Publisher
source

Leiden University

PhD in Theoretical/Mathematical Biology for Melanoma Cell Migration Modeling in Complex ECMs Leiden University in Netherlands

Degree Level

PhD, Postdoc

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Full funding available
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Country

Netherlands

University

Leiden University

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Keywords

Computer Science
Biomedical Engineering
Biology
Mathematics
Gene Expression
Computational Science
Computational Physics
Medical Science
Cell Migration
Melanoma
Extracellular Matrix Biology
Mathematical Biology
Cell Proliferation
Physics
Applied Mathematic

About this position

Leiden University is advertising a PhD position in Theoretical/Mathematical Biology focused on modeling cell migration in complex extracellular matrices (ECMs) to better understand the risk of young adult skin cancer / melanoma.

The project is part of the EU consortium PhotoMel (Decoding Early-Life UVA and Skincare Additive Interactions Driving Melanoma Risk and Progression in Young Adults), a multidisciplinary collaboration of European universities and partners. The research aims to decode how chemical exposures and UVA-induced damage in early childhood affect ECM remodeling, skin cell mutations, and the melanoma niche.

The successful PhD candidate will develop and extend two-dimensional models of melanoma cell migration in complex 2D ECMs. The work builds on a recent hybrid Cellular Potts model (hCPM) that couples cell migration and traction with molecular dynamics models of ECM fiber networks and PDE models for growth factors and ECM-modifying enzymes. Simulated data and imaging data of skin samples will be used to initialize and validate the models, with possible extension to 3D later in the project.

Relevant study areas include theoretical biology, mathematical biology, computational science, computational physics, applied mathematics, biology, physics, computer science, biomedical engineering, and related quantitative fields. The post is embedded in an open, diverse, and interdisciplinary cancer research environment, and the student is expected to participate in PhotoMel events, training, and collaborations.

Enquiries can be directed to Roeland Merks at merksrmh@math.leidenuniv.nl. The post links to the Leiden University careers page for full application details.

Funding details

Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.

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