A funded PhD position at SDU Physics - Interdisciplinary research within experimental soft matter/biophysics

I am looking for a PhD student to conduct research education in my lab at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy at the University of Southern Denmark in Odense. The position is for a project in experimental soft matter and biological physics in the area of active liquid crystals, funded by Novo Nordisk Foundation. 

 

Starting Date: 1 September 2026

Application deadline: 10 May 2026 

Project background

The PhD project fits within the scope of the project “Cells layers for artificial tissue morphogenesis and soft robots (CLAMS)”. We have recently discovered that cells behave like special types of elongated elastic rubbers. Layers of cells grown at high density on flat dishes can detach altogether and get complex shapes, depending on their initial orientation. By controlling the orientation, we can predict the final shape, in the same way that the folds in origami determine the final shape of paper.  The aim of the project is to investigate the mechanisms behind the shape of cell layers in order to create controlled biomaterials where the initial orientation of cells controls the final shape. 

 

Research Group 

 

You will be part of my group and of the broader Phylife group at the University of Southern Denmark, an interdisciplinary group within the university that brings together physicists, chemists, biologists and engineers. 

 

Tasks 

As a PhD student, you will carry out your own research project under my supervision and guidance. The work during the PhD project involves maintaining cell cultures and working with optical microscopy and micro-fabrication, as well as some numerical modeling. During the PhD study you will also be engaged in teaching and outreach/or activities of the department. You will be expected to share your PhD work in group meetings talks, written articles, and conference presentations.

 

Qualifications

To be a suitable candidate, you must have:

• a Masters degree in physics, or equivalent research experience
• prior experience in experimental physics 
• an interest in biological physics 
• a desire to work in an inclusive, collaborative and interdisciplinary environment 
• the ability to work independently and to take initiative 
• fluency in English both oral and written. 

 

In addition, the following skills, while not mandatory, will be positively evaluated: 

• documented research experience in the field of experimental soft matter physics or biophysics
• coursework in soft matter, biophysics, or liquid crystals 
• hands-on experience in cell culture
• hands-on experience in wet-lab work
• experience with 3D laser printing or bioprinting 

 

 

The appointment will be for a term of three years and is expected to start on 1 September 2026. Funding for travel to conferences and workshops is also available. 

 

For any further questions please contact me (Francesca Serra) at serra@sdu.dk. 

Natural Science Research – Interdisciplinary Strength

The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy is one of four departments at the Faculty of Science, SDU and is located in Odense. At the Department, we contribute to solving some of society’s greatest challenges within energy, environment, health, and sustainability. We succeed because we build bridges between disciplines and transcend traditional boundaries. Our interdisciplinary mindset is not only a fundamental condition, but also our strength. And it is a strength that ensures our research and education are recognized both nationally and internationally.

 

Our vision is to create and apply knowledge across the natural sciences. We are unique in housing research within physics, chemistry, and pharmacy under one department, which provides excellent opportunities to explore the intersections between these disciplines. Read more about our vision here.

The Ph.D. candidate will be part of the Section for Physics.

 

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.