The Faculty of Science, the Mathematical Institute and the Institute of Biology are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Science or Mathematical Biology (1.0 FTE for three years)
The opening is for a research position within the field of computational science, mathematical or theoretical biology, computational physics, or applied mathematics. This postdoc project is part of the EU project PhotoMel ( Decoding Early-Life UVA and Skincare Additive Interactions Driving Melanoma Risk and Progression in Young Adults), a multidisciplinary consortium of 7 European universities and partners. Together, PhotoMel aims to prevent melanoma (skin cancer) onset in young adults by decoding the impact of chemical exposures on UVA-induced damage in early childhood, including ECM remodelling and skin cell mutations that shape the melanoma niche. Your task will be to develop a three-dimensional (3D) model of melanoma cell migration in complex 3D ECMs. The goal will be to determine how UV/chemical-induced ECM changes affect melanoma cell migration, proliferation, and gene expression. We will build upon a recent 3D extension of a hybrid Cellular Potts model (hCPM) of cell-ECM interaction, which couples CPMs of cell migration and cell traction with a molecular dynamics model of ECM fiber networks, and a PDE model describing growth factors and ECM-modifying enzymes . Models will be initiated with simulated data and 3D imaging data of skin samples.
The successful applicant will be an integral member of the EU PhotoMel community, which offers an open, diverse and inspiring environment to engage in multidisciplinary cancer research at the intersection of biology, medicine and physics, and is expected to participate in EU PhotoMel events, training and collaborations.
Key responsibilities
Research at our faculty
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.
The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2.300 staff and almost 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.
For more information, see www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science and http://workingat.leiden.edu/
Multiscale Mathematical Biology - The work will be embedded in the interdisciplinary Multiscale Mathematical Biology (MMB) team at the Mathematical Institute and the Institute of Biology Leiden, both at the Faculty of Science at Leiden University, and is also part of the qBioLeiden initiative that unites research in quantitative biology at Leiden University. The MMB team carries out mathematical biology research in close interaction with its own experimental work and that of collaborators. The team focuses on the mechanobiology of animals and plants. More information about the group can be found on http://www.mathbioleiden.nl
We also offer:
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. We strive to be an open community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to fully develop themselves. We consider an inclusive academic environment, where students and staff can share their experiences and viewpoints, to be essential for the development of talent.
Applications received before July 15th, 2026 will be given full consideration.
Starting date Fall 2026, flexible.
