Summer Sale

Up to 30% off — ends 2 Aug

ONLY00h00m00s

Publisher
source

King's College London

The physics of the cell surface: from molecular rules to cell-scale behaviour (PhD Position) King’s College London in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

Full funding available

Deadline

Expired

Country flag

Country

United Kingdom

University

King's College London

Social connections

How do I apply for this?

Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.

Suggested positions

Keywords

Chemistry
Biophysics
Biology
Theoretical Physics
Statistical Mechanics
Collective Behavior
Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics
Active Matter
Computational Modelling
Physics
Machine learning

About this position

The Department of Physics at King’s College London is offering a fully funded PhD position in the group of Dr Ivan Palaia, focusing on the physics of the cell surface. This interdisciplinary project bridges physics and biology, investigating non-equilibrium phenomena and collective behaviour at the cell membrane, with particular emphasis on the actin cortex—a dynamic network of filaments responsible for cell shape and movement.

The research aims to understand how molecular-scale processes, such as filament growth, shrinkage, branching, and breaking, combine to produce cell-scale behaviours. The project will use coarse-grained computational models rooted in soft-matter and statistical physics, enabling simulations that connect microscopic interactions to macroscopic cell dynamics. Building on recent advances in the group, the student will explore how actin networks maintain dynamic steady states and how cells achieve active shape changes, such as protrusions and invaginations, through robust strategies in noisy, out-of-equilibrium systems.

Key methods include computational modelling, optimisation techniques, and machine learning, with close collaboration with experimental partners to ensure biological relevance. The project is designed to uncover new physical principles with potential biological and biomedical implications.

Funding is available for 3.5 years, covering tuition fees for Home students and a tax-free stipend of approximately £22,780 per annum, with possible inflationary increases. The studentship is open to both Home and Overseas students and will commence in October 2026. Applicants should have a strong academic record in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering, or related fields, and demonstrate interest in theoretical and computational modelling of living systems, as well as programming skills. Prior biophysics experience is not required.

To apply, candidates must use the King’s Apply online system, select the ‘Physics Research MPhil/PhD (full-time) programme’ with a start date of 01 October 2026, indicate Dr Ivan Palaia as supervisor, and attach a personal motivation statement (max 2 pages). In the Funding tab, select option ‘5’ and enter Award Scheme Code ‘629’. The selection process includes document pre-screening and interview.

For further information, see the project page and references provided. Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Dr Ivan Palaia.

Funding details

Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.

Ask ApplyKite AI

Start chatting
Can you summarize this position?
What qualifications are required for this position?
How should I prepare my application?