PhD: Learning interactions in collective cell migration

The Broedersz group has an opening for a four-year PhD student position: PhD: Learning interactions in collective cell migration, on the non-equilibrium statistical physics of collective cell migration.

• Location: Amsterdam
• Faculty: Faculty of Science
• Position: at least 0.9 FTE
• Application deadline: 31-12-2026

Your function

Our theory group is a worldwide leader in studying the statistical physics of living systems. We currently have an opening for an Vici funded 4-year PhD position position. We seek to uncover the fundamental interaction rules that govern collective cell migration—a central biological process underlying development, immune responses, and cancer progression.

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate with an interest in combining non-equilibrium statistical physics, active matter physics, and statistical inference/AI to unravel how cell–cell interactions shape collective cell migration. A central goal of the project is to develop and apply data-driven theoretical frameworks that infer interaction rules directly from multicellular migration experiments. We therefore seek a candidate who is excited by rigorous statistical mechanics and data-driven modelling, and who is eager to use these approaches to understand how complex biological functions emerge from interactions between individual cells.

Your profile

• MSc 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.

• a salary of minimum € 3.059,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.881,00 (PhD) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile PhD candidate. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for at least 0.9 FTE.
• Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. Afterwards, the possibility of expansion exists.

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

• 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
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

About us

About the department, institute, project

The Broedersz group is part if the Section for Physics of Living Systems within the Physics department at the VU Amsterdam, one of the best universities in the Netherlands, and 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 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

Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.