://nbi.ku.dk/english/research/biocomplexity/cmol/

Principal supervisor is Associate Professor Namiko Mitarai, Biocomplexity Section, The Niels Bohr Institute, [email protected]

Research Profile: researchprofiles.ku.dk/en/persons/namiko-mitarai

The PhD programme:
You can undertake the PhD programme as:

Option A: A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.

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Option A: Getting into a position on the regular PhD programme

Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. physics, biophysics, quantitative biology, systems biology, and complex systems. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision

• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in physics and life science
• Good language skills

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Application and Assessment Procedure

Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

1. Letter of Motivation, explaining your research interest, your motivation for applying for the specific PhD project, and how you plan to contribute to the project.
2. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
3. Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
4. Publication list (if possible).
5. A sample of your previous academic work, such as a thesis chapter or a published paper (if possible).
6. Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is 6 April 2025, 23:59 GMT +2.

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://science.ku.dk/phd/

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.