About the opportunity
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Cologne offers a PhD position in Statistical Physics/Quantitative Biology within the research group of Professor Berg at the Institute for Biological Physics. The successful candidate will engage in projects such as cancer evolution, resistance dynamics, and statistical modelling of the immune system, utilizing concepts from equilibrium and non-equilibrium physics. The position provides an excellent setting for interdisciplinary doctoral training, offering close research group integration, access to graduate courses via the BCGS graduate school, and embedding in the Collaborative Research Centre CRC1310 Predicting Evolution.
Salary and benefits
- Broad research and training opportunities within the graduate school BCGS
- Close research group integration and supervision
- A diverse working environment with equal opportunities
- Support in balancing work and family life
- Extensive advanced training opportunities
- Occupational health management offers
- Flexible working time models
- Opportunity to work remotely
- Salary based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector, subject to relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications
Who can apply?
- Master's degree in physics with excellent grades
- Strong background in statistical physics
- Genuine interest in biology
- Highly motivated individual who enjoys working in an international team
Required documents
- CV
- Publication list (if applicable)
- Research statement
- One letter of recommendation (to be sent directly by the recommender to bergj@uni-koeln.de)
- Proof of required qualifications
When to apply
- The position is available from 1 October 2026.
- The application deadline is 15 September 2026.
How to apply
- Prepare the required documents including CV, publication list if applicable, and research statement without a photo.
- Ensure one letter of recommendation is sent directly by the recommender to bergj@uni-koeln.de.
- Apply online under reference number Wiss2608-15 via the University of Cologne job portal at https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de.
Additional information
- Reference number: Wiss2608-15
- Employment is on a part-time basis (19.92 hours per week).
- The initial appointment is for three years, with funds available for an extension.
- The position includes a standard teaching load of 2 SWS (in English or German) alongside research activities.
- Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW).
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Master's degree holders in physics with excellent grades
- Researchers with a strong background in statistical physics
- Individuals with a genuine interest in quantitative biology and cancer evolution
- Candidates seeking an interdisciplinary environment within a collaborative research center
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a part-time position (19.92 hours per week), which may impact total take-home pay
- The role requires a standard teaching load of 2 SWS alongside research
- Relocation to Cologne is implied by the hybrid work mode and local university requirements
- The initial appointment is for three years, though extension funds are available
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is ideal for a motivated early-career researcher looking to bridge the gap between physics and biology. By joining the Institute for Biological Physics and the CRC1310, you will gain access to specialized graduate training and a structured research network, making it a strong choice for someone aiming to build a career in interdisciplinary quantitative science.
Our take
Candidates with a solid physics foundation and a passion for biological applications should apply. Those seeking full-time employment or a purely theoretical physics role may find the part-time nature or the biological focus less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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