Two funded PhD positions at SDU Physics - Interdisciplinary research projects within experimental soft matter and biophysics

Application deadline: 15 April 2025 at 23:59 hours local Danish time
I am looking for 2 PhD students to conduct their research education in my lab at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy at the University of Southern Denmark in Odense. Each position is for projects in experimental soft matter and biological physics in the area of active liquid crystals.

Starting date: Latest 1 September 2025
Application deadline: 15 April 2025 at 23:59 hours local Danish time

Project background
Just as liquid crystal molecules align with each other, in the same way many cell types align spontaneously over large distances. This behavior has consequences for their organization as well as for their physiological properties. I am looking for motivated candidates to investigate the behavior of living cells in analogy with liquid crystals.

Research Group
You will be part of the Phylife group at the University of Southern Denmark, an interdisciplinary group within the university that brings together physicists, chemists, biologists and engineers. The work during the PhD projects involves maintaining cell cultures and working with optical microscopy and micro-fabrication. The group has recently acquired a Nanoscribe Quantum X printer that will constitute a major research tool to investigate cells’ organization in 2 and 3 dimensions. During the PhD study you will also be engaged in teaching and outreach/or activities of the department.

Qualifications
To be a suitable candidate, you must have:
• a Masters degree in physics, biophysics or a related discipline, or equivalent research experience
• an interest in biological physics
• a desire to work in an inclusive, collaborative and interdisciplinary environment

In addition, the following skills, while not mandatory, will be positively evaluated:
• documented research experience in the field of experimental soft matter physics, biophysics or biomedicine
• solid hands-on experience in wet lab work and/or with cell culture
• experience with 3D laser printing or bioprinting

The candidate must be independent and fluent in English both oral and written.

The appointment will be for a term of three years and is expected to start at latest in September 2025 and possibly earlier. Funding for travel to conferences and workshops is also available.

For any further questions please contact: Francesca Serra, Dept. Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark or by e-mail to: [email protected]

The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy is one of four departments at the Faculty of Science, SDU and is located in Odense. The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy is a department focused on basic research. We are happy to move beyond traditional disciplines and work to develop new technologies and sciences across physics, chemistry, pharmacy, mathematics, computer science and biology. The department’s research thus contributes to new knowledge and solutions with applications in the areas of climate, environment, energy, and health.

The Ph.D. candidate will be part of the Section for Physics.

Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period. The holder of the scholarship is not allowed to have other paid employment during the three-year period.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement on salaried PhD scholars between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary (only available in Danish) and taxation.

The successful candidate will be enrolled at this university in accordance with faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order).

Further information about the PhD-study can be found at the homepage of the University.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Application must be in English and made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:

• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation, and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages) .
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information.
• Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades.
• The names and complete contact details (phone numbers and e-mail) of at least two referees details for at least 2 referees who can vouch for your skills.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.
Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

Applications should be sent electronically via the link "Apply now". The faculty expects applicants to read the information "How to apply" before applying. Please note that the application documents should be in pdf-format and attached as three documents: motivation letter, CV and the remaining documents.

We recommend that as an international applicant you take the time to visit Work in Denmark where you will find information and facts about moving to, working and living in Denmark, as well as the International Staff Office at SDU.

Placering: Odense, Denmark