There is a number of open positions available at Heidelberg, both on
the PhD and Postdoc level. Potential topics of research include:
Cell organization in soft media: in this project, we plan to
study cell behaviour as a function of specific material properties of
the extracellular environment, including viscoelastic and plastic
properties as well as fiber degrees of freedom, which are typical for
physiological hydrogels.
New environments for cells: in collaboration with
experimentalists, we plan to design, implement and test new
environments for cells. On the modelling side, this includes
elasticity theory, hydrodynamics, finite element techniques and models
for cell behaviour.
Dynamics of cell adhesion: in this project, we plan to model
the spatial and mechanical aspects of cell spreading and
migration.
Integrin-signaling at focal adhesions: in this project, we plan
to develop new concepts in order to model how biochemical and
mechanical cues are integrated by integrin signaling at focal
adhesions.
Regulation of adhesion clusters by force: in this project, we
plan to study cooperative effects in adhesion clusters which are
regulated by force.
Modelling large protein assemblies: in this
project, we plan to combine molecular dynamics simulations and methods
from stochastic dynamics in order to model the dynamics of large
protein assemblies like focal adhesions. This project is funded by the
Volkswagen Foundation and will be a collaboration with the
group of Volkhard Helms at Saarbrcken University.
For all of these projects, a background in theoretical or computational
physics as well as a basic understanding of cell biology is required. Depending
on the specific project, experience with statistical mechanics, soft matter
physics, elasticity theory, hydrodynamics, reaction kinetics or systems
control theory might be helpful. In any case, the prospective candidate
should have a keen interest in interdisciplinary work and in interactions
with experimentalists. The BIOMS-initiative is a very attractive environment
for research in biological physics and our group can offer very good working
conditions, dedicated supervision and lots of opportunities to learn and
communicate. Please send your application with CV and a statement of research
interests to
Dr. Ulrich S. Schwarz
Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces
Theory Division
14424 Potsdam, Germany
Phone: +49-(0)331-567-9610
Email: Ulrich dot Schwarz at mpikg-golm dot mpg dot de
Last modified Mon Dec 20 11:35:55 CET 2004 by USS.
PrivacyImprint