Many microorganisms, such as bacteria and cancer cells, exhibit remarkable collective dynamics, often described as "living liquids" or active fluids, and arise due to local internal energy injection. Likeconventional liquids, the macro-scale confinement, or boundaries, of thfluid can control their flow patterns, and the micro-scale behaviour of the microorganisms. However, many physical systems exist within a deformable environment such as the mucus layers in the body.

As a result, not only does this living liquid get affected by its environment, but it can also reshape its soft surroundings as a form of mechanoreciprocity. This leads to a range of fascinating phenomena, such as cancer cells invading surrounding extracellular matrix, soil-dwelling bacteria burrowing through sand, and the infection of mucus by pathogenic bacteria. This research project will use computational models to explore the bidirectional relationship between an organism’s motility and its adaptable environment, investigating how microorganisms not only adapt to, but also actively restructure their surroundings.

This application is posted with a corresponding PhD position and only one of the positions will be filled. We are looking for candidates interested in biophysical systems and computational physics, with a preference for some knowledge about programming.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within biophysics as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

Further information on the Department is linked at the NBI website. Inquiries about the position can be made to Kristian Thijssen, [email protected].

Terms of employment
The two-year position is open from 1 Nov 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

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.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically through UCPH Job Portal.

When you will be affiliated with the University of Copenhagen or otherwise have access to their research, you may be required to undergo a background screening. The purpose is to protect the security and research integrity of the University of Copenhagen.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• 1 page Research plan, description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 31 August 2026, 23.59 (CEST)
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process here.

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

Københavns Universitet giver sine knap 10.000 medarbejdere muligheder for at udnytte deres talent fuldt ud i et ambitiøst, uformelt miljø. Vi sikrer traditionsrige og moderne rammer om uddannelser og fri forskning på højt internationalt niveau. Vi søger svar og løsninger på fælles problemer og gør ny viden tilgængelig og nyttig for andre.

Info
Ansøgningsfrist: 31-08-2026

Ansættelsesdato: 01-11-2026

Arbejdstid: Fuldtid

Afdeling/Sted: Niels Bohr Institute