Researcher

We are an interdisciplinary research group composed of computer scientists, biologists, and physicists, studying intelligent behavior in simple biological systems and translating these mechanisms into computational models and algorithms. Our work focuses on organisms such as Physarum polycephalum, bacteria, and other minimal living systems that exhibit collective intelligence, adaptation, and problem-solving capabilities.
Our long-term goal is to understand, model, and harness biological computation—bridging experimental biology, theoretical physics, and algorithmic design.

 
Position Overview
We are seeking a Physics Researcher to investigate the physical principles underlying intelligent behavior in simple organisms. The successful candidate will focus on uncovering mechanisms such as self-organization, collective dynamics, information processing, and adaptive decision-making in biological systems, using tools from physics, biophysics, and complex systems theory.
This role is fundamentally theory- and model-driven, but closely integrated with experimental biology and computational research.

 
Key Responsibilities
1. Mechanistic Understanding of Biological Intelligence
Study and analyze intelligent behaviors in simple organisms (e.g. Physarum polycephalum, bacterial colonies, microbial systems).
Investigate physical mechanisms behind:
Collective decision-making
Network formation and adaptation
Transport, signaling, and information flow
Morphological computation
2. Modeling & Theoretical Frameworks
Develop mathematical and physical models based on:
Statistical mechanics
Non-equilibrium systems
Complex systems and self-organized phenomena
Translate biological observations into minimal, interpretable physical models.
Identify universality, scaling laws, and emergent behavior.
3. Biophysics & Physics of Living Systems
Apply principles of biophysics to understand:
Energy dissipation
Active matter dynamics
Reaction–diffusion and transport processes
Collaborate with microbiologists and biophysicists to connect theory with experiments.
4. Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Work closely with:
Computer scientists to inform bio-inspired algorithm design
Biologists to refine experimental hypotheses and interpretation
Communicate physical intuition clearly across disciplinary boundaries.
5. Research Output
Publish high-quality research in interdisciplinary journals.
Contribute to research proposals and conceptual frameworks.
Participate in shaping the group’s long-term scientific direction.
 
Required Qualifications
Strong background in Physics (theoretical, computational, or experimental).
Solid knowledge of:
Statistical mechanics
Dynamical systems
Complex systems theory
Biophysics
Experience or strong interest in modeling biological systems.
Ability to abstract biological phenomena into physical and mathematical models.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
 
Preferred Qualifications
Background or coursework in biophysics or physics of living systems.
Familiarity with:
Active matter
Reaction–diffusion systems
Network dynamics
Stochastic processes
Experience with computational modeling or simulations.
Prior work on collective behavior, emergent phenomena, or biological pattern formation.
 
What We Offer
A central role in an ambitious interdisciplinary research program.
Freedom to explore fundamental questions about intelligence in living systems.
Close collaboration with experts in biology and computer science.
Opportunity to contribute to novel computational paradigms inspired by nature