The Niels Bohr Institute, Faculty of Science at University of Copenhagen is offering a PhD scholarship in Biocomplexity commencing 1 November 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Description of the scientific environment
We conduct research on a broad range of aspects within the science of complex phenomena in physics. In particular, we focus on phenomena on the boundaries between physics, biology and medicine. We engage on topics ranging from genetic regulation, cellular signalling and decision making, pattern formation, neuronal dynamics, protein oscillations, DNA damage response and stem cell development.
On these topics we formulate models based on physical and mathematical principles and study these model with analytical and numerical methods. We have close collaboration with many labs, for instance at Beijing, Harvard, Chicago and Bangalore and expect the successful candidate to visit these labs.
We offer a highly creative and exciting research atmosphere at the vibrant border between physics and biology. The PhD fellowship is given in accordance with Danish legislation and will typically run for 3 years (with a Masters degree) or 4 years (with a Bachelor degree). The salary is set accordingly to Danish Union Contracts which is internationally competitive.
Project description
The projects are inspired by the complexity of biology, and involves development of mathematical models and the related equations. These are often constructed in close relation to experimental results, but can also be formulated as a purely theoretical project. The student is encouraged to formulate new avenues of research, within the activities of the bio-complexity group mentioned above. In particular, we have open problems on the dynamics of gene expression and on the collective properties of cells.
Project description
The projects centers around biology as a dynamical system, and involves development of equations and computer algorithms to inform experiments on living systems. The student are encouraged to formulate new avenues of research, within the activities of the bio-complexity group mentioned above. In particular, we have open problems on the dynamics of gene expression and on the collective properties of cells.
Principal supervisor is
- Professor Mogens Høgh Jensen, Department of Biocomplexity, mhjensen@nbi.ku.dk, Direct Phone: +45 28755371
- Post doc Mathias L. Heltberg, Department of Biocomplexity, mathiasheltberg@hotmail.com Direct phone: +45 26191889
Job description
The position is available for a 3-year or 4-year period and your key tasks as a PhD student at SCIENCE are:
Your key tasks as a PhD student at the University of Copenhagen:
- Manage and carry through your research project
- Attend PhD courses (for PhD student)
- Write scientific articles and your PhD thesis
- Participate in congresses
- Stay at an external research institution for a few months, preferably abroad
- Teach and disseminate your research
- Work for the Department
Key criteria for the assessment of candidates
- A master’s or bachelor’s degree related to the subject area of the project
- The grade point average achieved
- Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD programme
- Previous publications
- Relevant work experience
- Other professional activities
- Language skills
- Marks obtained during the first year of study on the master programme (only relevant for applicants applying for a 4-year scholarship)
Formal requirements
We are looking for a talented, highly motivated and creative scientist who is interested in exploring questions at the interface between physics and biology. The successful candidates must have excellent English skills, both written and oral. The position will mainly deal with modelling of complex phenomena in biology often inspired by experimental data. The successful candidate must hold a Masters or Bachelor degree in physics, biophysics or related disciplines.
Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.
Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.
The starting salary is currently at a minimum DKK 333,464 (approx. €44,461) including annual supplement (+ pension at a minimum DKK 54,192). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.
Integrated MSc and PhD Scheme
The position is also available for candidates who are (or are eligible to be) enrolled at one of the faculty’s master programmes in [her skrives navnet på kandidatuddannelsen]. The duration of the integrated programme depends on the amount of credits that you have passed on your MSc programme. For further information about the study programme please see: www.science.ku.dk/phd, “Study Structures”.
Scholarship and terms of employment for integrated MSc and PhD
PhD grant portions (Ph.D.‐SU klip)
In the period up to the completion of the MSc programme (up to three years), the student is entitled to so-called PhD grant portions. The grant portions are financed by the grant donor but not by the Danish State Educational Grant and Loan Scheme Agency (as is the case for the ordinary study grant portions on the BSc and MSc programmes). They are called PhD grant portions because this kind of remuneration is regulated and described in the Executive Order on the State Educational Grant and Loan Scheme in Denmark (SU‐bekendtgørelsen), and because the value of a PhD grant portion corresponds to the value of an ordinary Danish study grant portion. Students are awarded 48 PhD grant portions during the period of their MSc and PhD studies.
48 PhD grant portions at DKK 6,243 each, corresponding to DKK 299,664 (approx. €39,955).
‘Duty work’
As a supplement to the PhD grant portions, the student may, in accordance with the collective agreement of the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC), be offered ‘duty work’. In the period up to the completion of the MSc programme, students performing ‘duty work’ are paid by the hour. UCPH has decided to offer students on integrated MSc and PhD schemes 150 hours of ‘duty work’ per year during Part A of the programme (until two years of the combined programme of study remain). ‘Duty work’ during Part A if it has a duration of three years: 450 hours at a rate of DKK 219.79 (+ 12.5% holiday pay), corresponding to DKK 111,267 (approx. €14,835)
For further information about Part A please see: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/studystructure/integratedphd/
Salary in accordance with the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional
Associations (AC)
In the period after the completion of the MSc programme, the student is employed as a PhD scholar and is remunerated in accordance with the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). The scheme is arranged in such a way that students graduate from the MSc programme at a time when there are two years left of the integrated programme. For this reason, the salary must be paid for a period of two years in accordance with the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). The amounts specified include a supplement locally agreed upon as well as pension contributions: Salary as a PhD scholar: 24 months at a rate of DKK 32,078 (including pension contributions and supplement), corresponding to DKK 769,873 (approx. €102,650).
Application Procedure
The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
Please include
- Cover Letter, stating which PhD project you are applying for and detailing your motivation and background for applying for the specific PhD project. – delete this if not relevant
- CV
- Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc)
- Acceptance Letter for the relevant MSc Programme at SCIENCE, if any
- Other information for consideration, e.g. list of publications (if any)
- 1-3 reference letters (if any)
Reference letters must be uploaded by the applicant him/herself. The recruiting person must NOT obtain reference letters which content is not known to the applicant him/herself. This is against Danish law.
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
The deadline for applications is 12 August 2021, 23:59 GMT +2.
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee. Afterwards an assessment committee will be appointed to evaluate the selected applications. The applicants will be notified of the composition of the committee and the final selection of a successful candidate will be made by the Head of Department, based on the recommendations of the assessment committee and the interview committee.
The main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicant and the above mentioned skills. The successful candidate will then be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD school of Science. You can read more about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Questions
- For specific information about the PhD scholarship, please contact Professor Mogens Høgh Jensen, Department of Biocomplexity, mhjensen@nbi.ku.dk, Direct Phone: +45 28755371
- or Post doc Mathias L. Heltberg, Department of Biocomplexity, mathiasheltberg@hotmail.com Direct phone: +45 26191889
General information about PhD programmes at SCIENCE is available at https://www.science.ku.dk/phd.
Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.
