Postdoctoral Position (m/f/d) | Biological Physics

Postdoctoral Position (m/f/d) | Biological Physics

3 days ago - Be among the first 25 applicants.

For the independent research group “Theory of Biological Fluids”, headed by Dr. David Zwicker, we seek to fill a Postdoctoral Position (m/f/d) in Biological Physics.

The Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self‑Organization is an international research institute in Göttingen, Germany. It performs both experimental and theoretical fundamental scientific research and currently employs about 300 people.

Research Focus

The research group aims to understand how biological organisms organize soft and fluid‑like material. Current projects focus on the organization principles of liquid droplets in biological cells, while also exploring broader questions in biological physics. The group combines analytical insight from simple systems with detailed numerical simulations to reveal biological design principles, and builds tailored models to interpret experimental data from collaborators.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research projects in biological physics, including analytical and numerical work.
• Collaborate with experimental collaborators to develop models that interpret data.
• Publish results in high‑impact scientific journals and present at international conferences.
• Develop and refine computational tools, including numerical simulations, and write reproducible code.
• Mentor students and postdocs, and contribute to the scientific community within the institute.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in theoretical physics, applied mathematics, or a related field.
• Strong interest in biological and soft‑matter physics.
• Experience in pattern formation, elasticity theory, statistical physics, or biological physics is a plus.
• Programming skills are highly desirable.
• Fluency in both written and spoken English.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for learning new skills and applying established ones.

Offer

This is a one‑year initial position with full‑time working hours, salary at E13 TVöD‑Bund according to Max Planck Society funding guidelines. We offer excellent working conditions, a highly international and interdisciplinary environment, opportunities for work‑life balance, and health promotion services. The starting date is flexible.

The Max‑Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and encourages such qualified applicants. We also explicitly encourage women to apply where women are underrepresented.

Your Application

Please apply online. Submit a cover letter, CV, list of publications, and contact information for three referees. The cover letter should briefly describe your research interests, what excites you, and why you want to join our group. Applications received before 15th January 2026 will be given full consideration. Written applications will not be sent back.

Please contact Dr. David Zwicker ( ) if you have further questions.