Postdoc position (m/f/d) | Multiscale, multiphysics, mathematical modelling of plant morphogenesis

Overview

The Research Group Mathematics and mechanics of plant morphogenesis at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne is seeking to fill a Postdoc position (m/f/d) in multiscale, multiphysics, mathematical modelling of plant morphogenesis as soon as possible.

Description of the project

Plant growth is a complex hydromechanical process in which cells enlarge through water uptake, while their walls expand and remodel under turgor-driven tension. In multicellular tissues, where cells are mechanically interconnected, morphogenesis emerges from the combined effects of local growth processes, shaped by heterogeneous mechanical, physical, and chemical fields that act with varying degrees of non-local influence. From a mathematical perspective, this constitutes a multiphysics problem that is typically multiscale. A rational understanding of plant morphogenesis, therefore, requires dedicated mathematical approaches.

At the cellular scale, computational models provide insight into the complex dynamics of individual cell growth and water transport within tissues (1). At the tissue scale, we have developed a continuum theory of plant growth that treats tissue as a poromorphoelastic body—a growing poroelastic medium in which growth arises from pressure-driven deformations and osmotically driven water uptake (3, 5). At the scale of an organ, such as a shoot or a root, differential growth generates large macroscopic deformations that alter the posture of the organ. Here, dimensional-reduction-based methods can help elucidate the overall dynamics of plant motion (2, 4).

In this project, the candidate will be expected to explore a range of fundamental and applied problems in mathematical modelling of plant morphogenesis based on these approaches. Depending on their preferences and abilities, this work may involve more numerical or analytical aspects.

References

I. Cheddadi, M. Génard, N. Bertin, and C. Godin. Coupling water fluxes with cell wall mechanics in a multicellular model of plant development. PLoS computational biology, 15(6):e , 2019. doi: 10. 1371/journal.pcbi. . URL journal.pcbi. .

D. E. Moulton, H. Oliveri, and A. Goriely. Multiscale integration of environmental stimuli in plant tropism produces complex behaviors. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(51):32226– 32237, 2020. doi: /pnas. . URL .

H. Oliveri and I. Cheddadi. Hydromechanical field theory of plant morphogenesis. Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, 196: , 2025. ISSN . doi: /j.jmps. . URL

H. Oliveri, D. E. Moulton, H. A. Harrington, and A. Goriely. Active shape control by plants in dynamic environments. Physical Review E, 110(1): , Jul 2024. doi: /PhysRevE. . URL

H. Oliveri, C. Godin, and I. Cheddadi. Towards an active matter theory of plant morphogenesis, . URL arXiv.

Requirements

• The candidate should hold a PhD degree in mathematics or a related discipline
• Knowledge of solid mechanics, partial differential equations, asymptotic methods, numerical methods, and/or homogenisation are strongly desired
• Capacity and autonomy to propose novel and original ideas in an exploratory, interdisciplinary project
• Motivation to work in a biology-dominated environment and enthusiasm to collaborate with experimentalists
• Oral and written professional English proficiency
• Autonomy and efficiency in scientific writing and oral communication
• Capacity to communicate efficiently with colleagues from different disciplines
• Willingness to contribute to the day-to-day guidance of a PhD student

Application

The Candidate Is Asked To Provide

• A curriculum vitæ
• A full list of publications
• A statement of research interests detailing current research and research plans (2 pages max)
• A cover letter demonstrating how the candidate meets the selection criteria detailed above
• Contact details of 2 referees

Remuneration based on qualifications and experience in accordance with the TVöD Bund. Social benefits in line with those of the public sector. The position is limited to a duration of 2 years. Please send your complete application documents through our online system, by February 28, 2026.