PhD Position in Soft-Matter Modeling for Mechanobiology

Deze vacature is alleen beschikbaar in het Engels

A 4-year PhD position is available at the interface of biophysical modeling, soft matter and cell mechanobiology at the Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, within the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen.

Faculty of Science and Engineering Solliciteer uiterlijk: 16 October 2026 23:59 Dutch local time 1 fte €3.204 - €4.051

PhD Position in Soft-Matter Modeling for Mechanobiology

https://werkenbij.rug.nl/vacature/phd-position-in-soft-matter-modeling-for-mechanobiology-2425/

What are you going to do?

The project addresses a central question in mechanobiology: how do cells sense, encode and respond to mechanical cues? You will develop a quantitative and predictive framework that links the generation and transmission of mechanical forces to cell mechanics and intracellular signalling, with particular emphasis on mechanosensitive calcium signalling. The aim is to determine how the magnitude, spatial distribution and temporal dynamics of mechanical cues shape cellular responses.

You will investigate an integrated cell–material system in which living cells are mechanically coupled to a stimuli-responsive soft material. Controlled external stimulation will deform the material and generate spatially and temporally defined forces at the cell–material interface. You will develop analytical and numerical models that predict material deformation, force transmission to cells and the resulting changes in cellular mechanics and signalling. The position is primarily computational, but a successful candidate will also contribute to experiments.

Faculty of Science and Engineering Solliciteer uiterlijk: 16 October 2026 23:59 Dutch local time €3.204 - €4.051

Who are you?

We are looking for a curious candidate who enjoys working at the interface of physics, engineering and biology, and who meets the following qualifications:

Essential qualifications

• M.Sc. degree in Applied Mathematics, Biophysics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or related disciplines

• A strong foundation in continuum mechanics and transport phenomena

• Experience with numerical methods and finite-element modeling using COMSOL

• An interest in biological systems and in connecting theoretical models with experimental observations

• Enthusiasm, self-motivation, creativity, and team spirit

• Excellent communication skills in English (verbal and written)

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with fluorescence or live-cell imaging

• Hands-on experience with microfabrication and microfluidics

• Familiarity with cell culture and biological assays

What can you expect from us?

• In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.204 up to a maximum of € 4.051 (promovendus) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
• In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.204 up to a maximum of € 4.051 (promovendus) gross per month for a full-time employment contract. 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours. End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance. Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development. A temporary full-time (1.0 FTE) position for one year at first with the option of renewal for another three years.

Where will you be working?

At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit rug.nl/fse.

At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit rug.nl/fse**.**

You will join The Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), which is positioned within FSE, and is physically located within the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG) of the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS). Pharmaceutical research within GRIP is multidisciplinary and bridges clinical and biomedical sciences on the one hand, and chemistry, mathematics, engineering, and physics on the other. The interaction between the pharmaceutical sciences with these fundamental and clinical sciences offers excellent opportunities for cutting-edge research.

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Application procedure

Step 1: Your application After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.

Step 2: Selection The selection committee assesses your application and you will be notified as soon as possible whether you are invited for an interview.

Step 3: First interview We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.

Step 4: Second interview and possible assessment or guest lectureWe may schedule a second interview with you. Depending on the position, this interview can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.

Step 5: Terms of employment meeting After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen!

Interested?

Does this vacancy appeal to you? If so, click on the button below and apply straightaway.

Please add the following documents to your application:

• Statement of purpose. Please prepare a concise essay (maximum 2 pages) that describes your research interests and relevant research experiences, as well as your objectives in pursuing a PhD with our group.

  • CV.
  • Transcripts from your bachelor’s and master’s degree.
  • Contact information of three references.

Do you have any questions or need more information?

• Questions about the content of the job?

Vesna Bacheva

Assistant Professor

v.bacheva@rug.nl

• Questions about your application process?

Vesna Bacheva

Assistant Professor

v.bacheva@rug.nl Information about applying

When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.

The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy.

Acquisition is not appreciated.

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP Application Code.

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