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 =================================================== 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@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@vub.ac.be Tel: +32-2-6292357 Fax: +32-2-6293614