PhD in Theoretical Biophysics Imperial College London in United Kingdom

The Universality in Biology Group, led by Dr Chiu Fan Lee at Imperial College London, is offering a fully funded PhD position in theoretical biophysics, with a start date in Autumn 2026 or early 2027. This opportunity is open to candidates of all nationalities and aims to uncover universal physical principles and emergent collective phenomena in living systems. The group employs advanced tools from statistical mechanics, hydrodynamics, renormalization group theory, and computational and data-driven modelling to address fundamental questions in biological physics.

Research projects span a wide spectrum, including analytical renormalization group studies of biology-inspired hydrodynamic field theories and nonequilibrium universality classes, investigations of phase transitions and biomolecular condensation in cellular organisation, biophysical modelling of tissue mechanics, morphogenesis, and haematopoiesis, as well as data-driven modelling approaches that integrate experimental data with physics-based frameworks to advance understanding of key biological processes and diseases. The group’s work is internationally recognised, with publications in leading journals such as Nature, Science, Physical Review Letters, PNAS, and Nature Physics.

Imperial College London provides a vibrant research environment, featuring regular journal clubs, invited seminars, and symposia for early career researchers. The Universality in Biology Group collaborates closely with researchers across the Departments of Bioengineering, Mathematics, Physics, and Life Sciences, and is part of the Physics of Life Network of Excellence. The group values diversity and inclusion, strongly encouraging applications from women and other underrepresented groups in theoretical physics and quantitative sciences.

Applicants should have, or be about to obtain, a First-Class or high 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in physics, mathematics, engineering, or a closely related quantitative discipline. Candidates must be highly motivated and eager to apply rigorous theoretical methods to biological problems. The position is fully funded, covering tuition and stipend, and applications are considered on a rolling basis starting from 13 April until the position is filled.

To apply, candidates should email a CV (including transcripts), a brief statement of research interests, and contact details of two academic referees to Dr Chiu Fan Lee at [email protected] with the subject line 'PhD Application – Theoretical Biophysics'. For more information about the group, visit the Universality in Biology Group website and the Physics of Life Network.