Theoretical Biophysics PhD position

Theoretical Physics – Information Theory – Learning

Job description

This project is a four-year theoretical physics position, which will involve theory in the fields of statistical physics and information theory, and connections to biology and development/learning-related fields. We are interested in `effective’ signal-processing and decision making: we will study these both in simple algorithmic model systems (such as optimal bandits or other machine-learning related problems) as well as for simple networks different cost functions on the theoretical side. We then want to apply our findings to relevant experimental questions, first and foremost neuronal or gene regulatory systems, and will ask if our theoretically identified tricks for optimality can tell us about or be quantifiers for what happens biologically. The candidate will have a choice to determine the direction of the project.

Job requirements

The ideal candidate should have a degree in physics, mathematics, or a related discipline, and an interest in biological and developing (if in a robotic sense) systems. The ideal candidate will have an active interest in learning about statistical physics and biophysics/biology, and will enjoy being included in collaborative meetings. Some programming skills would be excellent. Good communication skills in English are required.

Conditions of employment

We offer an appointment as PhD student for a period of 1.5 year, which will be extended with a second term of 2.5 years if the candidate performs well. Remuneration will be according to the PhD scales set by the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU), and will range from € 2.541 per month in the first year to € 3.247 per month in the fourth year (gross amounts, in case of fulltime employment). Applicants should have the right to work in the Netherlands for the duration of the contract. Fulltime is considered to be 38 hours per week.

TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Applied Science

With more than 1,000 employees, including 135 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,400 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we train students in broad Bachelor’s and specialist Master’s programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers and science communicators.

Department Bionanoscience

The Department of Bionanoscience focuses on the fundamental understanding of biological processes, from the level of single molecules to the full complexity of living cells. This research provides fascinating insight in the molecular mechanisms that lead to cellular function. Furthermore it enables the in vitro bottom-up construction of cellular machinery and it impacts applications ranging from biomolecular diagnostics to novel antibiotics and targeted nanomedicine. The department features a strongly multidisciplinary and international team of scientists, whose research areas include single-molecule biophysics, synthetic biology, as well as (quantitative) cell biology.

For more information, please visit  our website: https://www.tudelft.nl/tnw/over-faculteit/afdelingen/bionanoscience , or contact Marianne Bauer (m.s.bauer@tudelft.nl ).

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 23 October 2022 via the application button and upload:

• a CV,
• a short statement of motivation,
• the name and contact details of 2-3 references.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

Theoretical Physics – Information Theory – Learning

Job description

This project is a four-year theoretical physics position, which will involve theory in the fields of statistical physics and information theory, and connections to biology and development/learning-related fields. We are interested in `effective’ signal-processing and decision making: we will study these both in simple algorithmic model systems (such as optimal bandits or other machine-learning related problems) as well as for simple networks different cost functions on the theoretical side. We then want to apply our findings to relevant experimental questions, first and foremost neuronal or gene regulatory systems, and will ask if our theoretically identified tricks for optimality can tell us about or be quantifiers for what happens biologically. The candidate will have a choice to determine the direction of the project.

Job requirements

The ideal candidate should have a degree in physics, mathematics, or a related discipline, and an interest in biological and developing (if in a robotic sense) systems. The ideal candidate will have an active interest in learning about statistical physics and biophysics/biology, and will enjoy being included in collaborative meetings. Some programming skills would be excellent. Good communication skills in English are required.

Conditions of employment

We offer an appointment as PhD student for a period of 1.5 year, which will be extended with a second term of 2.5 years if the candidate performs well. Remuneration will be according to the PhD scales set by the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU), and will range from € 2.541 per month in the first year to € 3.247 per month in the fourth year (gross amounts, in case of fulltime employment). Applicants should have the right to work in the Netherlands for the duration of the contract. Fulltime is considered to be 38 hours per week.

TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Applied Science

With more than 1,000 employees, including 135 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,400 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we train students in broad Bachelor’s and specialist Master’s programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers and science communicators.

Department Bionanoscience

The Department of Bionanoscience focuses on the fundamental understanding of biological processes, from the level of single molecules to the full complexity of living cells. This research provides fascinating insight in the molecular mechanisms that lead to cellular function. Furthermore it enables the in vitro bottom-up construction of cellular machinery and it impacts applications ranging from biomolecular diagnostics to novel antibiotics and targeted nanomedicine. The department features a strongly multidisciplinary and international team of scientists, whose research areas include single-molecule biophysics, synthetic biology, as well as (quantitative) cell biology.

For more information, please visit  our website: https://www.tudelft.nl/tnw/over-faculteit/afdelingen/bionanoscience , or contact Marianne Bauer (m.s.bauer@tudelft.nl ).

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 23 October 2022 via the application button and upload:

• a CV,
• a short statement of motivation,
• the name and contact details of 2-3 references.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.