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

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

Your task: Learning is crucial for survival in changing environments for both animals and single-celled organisms. The single-celled slime mould Physarum polycephalum learns from environmental stimuli, but how this information is stored and retrieved to influence behavior remains unclear. You will use numerical simulations and theoretical models to investigate if stimuli cause mechanical changes in Physarum's network-shaped body, thereby encoding past experiences in its dynamic state.

Your Requirements: You should have an outstanding Master's degree or equivalent in biology, physics, applied mathematics, or related fields. Knowledge in quantitative biology, soft matter/complex systems physics, or statistical physics is essential. You should enjoy working in interdisciplinary and international teams and possess programming skills. Additionally, you must be able to communicate confidently in English, both orally and in writing.

What we offer: We offer a three-year contract with the possibility of renewal (TV-L E13 75%) in a highly motivated team that combines experimental and theoretical research. As an equal opportunity employer, TUM encourages applications from women and other individuals who can contribute to the university’s diversity. Preference will be given to disabled candidates with comparable qualifications.

Application via the Graduate School Quantitative and Molecular Biosciences Munich (QMB): As part of QMB, you will have opportunities for scientific exchange with leading scientists and develop your career with lasting benefits. The international PhD program at QMB emphasizes communication and collaboration across disciplines, including biochemistry, medicine, bioinformatics, experimental and theoretical biophysics, and applied mathematics.

QMB emphasizes experimental work while encouraging theoretical approaches to derive meaningful insights from data. This dual focus on advanced experimentation and theoretical analysis, combined with the excellence of its scientists, makes QMB unique within the European scientific landscape.

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

For detailed application requirements, see: https://qbm.genzentrum.lmu.de/application/requirements/

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