Stress response modelling in IceLab: PhD position in computational physics to uncover organelle coordination mechanisms under stress
PhD @Umeå University posted 5 days agoJob Description
Project description
This PhD project aims to uncover the signaling pathways that plants evolved to coordinate activities among the nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. The project will involve developing mathematical models, validating them with experimental data, and making predictions. The ultimate goal is to decode the mechanisms behind intra-organelle coordination. Besides plant cells, such coordination is a general problem for all life that underwent endosymbiosis at some time during their evolutionary history.
Depending on the applicant’s interests, the project can take several directions. One option is to use Systems Biology methods to formulate a set of ordinary differential equations describing how genes regulate each other across the different organelles. Another approach is to use Monte Carlo simulations to explore which gene regulatory network architectures are necessary for robust regulation and effective communication between compartments. A third possibility is to simulate the evolutionary benefits and associated costs of a cell engulfing one or two separate organisms (endosymbiosis). While this provides the host with new capabilities, it also imposes an added burden of complex gene regulation.
Terms of employment
The position is intended to result in a doctoral degree. The main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, including participation in research and doctoral courses. The duties can include teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%). The employment is limited to the equivalent of four years of full-time (48 months) or up to five years for teaching part-time. Salary is set in accordance with the established salary levels for PhD positions at Umeå University.
Competence requirements
To be admitted for studies at the third-cycle level, the applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle level degree or completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at the second-cycle level or have an equivalent education from abroad or equivalent qualifications.
To meet the specific entry requirements for admission to third-cycle (doctoral) education in Computational Physics, the applicant must have completed at least 90 higher education credits in the subjects of physics, computer science, mathematics, mathematical statistics, or related areas, of which at least 30 credits must be at the advanced (master’s) level. Courses in statistical analysis, quantitative methods, or mathematical modelling obtained outside these subject areas may also be included. The requirements do not need to be fulfilled at the time of application but only at the enrollment.
The successful candidate should hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) in mathematics, computer science, physics, or relevant fields. Excellent programming skills in modern programming languages are required, as well as experience in computational or mathematical modelling. Experience with the analysis of biological data is an advantage. The candidate should have a strong interest in interdisciplinary research and must be highly motivated and capable of working both independently and collaboratively within a research group. The candidate must be fluent in both oral and written English.
Application
The application should include the following:
1. A personal letter with a brief description of qualifications, research interests, and why you are interested in the position (max. 1 page)
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Certified copies of relevant degree diploma(s).
4. A list of university courses with grades. Note that for international applicants the grading system should be explained in brief.
5. Copies of relevant work such as master’s thesis or articles you have authored or co-authored. If the master’s thesis has not been completed before the application deadline, a summary of the master’s thesis project and current progress shall be included. The summary can, at most, be five pages, including figures and references.
6. Your GMAT (or GRE) and TOEFL/IELTS test scores if available.
7. Contact information of two to three reference persons.
Applications must be submitted via e-recruitment system Varbi no later than 2025-08-15. All documents should be uploaded in pdf format.
Information
For more information, contact Ludvig Lizana ludvig.lizana@umu.se , Åsa Strand asa.strand@umu.se, or Eric Libby, eric.libby@umu.se,
We look forward to receiving your application!
