PhD: Multiscale Modeling of Melanoma Cell Migration in ECMs

PhD in modeling of cell migration in complex ECMs to decode the risk for young adult skin cancer

The Faculty of Science, the Mathematical Institute and the Institute of Biology are looking for a PhD Student in Theoretical or Mathematical Biology (1.0 FTE).

The opening is for a research position within the field of computational science, mathematical or theoretical biology, computational physics, or applied mathematics. This PhD project is part of the EU project Photo Mel, a multidisciplinary consortium of 7 European universities and partners, aiming to prevent melanoma by decoding the impact of chemical exposures on UVA‑induced damage in early childhood, including ECM remodeling and skin cell mutations.

• Develop and interpret novel two‑dimensional multiscale mathematical models of cell migration through complex networks of ECM fibers, in close collaboration with members of the Photo Mel consortium.
• Further develop and adapt our two‑dimensional simulation techniques to make them suitable for modelling the mechanochemical regulation of melanoma cell migration, in close collaboration with members of the Photo Mel consortium.
• Integrate the new techniques into the Tissue Simulation Toolkit () and/or other CPM frameworks such as Morpheus or Compu
  
  Cell3D.
• Design simulation experiments to reflect and interpret ECM modifications due to exposure to UV and skincare additives, based on data obtained elsewhere in the Photo Mel consortium.
• Obtain detailed insights into the effects of UV and skincare additives on melanoma progression through simulation experiments guided by literature study, interaction with other participants of Photo Mel consortium, and development of advanced distance measures and parameter identification.
• Collaborate with a postdoc working in our group, also within Photo Mel, to extend your two‑dimensional modeling insights to three dimensions and validate these against experimental data produced elsewhere in the consortium.
• Correct and improve your mathematical models in close collaboration with experimental biologists, including colleagues at the Medical University of Vienna who will image melanoma cell migration and cell‑ECM interactions in ex vivo human skin samples and organotypic models.
• Publish the results in the scientific literature and write a PhD thesis.

• Master’s degree in theoretical biology, applied mathematics, computational/theoretical physics, computer science or a related discipline.
• Written and oral proficiency in English, strong scientific writing skills.
• Ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Fluent interdisciplinary communication skills with scientists in cell biology and mathematics.
• Keen interest in cell and developmental biology of cancer.
• Experience in (numerical) mathematical modeling (e.g., Cellular Potts modeling, particle‑based simulations, PDEs, FBA).
• Suitable programming skills in C++ or a related language.

• An employment contract for the duration of one year with a view to permanent employment. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities.
• A salary between €3059 – €3881 gross per month, based on a full‑time appointment (38 hours) for a PhD student.
• A holiday allowance (8 %), an end‑of‑year bonus (8.3 %), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP.
• Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home‑to‑work travel.
• Flexible working hours: a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full‑time working week of 38 hours; accrue additional leave by working 40 hours a week.
• Options for secondary employment conditions; you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as a sports subscription and bicycle scheme.
• A home‑working allowance (day and internet allowance) and a laptop supplied by the university.