Do you enjoy working with graph theory, and seeing how functions on graphs can inform real-world applications? Are you fascinated by how the local dynamics of nearest neighbour models can determine the macroscale behaviour of a system? Do you want to understand how matter self-organizes? Then consider advancing these theories with us. In this project, we aim to extend the powerful tools of statistical mechanics on graph and network models to broader applications in soft and active matter, that is, the emergent behavior of living materials that can move independently. We will incorporate multi-body interactions such as cell volume energy terms as hypergraphs and higher-order external fields that influence cell motility and arise in classical models of cell sheets such as the Vertex and cellular Potts models. We will specifically consider dynamic graphs that can reorganize, both for cell sheet models in 2d, and for experimental 3d systems of entangled active polymers that share properties with clusters of living worms.
This project involves an interdisciplinary team with broad synergy across mathematics, physics, and biology whose members are:
This project is conducted under the auspices of the consortium Emergence at all Scales (EAAS). EAAS is the national flag-carrier of the NWA route 2 game changer Dutch Institute for Emergent Phenomena (d-iep.org). EAAS combines 8 Dutch and 1 Ukrainian university as well as Statistics Netherlands (CBS) in an interdisciplinary and collaborative endeavour aimed at understanding emergent phenomena across scales, combining multiple fields including physics, mathematics, astronomy, history & philosophy of science, and social science. Its approach to societal engagement throughout the project’s 5-year lifetime is equally interdisciplinary, with a wide variety of activities ranging from art/science programmes, large scale science festivals, citizen science and educational initiatives at various levels. EAAS is hiring a total of 20 PhD/postdoc scientists to join the team, and our project/group leaders share the ambition of gender parity in hires across EAAS. Within this context we invite interested candidates to apply for the PhD/PD position, and work on the sub-project Phase Transitions in Active Matter. We particularly encourage women and candidates from other under-represented groups to apply.
Do you enjoy working with graph theory, and seeing how functions on graphs can inform real-world applications? Are you fascinated by how the local dynamics of nearest neighbour models can determine the macroscale behaviour of a system? Do you want to understand how matter self-organizes? Then consider advancing these theories with us. In this project, we aim to extend the powerful tools of statistical mechanics on graph and network models to broader applications in soft and active matter, that is, the emergent behavior of living materials that can move independently. We will incorporate multi-body interactions such as cell volume energy terms as hypergraphs and higher-order external fields that influence cell motility and arise in classical models of cell sheets such as the Vertex and cellular Potts models. We will specifically consider dynamic graphs that can reorganize, both for cell sheet models in 2d, and for experimental 3d systems of entangled active polymers that share properties with clusters of living worms.
This project involves an interdisciplinary team with broad synergy across mathematics, physics, and biology whose members are:
This project is conducted under the auspices of the consortium Emergence at all Scales (EAAS). EAAS is the national flag-carrier of the NWA route 2 game changer Dutch Institute for Emergent Phenomena (d-iep.org). EAAS combines 8 Dutch and 1 Ukrainian university as well as Statistics Netherlands (CBS) in an interdisciplinary and collaborative endeavour aimed at understanding emergent phenomena across scales, combining multiple fields including physics, mathematics, astronomy, history & philosophy of science, and social science. Its approach to societal engagement throughout the project’s 5-year lifetime is equally interdisciplinary, with a wide variety of activities ranging from art/science programmes, large scale science festivals, citizen science and educational initiatives at various levels. EAAS is hiring a total of 20 PhD/postdoc scientists to join the team, and our project/group leaders share the ambition of gender parity in hires across EAAS. Within this context we invite interested candidates to apply for the PhD/PD position, and work on the sub-project Phase Transitions in Active Matter. We particularly encourage women and candidates from other under-represented groups to apply.
Tasks and responsibilities:
Your experience and profile:
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 as soon as possible, but ideally no later than 1 Jan 2026. 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.
Tasks and responsibilities:
Your experience and profile:
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 as soon as possible, but ideally no later than 1 Jan 2026. 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 Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.
The Korteweg-de Vries Instituut voor Wiskunde (KdV Institute) is the mathematical research institute of the Faculty of Science of the Universiteit van Amsterdam, where this project will be based. The KdV Institute offers a stimulating scientific environment in which research focuses mainly within the research programmes (1) Algebra, Geometry and Mathematical Physics, (2) Pure, Applied and Numerical Analysis, and (3) Stochastics and (4) Discrete Mathematics and Quantum Information. It also provides the lecturers and instructors for the mathematics teaching within the Science Faculty. The KdV Institute participates in the NWO research clusters GQT, STAR, NDNS+ and DIAMANT and in the Gravity programme NETWORKS. There is formal (and informal) cooperation with the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI), the VU University, and with Eurandom in Eindhoven. KdVI counts about 40 staff members and 50 postdocs and PhD students.
The Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.
The Korteweg-de Vries Instituut voor Wiskunde (KdV Institute) is the mathematical research institute of the Faculty of Science of the Universiteit van Amsterdam, where this project will be based. The KdV Institute offers a stimulating scientific environment in which research focuses mainly within the research programmes (1) Algebra, Geometry and Mathematical Physics, (2) Pure, Applied and Numerical Analysis, and (3) Stochastics and (4) Discrete Mathematics and Quantum Information. It also provides the lecturers and instructors for the mathematics teaching within the Science Faculty. The KdV Institute participates in the NWO research clusters GQT, STAR, NDNS+ and DIAMANT and in the Gravity programme NETWORKS. There is formal (and informal) cooperation with the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI), the VU University, and with Eurandom in Eindhoven. KdVI counts about 40 staff members and 50 postdocs and PhD students.
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications for full consideration until and including 10 August 2025, and thereafter only until the position is filled.
If you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file following the order below):
A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: national knowledge security guidelines)
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications for full consideration until and including 10 August 2025, and thereafter only until the position is filled.
If you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file following the order below):
A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: national knowledge security guidelines)
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