Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Explore collective dynamics in biological systems using physics and computational methods.
- Company: Join the prestigious University of Edinburgh's School of Physics and Astronomy.
- Benefits: Fully-funded PhD with generous living and mobility allowances.
- Why this job: Make groundbreaking discoveries in biophysics while collaborating internationally.
- Qualifications: Strong background in physics or mathematics; passion for research required.
- Other info: Diverse team promoting gender equality and under-represented groups.
The predicted salary is between 2840 - 2840 £ per month.
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 collective tug-of-war dynamics as it manifests in models of molecular motors and ant groups, and will be conducted under the supervision of Prof Martin Evans at the University of Edinburgh, UK. It will involve constructing and analysing simple particle-based models for emergent transport and extending them to include nonequilibrium interactions and take into account dimensionality and/or range of interaction between constituents. Secondments with Prof Stefan Klumpp at the University of 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.
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.
Specific RequirementsAt 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 (UK) for more than 12 months in the last 3 years.
LanguagesENGLISH Level Good
Additional InformationThe 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 141.7% to account for the cost of living and applicable deductions in the UK. 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 criteriaCandidates 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.
Selection processCandidates 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.
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: University of Edinburgh
Country: United Kingdom
City: Edinburgh
Postal Code: EH9 3FD
Street: James Clerk Maxwell Building, The Kings Buildings
PhD Position (MSCA DN CAFE-BIO) Collective tug-of-war dynamics: from molecular motors to ant groups employer: University of Edinburgh
Contact Detail:
University of Edinburgh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Position (MSCA DN CAFE-BIO) Collective tug-of-war dynamics: from molecular motors to ant groups
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend conferences, workshops, or even casual meet-ups in your field. Chatting with fellow researchers and professors can open doors to opportunities you might not find online.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and discussing your research interests. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential supervisors or interviewers, let your enthusiasm for the project shine through. They want to see that you're genuinely excited about the research.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Position (MSCA DN CAFE-BIO) Collective tug-of-war dynamics: from molecular motors to ant groups
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 any experience with computational methods. We want to see how you fit into the CAFE-BIO network!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for the research topic shine through! Explain why you're excited about collective tug-of-war dynamics and how it connects to your academic journey. We love candidates who are genuinely interested in their field.
Follow the Guidelines: Stick to the application requirements outlined in the job description. Ensure you provide all necessary documents and rank your project preferences clearly. We appreciate when applicants pay attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Edinburgh
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of statistical physics and computational methods. Be ready to discuss how these concepts apply to collective dynamics, especially in biological systems. This will show your passion and understanding of the project.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to your field. Review key concepts and be prepared to explain your thought process when tackling problems. Practising with peers or mentors can help you articulate your ideas clearly.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Collaboration
This position involves working with multiple institutions and researchers. Highlight your teamwork skills and any previous collaborative experiences. Discuss how you can contribute to the CAFE-BIO network and learn from others.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the research project, the team, or the training opportunities available. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.