PhD Position in Soft-Matter Modeling for Mechanobiology

Develop models of how cells sense and transmit mechanical cues, linking deformable soft materials and cell interfaces to intracellular signalling and mechanosensitive calcium responses. The project is primarily computational, with opportunities to connect models to experiments. Join Vesna Bacheva’s research at the Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, located within UMCG. Employment is full time for one year initially, with possible renewal for three further years. Applications close on 16 October 2026 at 23:59 Dutch local time.

Master’s degree in applied mathematics, biophysics, mechanical engineering, materials science or a related subject; continuum mechanics, transport phenomena, numerical methods and COMSOL finite-element modelling. Interest in biology and strong English are required; imaging, microfluidics and cell-culture experience are advantages. Submit a statement of purpose of at most two pages, CV, bachelor’s/master’s transcripts and three reference contacts.