PhD in Learning in living adaptive networks

Prof. Karen Alim’s Group on Biological Physics and Morphogenesis at the TUM Campus Garching uses theoretical and experimental methods to investigate information in biological systems.
Web: https://www.bpm.ph.tum.de/research/ 

We are looking for a PhD student (m/f) to join our team at the TUM.

Your task:

Learning is a key advantage to survive in changing environments both for animals and single-celled organisms. The single-celled slime mould Physarum polycephalum learns environmental stimuli, yet how information is stored and retrieved to gain an advantage in behaviour is unclear. You will employ numerical simulations and theoretical model to investigate if stimuli imprint mechanical changes on Physarum's network-shaped body and thereby imprint the past in the persistence of its dynamic state. 

Your Requirements: As a suitable candidate, you have an outstanding Master's degree or comparable degree in biology, physics, applied mathematics or related disciplines. You have knowledge in quantitative biology, soft matter/complex systems physics or statistical physics. You enjoy working in interdisciplinary and international teams and have programming skills. In addition, you are able to express yourself confidently both orally and in writing in English. 

What we offer: We offer a three-year contract with the possibility of renewal (TV-L E13 75%) in a highly motivated team combing on equal footing experimental and theoretical research. As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, TUM explicitly encourages applications from women as well as from all others who would bring additional diversity dimensions to the university’s research and teaching strategies. Preference will be given to disabled candidates with essentially the same qualifications.

Application via the Graduate School Quantitative and Molecular Biosciences Munich (QMB):

As part of QMB, you will additionally have ample opportunities for scientific exchange with world-leading scientists of various fields and develop your scientific career with lasting benefits. The international PhD training program at QMB emphasizes communication and collaboration across traditionally separate disciplines, including biochemistry, medicine, bioinformatics, experimental and theoretical biophysics, and applied mathematics.

QMB places a strong emphasis on experimental work while also encouraging students to engage in theoretical approaches to derive meaningful insights from their data. This dual focus on advanced quantitative experimentation and theoretical analysis, combined with the excellence of its participating scientists, positions QMB uniquely within the European scientific landscape.

Please note: All applications have to be submitted in English through our online application tool. Applications submitted by mail or email will not be considered.

For detailed information about our application requirements see: https://qbm.genzentrum.lmu.de/application/requirements/ 

In your application, you can select up to two research groups you are interested in. For details about research areas and participating research groups, please see: https://qbm.genzentrum.lmu.de/research/research-areas-groups/