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- Tasks: Explore the dynamics of molecular motors using cutting-edge simulations and theoretical methods.
- Company: Join the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, a leading research institute in Italy.
- Benefits: Fully-funded PhD with generous allowances for living and mobility expenses.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in biophysics while collaborating with top researchers across Europe.
- Qualifications: Strong background in physics or mathematics; passion for statistical physics is a plus.
- Other info: Exciting training opportunities and a vibrant international research community await you.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Organisation/Company: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
Department: NANOTEC-CNR
Institute of Nanotechnology
Research Field:
- Physics » Statistical physics
- Physics » Computational physics
- Physics » Biophysics
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions: PhD Positions
Application Deadline: 1 Apr 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/London)
Country: United Kingdom
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Offer Starting Date: 1 Jan 2026
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA
Reference Number: CAFE-BIO 5.3
Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number: 101226762
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description: A fully-funded PhD position is available to candidates of all nationalities as part of the MSCA Doctoral Network CAFE-BIO (A Coherent Analysis Framework for Emergence in Biological Systems). Researchers in this network will apply analytical and computational methods and understanding from physics (particularly statistical physics) to understand emergent phenomena in biological systems. The network involves 15 Doctoral Candidates across 12 host institutions.
This specific project concerns the dynamics of interacting molecular motors and will be conducted under the supervision of Dr Claudio Maggi at NANOTEC-CNR, Italy. It will involve developing efficient GPU simulations of flagellar models and applying the theory of stochastic thermodynamics to understand the precision of flagellar beating. Secondments with Dr Patrick Pietzonka at the University of Edinburgh, UK, and with IndiScale GmbH in Göttingen, Germany, will provide training in complementary methods.
All 15 CAFE-BIO Doctoral Candidates will participate in scientific and skills training provided by the network, which combined with the research project will lead to a PhD degree. Generous allowances are paid for living expenses and mobility, as per the MSCA Doctoral Network work programme. Additional family, long-term leave and special needs allowances are also available on application.
Specific Requirements: At the time of recruitment no candidate may have resided or carried out their main activity (work, study etc.) in the country of the eventual host institution (Italy) for more than 12 months in the last 3 years.
Languages: ENGLISH Level Good
Additional Information: The Doctoral Candidate will be employed on a full-time researcher contract for an initial 36 month period. A notional living allowance of €4,010 per month (gross) adjusted by a factor of 95.3% to account for the cost of living and applicable deductions in Italy. The network budget includes a mobility allowance of €8,520 per year to support living in a new country. Where applicable a family allowance of €7,920 per year is available. Long-term leave and special needs allowances can also be applied for. All research, training and networking activities (including secondments) are funded by the network.
Eligibility criteria: Candidates are eligible to apply for CAFE-BIO positions if they have an excellent first degree that qualifies for PhD study in physics, mathematics and adjacent fields, with preferably a strong background in statistical physics. Candidates with a degree in the biological sciences with strong quantitative skills are also encouraged to apply. Candidates must not be in possession of a doctoral degree (PhD) at the date of recruitment. Candidates can be of any nationality. At the time of recruitment no candidate may have resided or carried out their main activity (work, study etc.) in the country of the eventual host institution for more than 12 months in the last 3 years. CAFE-BIO aims to promote gender equality. Suitably qualified female candidates, and candidates from any other under-represented group, are therefore explicitly encouraged to apply. PhD research projects are to begin on September 1st 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Selection process: Candidates are requested to apply for three PhD research projects that they are eligible for, in ranked order of preference, in a single application. Project preferences will be considered when allocating projects to candidates, in combination with a ranking based on the written application documents and performance at interview for shortlisted candidates.
PhD Position (MSCA DN CAFE-BIO) Dynamics of interacting molecular motors employer: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
Contact Detail:
Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Position (MSCA DN CAFE-BIO) Dynamics of interacting molecular motors
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past PhD candidates in the CAFE-BIO network. They can give you insider info and maybe even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into the research topics. Show us that you’re not just interested in the position, but that you’re genuinely excited about the dynamics of molecular motors!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You might need to present your ideas during the interview, so make sure you can explain complex concepts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the CAFE-BIO team.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Position (MSCA DN CAFE-BIO) Dynamics of interacting molecular motors
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the PhD position. Highlight your relevant skills in statistical physics and computational methods, and show how they align with the project on molecular motors. We want to see your passion for the research!
Showcase Your Background: Don’t forget to mention your academic achievements and any relevant experience. If you’ve worked on similar projects or have strong quantitative skills, let us know! This is your chance to shine and demonstrate why you’re a great fit for the CAFE-BIO network.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your written application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so make sure your ideas flow logically.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your documents correctly. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application in the selection process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of statistical physics and its applications in biological systems. Brush up on key concepts and be ready to discuss how they relate to the dynamics of molecular motors.
✨Show Your Passion
Express your enthusiasm for the research project and the CAFE-BIO network. Talk about why you're excited to work on GPU simulations and stochastic thermodynamics, and how this aligns with your career goals.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready for your interviewers. This could be about the specific methodologies used in the project or the training opportunities available through the network. It shows you're engaged and genuinely interested.
✨Highlight Your Skills
Emphasise any relevant experience you have, whether it's in computational physics, programming, or previous research projects. Be specific about your contributions and what you learned from those experiences.
