"PhD: Non-reciprocal interactions in collective cell migration"

The Broedersz group (Theoretical physics of life) has an opening for a four-year PhD student position on the non-equilibrium statistical physics of collective cell migration.

Deadline 1 Dec ’25

Published on 3 Sep ’25

Vacancy ID 5032

Academic fields: Natural sciences

Job types: PhD

Education level: University graduate

Salary indication: €3059—€3881 per month

Location: De Boelelaan 1100, 1081HZ, Amsterdam

Job description: Our theory group is a worldwide leader in studying the statistical physics of living systems, ranging from chromosomes to migrating cells and multicellular tissues. We aim to understand the emergent functional dynamics and organization of living systems in close collaboration with various experimental labs. We currently have an opening for a fully funded 4-year PhD position.

We are looking for highly motivated applicants for a PhD student to strengthen our research team in an interactive and collaborative environment.

Learning non-reciprocal interactions between migrating cells: Owing to their active nature, interactions between migrating cells can be non-reciprocal. However, the extent to which cells control their collective behaviour through non-reciprocal interactions remains unclear. Existing modelling avenues typically make a priori assumptions on the types of interactions between individual cells. Here, our objective is to develop a data-driven theoretical approach to detect and quantify non-reciprocal interactions directly from time-resolved microscopy data of cell migration experiments.

Requirements: MSc 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.

Conditions of employment: Fixed-term contract: 1 year. 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. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you: a salary of €2,901.00 (PhD) and maximum €3,707.00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment. The appointment will initially be for 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for a total duration of 4 years. We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. 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. Discount on (and occasionally exclusive access to) theater performances and courses at the Griffioen Cultural Center. A wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge.

Employer: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

About the department, institute, project: 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 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.