项目介绍

2024年5月7日

The Department of Computer Science invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in Physics-Informed Data Analysis for Biosciences [the project is part of the research project “Differentiable Physical Models for Data Analysis in Biology”, financed by the Novo Nordisk Foundation]

Start date is (expected to be) 1 November 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project

This project revolves around improving data analysis of biophysical/biomedical data by combining physical modelling and deep learning. There is freedom to shape the precise problem by the candidates themselves, and  the formulation of new avenues of research is encouraged. Research areas could include computer vision, development of differentiable physical models, synthetic/differentiable image generation, regularization of simulation-to-reality gap,  probabilistic modelling,  expert knowledge in neural networks, etc.

Example projects which fall within the requirements of this PhD:

1. Study and improvement of robustness of image regression to style transfers / learning style transfers from data.
2. Synthetic training of neural networks for understanding dynamics of quantum dots in mouse brains [in collaboration with Dept. of Neuroscience].
3. Extraction of biophysical models from videos of e.g. motile microorganisms.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for motivated candidates within the field(s) of computer science, physics, applied mathematics, or similar technical fields. Experience with biophysical systems and machine learning is a plus, interest in these fields is a must.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

We conduct research on a broad range of topics that lie on the boundaries between physics, biology, medicine and computer science. You will be part of the section “Image Analysis, Computational Modelling, and Geometry”, which offers offer a creative and exciting research atmosphere. This team is comprised of experts in various fields, creating a rich environment for innovation and interdisciplinary learning. The team operates in a highly collaborative environment, encouraging the exchange of ideas and expertise. Regular meetings and workshops are conducted to discuss progress, challenges, and strategies, ensuring a cohesive and focused approach to the project goals.  The PhD fellowship is given in accordance with Danish legislation and will typically run for 3 years. The salary is set according to Danish Union Contracts which are quite competitive on an international scale.

The group is a part of Department of Computer Science, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen.

Principal supervisors are Julius B. Kirkegaard [Dept. of Computer Science & Niels Bohr Institute, juki@di.ku.dk, +45 40938516] and François Lauze [Dept. of Computer Science, francois@di.ku.dk]

The PhD programme

A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme).

Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. physics, computer science, applied mathemtics. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision

• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in the intersection of machine learning, physical simulation and biology
• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Good language skills

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Application and Assessment Procedure

 Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include: 

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
2. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
3. Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
4. Publication list (if available)
5. Reference letters (if available)
6. Example of code written by you that you are proud of (optional)

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications 4 August 2024, 23:59 GMT +2.

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held during week 35.

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position. Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.