[BBC] PhD position in Systems Biology

[Sophie de Buyl]

Dear Colleagues,

I would like to ask you to forward the following announcement to 
students who might be interested in applying for a PhD position in 
Systems Biology at VUB in Brussels.

Thanks a lot!

Sophie de Buyl


PhD in Systems Biology —  Applied Physics Group (APHY) @ VUB
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We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student with a Master degree 
in Physics, Mathematics, Bio-Engineering or Biology interested in the 
development of mathematical and computational models applied to 
biological systems. Depending on the interest of the applicant, the PhD 
project could be oriented towards modeling the dynamics of 
human-associated microbial communities, modeling cellular 
differentiation or circadian rhythms. More generally, we focus on the 
dynamics of networks of interactions in biological systems. Knowledge of 
a programming language is a plus.

The Applied Physics research group (http://we.vub.ac.be/aphy/About) is a 
multidisciplinary group of enthusiastic researchers that use 
experimental and theoretical methods to address fundamental challenges 
in biological physics, condensed matter physics, electromagnetism, laser 
physics and photonics. This combination allows an imaginative, 
cross-disciplinary and insightful approach to such problems. For 
example, we focus on the study of metamaterials and nanophotonics, on 
bio-inspired approaches to machine learning (reservoir computing), on 
the dynamics of semiconductor lasers, nonequilibrium pattern formation 
and soliton dynamics, as well as on genetic transcription, cell division 
& microbial interactions in biological systems. APHY is recognised as a 
leading and growing research group by the university. For that reason, 
in 2014 it received a Strategic Research Project “Applied Physics and 
Systems Biology” (2014-2019).

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) has been a leading player in the 
Flemish Higher Education landscape for 40 years. The University numbers 
12.000 students and together with its hospital - UZ Brussel – employs 
more than 6000 people. The Vrije Universiteit Brussel is the largest 
Dutch speaking employer in the capital. Teaching and research at the VUB 
are founded on the principle of unfettered inquiry to benefit the 
progress of mankind. This means rejecting dogmatic positions and 
guaranteeing the freedom to form opinions without interference; in this 
way the University aims to ensure the dispersal of the principle of 
unfettered inquiry throughout society. As an employee of the Vrije 
Universiteit Brussel your days will be spent in a dynamic, diverse and 
multilingual environment. Our campus “Etterbeek” is a green oasis on the 
outskirts of the center of the capital of Flanders, Belgium and Europe. 
The city center, with all its opportunities, is within your reach by 
public transport in less than half an hour.

To apply, please send your CV including grades, a motivation letter (one 
page) and one letter of reference (to be sent separately). Your 
motivation letter should briefly describe your research interests and 
why you are interested in joining our group. Please send your 
application material by email to sdebuyl at vub.ac.be. The position is open 
until filled and the expected starting date is September 1, 2016 (or 
earlier). Also students in their last year expecting to get their 
Master’s diploma before Sept. 1 may apply.

===================================================



______________

Sophie de Buyl
Assistant Professor

Applied Physics Group
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Theoretical Physics
Pleinlaan 2
1050 Brussels Belgium

Room: 9F07.b
sdebuyl at vub.ac.be
Tel: +32-2-6292357
Fax: +32-2-6293614