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- Tasks: Develop active field theories to model biological systems like bird flocks and fish schools.
- Company: Join the University of Edinburgh, a leading institution in physics and astronomy.
- Benefits: Fully-funded PhD with generous living and mobility allowances, plus training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in biophysics while collaborating internationally and gaining valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Strong background in physics or mathematics; candidates from biological sciences with quantitative skills are welcome.
- Other info: Promotes gender equality and encourages applications from 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 the development of microscopically-informed active field theories and will be conducted under the supervision of Prof Richard Blythe at the University of Edinburgh, UK. It will involve constructing active field theories for particles undergoing self-propulsion, alignment, attraction and repulsion that model bird flocks or fish schools in more than one dimension, and implementing them using novel numerical integration algorithms on high-end GPUs. Secondments with Dr Claudio Maggi at NANOTEC-CNR, Rome, Italy, and with IndiScale GmbH, 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 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 (UK) 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 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 criteria
- Candidates must not be in possession of a doctoral degree (PhD) at the date of recruitment.
- Candidates can be of any nationality.
- 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.
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) Microscopically-informed active field theories 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) Microscopically-informed active field theories
✨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, you’ll find all the info you need about the CAFE-BIO network and other opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Position (MSCA DN CAFE-BIO) Microscopically-informed active field theories
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the PhD position. Highlight your relevant experience in statistical physics and any computational skills you have. We want to see how your background aligns with the project on microscopically-informed active field theories!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for the research shine through! Share why you're excited about the CAFE-BIO network and how it fits into your career goals. We love candidates who are genuinely interested in the field and eager to contribute.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your written application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless necessary, and make sure your ideas flow logically. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget 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 easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Edinburgh
✨Know Your Physics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of statistical physics and computational methods. Be ready to discuss how these concepts apply to the project, especially in relation to active field theories and emergent phenomena in biological systems.
✨Show Your Passion for Research
Express your enthusiasm for the research area and the specific project. Share any relevant experiences or projects you've worked on that relate to self-propulsion or alignment in biological systems. This will help demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the secondments with Dr Claudio Maggi and IndiScale GmbH, or ask about the training opportunities within the CAFE-BIO network. This shows you're engaged and eager to learn more.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Since this position involves collaboration with other doctoral candidates and institutions, be prepared to discuss your experience working in teams. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated on projects, particularly in a research setting.
