项目介绍

2024年11月23日

Function

Are you a highly motivated, curious researcher who is fascinated by the fundamental principles underlying immune cell behavior? Are you enthusiastic about interdisciplinary research at the interface of biology and physics? Are you excited about using a multifaceted approach combining mathematical modelling, computer simulations, immune assays, microscopy, and microfluidics? Then you could be the ideal PhD candidate for this position!

What are you going to do?
We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled PhD candidate who will

• construct a theoretical framework/computational model that accurately captures the biophysical mechanics driving phagocytosis and;
• test this model using quantitative experimental measurements of phagocytic dynamics.

This research combines controlled experiments, high-resolution microscopy, and microparticle traction force microscopy to quantitatively, and establishing a theoretical framework to capture the essential dynamics, this research aims to advance our understanding of cytoskeletal mechanics and phagocytosis, one of the most essential processes in cell biology.

Mammalian cells are often required to actively large (micrometric) particles as part of the immune response against pathogenic intruders via a complex and intricate process known as phagocytosis. Recent results have also shown that the phagocytic engulfment of specialized drug-carrier particles can be harnessed for combating a range of diseases.

Theoretical tools from traditional “non-living” soft matter physics have been co-opted to construct minimal mathematical models of key biological processes, including phagocytosis. Concurrently, new experimental techniques have recently enabled significant advancements in the measurements of phagocytic dynamics. The scientific development of both modelling approaches and novel quantitative experimental techniques makes this the opportune moment to extend key concepts from soft matter physics, continuum mechanics, and polymer physics, to understand the highly complex phenomena of phagocytosis.

You will work here
The research is embedded within the Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter and Cell Biology and Immunology chair groups. You will be directly, and jointly, supervised by Dr. Uddalok Sen (Physics of Soft Matter lab) and Dr. Daan Vorselen.

You will simultaneously be part of two small and highly interdisciplinary teams. The project offers opportunities for local and international collaboration, guaranteeing a dynamic working environment.  

Function Requirements

You have

• A successfully completed MSc degree in biological or physical sciences, or a related discipline;
• A strong and proven affinity with interdisciplinary research, preferably at the interface of physics and biology or mathematics and biology;
• Fundamental understanding of biological physics and cell mechanics and/or soft matter physics;
• Good quantitative skills and strong analytical capabilities;
• Experience with mathematical/computational modeling of biological processes;
• Experience with cell culture and/or fluorescence microscopy and microfluidics;

And off course you are proactive in coming up with innovative solutions to experimental and modeling challenges.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

Contactinformation

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Uddalok Sen, uddalok.sen@wur.nl or
Dr. Daan Vorselen, daan.vorselen@wur.nl

For more information about the procedure, please contact Rutger Voorrips, corporate recruiter by e-mail; rutger.voorrips@wur.nl