PHD Position

A 4-year PhD position at the interface of biophysical modeling, soft matter, and cell mechanobiology to develop quantitative models linking mechanics and cellular signalling, with particular emphasis on mechanosensitive calcium signalling. The position is primarily computational with contributions to experiments.

• M.Sc. degree in Applied Mathematics, Biophysics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• Strong foundation in continuum mechanics and transport phenomena.
• Experience with numerical methods and finite-element modeling using COMSOL.
• Excellent English communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Interest in biological systems and in connecting theoretical models with experimental observations.
• Preferred: experience with fluorescence or live-cell imaging, hands-on experience with microfabrication and microfluidics, and familiarity with cell culture and biological assays.

• Develop a quantitative, predictive framework linking force generation and transmission to cell mechanics and intracellular signalling, focusing on mechanosensitive calcium signalling.
• Determine how the magnitude, spatial distribution, and temporal dynamics of mechanical cues shape cellular responses.
• Investigate integrated cell–material systems in which living cells are mechanically coupled to stimuli-responsive soft materials.
• Design and model controlled external stimulation that deforms materials and generates spatially and temporally defined forces at the cell–material interface.
• Develop analytical and numerical models that predict material deformation, force transmission to cells, and resulting changes in cellular mechanics and signalling.
• Contribute to experimental work as needed to connect theoretical models with observations.

Employment conditions and benefits:

• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek; working hours can be exchanged for more or fewer free hours.
• Possibility to adjust working hours in exchange for proportional additional or fewer free hours (for example, increasing or reducing weekly hours changes accrued free hours accordingly).
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and a holiday allowance of 8%.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Temporary full-time (1.0 FTE) appointment initially for one year, with the option to renew for an additional three years.

The position is at the University of Groningen within the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), which conducts research and teaching across disciplines from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy, and collaborates with industry, healthcare, and societal partners.

You will join the Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), positioned within FSE and physically located at the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG) of the Faculty of Medical Sciences. GRIP's pharmaceutical research is multidisciplinary, bridging clinical and biomedical sciences with chemistry, mathematics, engineering, and physics.

The university aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate. The FSE community is informal and international, supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge research.