Biophysics postdoc position – Dynamics of developmental processes

A postdoctoral position is available to study dynamic processes in early development of insects and mammals. Successful candidates will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary venture in the newly formed unit Physics of Biological Function of biophysicist Thomas Gregor.

We are interested in the following topics:

• Precision and reproducibility of developmental processes
• Collective properties of genetic networks
• Interplay between chromatin architecture and gene regulation

Candidates will use a combination of skills in molecular and developmental biology,  instrumentation and data analysis to answer physics inspired questions that are centered around the living world, such as: 

• How come biological processes such as the development of an organism are as reproducible as observed?
• How are macroscopic organismal properties encoded in the interplay of multiple genes in a network?
• How does the polymer physics at the level of the DNA affect the identity of a particular cell type? 

Alternative questions that match with the overall goals of the unit can be discussed at the interview stage and can be adapted to the individual progress of the candidate throughout his/her tenure in the unit. 

The unit offers the following expertise:

• Early fly and mouse development
• Quantitative imaging and image analysis
• Statistical physics and data analysis
• Microscope design and control
• Genomic and genetic tool design

Candidates should have a proven successful track record equipped with a combination of these skills. They will have a strong interest for collaborative and interdisciplinary research. Ability to work independently and in collaboration with members of the lab and international collaborators in a dynamic, diverse and multinational group is essential. English is the working language.

Applications should include a statement of research interests and motivation, a CV, and contact information for three references. Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received. Funding is available for multiple positions but candidates will be encouraged to apply for independent competitive grants. Long-term funding is possible upon mutual agreement.  

Please contact Thomas Gregor ([email protected] ).