Post Doc: Statistical physics of chromosomes

The Broedersz group (Theoretical physics of life) has an ERC funded opening for a 2-year Post Doc position on the statistical and dynamic organization of chromosomes (Post Doc: Statistical physics of chromosomes).

• Onderzoeksgebouw VU
• Amsterdam
• Closing date: 30-12-2026

Your function

Our theory group is a worldwide leader in studying the statistical physics of living systems, ranging from chromosomes to migrating cells and multicellular tissues. We aim to understand the emergent functional dynamics and organization of living systems in close collaboration with various experimental labs. We currently have an opening for an ERC funded 2-year Post Doc position.

We are looking for highly motivated applicants with a PhD to strengthen our research team in an interactive and collaborative environment.

ERC funded Project: Learn4DChromosome
The physical organization of bacterial chromosomes is inherently variable, with large conformational fluctuations both from cell to cell and over time. Yet, chromosomes must also be structured to facilitate processes such as transcription, replication, and segregation. In this project, you will combine data-driven theoretical methods with mechanistic models to unravel the dynamic organization of bacterial chromosomes across the cell cycle. You will use approaches grounded in equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical physics, information theory, and soft condensed matter physics. Your work will be performed in close collaboration with several experimental groups. Finally, you will also play a role in supervising students and the tutorial classes in our teaching program.

Your profile

• PhD Degree in Physics
• preferably with a background in theoretical physics, statistical, soft or biological physics
• experience with using inference/machine learning tools and basic programming is a plus

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

What do we offer?

We offer guidance and help so you can develop the skills and experience to become an independent scientist. In addition, we offer an intellectually challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a competitive salary of minimum € 3.706,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.760,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience
• the appointment will initially be for 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for a total duration of 2 years

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
• a full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• discount on (and occasionally exclusive access to) theater performances and courses at the Griffioen Cultural Center

About us

The Broedersz group is part of the Section for Physics of Living Systems within the Physics department at VU Amsterdam, a leading scientific institution in biophysics located in the vibrant and international city of Amsterdam. Our team is an inclusive and diverse environment, welcoming excellent students from all backgrounds. We offer a stimulating and collaborative environment in the physics of life. PhD students and Postdocs in our group have the opportunity to learn from the best scientists in the field, publish in high-impact journals, and present their work at international conferences.

Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 5,500 staff work at the VU and over 30,000 students attend academic education.

Interested

The selected applicants are expected to start as soon as possible.