As a PhD candidate in Work Package 5 of the PRELIFE project, you will take on a fundamentally approach to the origins of life by investigating life as an emergent property of complex dynamical systems. You will combine systems chemistry with information theory to develop a theoretical framework that can quantify and analyze emergent properties in chemical systems that could lead to life-like behaviors under prebiotic conditions. Computational modelling techniques will be used to implement the criteria for emergent properties.
Your research will focus on building and analyzing a model of chemical reaction networks that can identify patterns and predict plausible prebiotic chemical reactions. This model will serve as guidance for experimental work within the consortium, helping to bridge theoretical concepts and laboratory studies.
You will:

• Develop computational models to study the emergence of non-trivial behaviors from simple components in the context of origin of life;
• Apply information theory to abstract and generalize mechanisms that could describe life-like systems;
• Collaborate with chemists and other scientists to ensure your models have experimental relevance;
• Identify minimal emergent dynamics necessary for chemical systems to be considered life-like;
• Present your findings at international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals;
• Participate in interdisciplinary discussions and workshops within the PRELIFE consortium;
• Contribute to broader science communication efforts about origin of life research.

In terms of computational modeling, we are not bound to any one particular model paradigm as Dr. Quax and Dr. Wong have relevant expertises in (Dynamic) Bayesian Networks, Structural Equation Models (Structural Causal Models), System Dynamics Models, and/or Differential Equations. The goal is to find a model paradigm which is computationally efficient enough, and has a sufficiently restricted model space, to be able to explore the model space and compute features of emergent properties. In terms of quantifying emergent properties, we will explore Shannon’s information theory, especially in the multivariate setting (see, e.g., the PID framework; synergistic information; interaction information). These (multivariate) correlation metrics will be combined into a (hypergraph) network, such that we can search for patterns associated with life-like behaviors.

We are looking for a curious, analytical thinker who is excited to work at the intersection of complex systems theory, information science, systems chemistry, and the origins of life. You are comfortable translating abstract theoretical concepts into practical models and enjoy collaborating with researchers from various disciplines.
Your experience and profile:

• MSc degree in computational science, complex systems, physics, applied mathematics, computer science, or a related field;
• Strong programming skills and experience with computational modeling;
• Experience with algorithmic optimization techniques (local versus global parameter optimization; gradient descent; simulated annealing; genetic algorithms; etc.);
• Familiarity with or knowledge of complex systems theory, network science, or information theory;
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to specialists and non-specialists alike;
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research and willingness to engage with concepts from systems chemistry and prebiotic chemistry;
• Excellent command of written and spoken English

It is a preference if you additionally have experience with chemical reaction networks, systems biology, or origins of life research. Background knowledge of hypergraph theory, dynamical systems, or prebiotic chemistry would be valuable but is not required.

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is September 1, 2025. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,901 to € 3,707 (scale P).This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD Candidate is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Curious about our extensive secondary benefits package? You can read more about it here.