PhD Position in Interdisciplinary Morphogenetic Engineering Project at the IT University of Copenhagen
The IT University of Copenhagen invites highly motivated individuals to apply for a PhD position starting 1 September 2024 or soon thereafter.
We invite applicants who want to contribute to the IT University's vision of creating and sharing knowledge that is profound and leads to groundbreaking information technology and services for the benefit of humanity, and who want to contribute to Digital Design's research strategy.
Job description The position is part of a project that aims to develop new technologies for directing morphogenetic patterning in biological and artificial systems. It is funded under the Novo Nordisk Exploratory Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme. The PhD position is a full-time position for 3 years (starting from an MSc or equivalent) or 4 years (starting from a BSc).
The project: Directing Morphogenetic Patterning in Biological and Artificial Systems through Spatial Re-Programming.
Living cells have an amazing ability to self-organize into complex, robust and self-repairing structures. While the underlying molecular mechanisms are being discovered at an unprecedented pace, there is a substantial knowledge gap in comprehending the mesoscale principles governing morphogenesis. Understanding those principles of self-assembly could not only enhance our mastery over anatomy and growing organs in vitro, but also ignite innovative paradigms in robotics. For example, “cellular” robots could act as programmable matter that can self-assemble into different shapes and tools on command. In this project we will develop novel approaches to guiding self-organizing systems towards desired morphologies.
The candidate should have experience in some of the following topics:
Neuroevolution / evolutionary algorithms
Neural cellular automata
Evolutionary developmental biology
Research environment:
The candidates will work together with Sebastian Risi and join the Creative AI and Robotics, Evolution, and Art Lab (REAL).
Our aim is to build a diverse team. All applications are welcome, especially those from members of underrepresented groups are encouraged
General information The IT University of Copenhagen (ITU) is a teaching and research-based tertiary institution concerned with information technology (IT) and the opportunities it offers. The IT University has more than 160 full-time Faculty members. Research and teaching in information technology span all academic activities which involve computers including computer science, information and media sciences, humanities and social sciences, business impact and the commercialization of IT.
About the Digital Design Department Digital Design is organized in three sections; Design Research, Play, Culture and AI, and Digital Societies and Participation. The sections serve as the organizational framework for the department's research which is further divided into several research groups, labs, and a research center. We offer a BSc and MSc in Digital Design and Interactive Technologies and a MSc in Games. Our research and teaching approaches are based on diversity, inclusiveness interdisciplinarity and collaboration.
Working at the IT University Located in modern architecture, a 6-minute metro ride from the center of Copenhagen, the IT University offers an informal working environment, a varied everyday life, and a highly motivated, ambitious, competent, and diverse international faculty, with PhD degrees from 17 different countries. The IT University is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself in actively and successfully pursuing an improved gender balance among students and among faculty.
Working in Copenhagen Copenhagen has a solid educational system, a rich cultural life, universal healthcare, good childcare, and well-functioning infrastructure. Copenhagen is among the world's most livable cities according to the Economist Global Liveability Index. Living and working in Copenhagen will be a good experience for you and your family.
Salary and terms of employment Appointment and salary will be in accordance with the Ministry of Taxation's agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and job structure for academic staff at Universities.
Qualification Requirements The following qualifications are required:
3 year programme: candidates should have a MSc (or equivalent)
4 year programme: candidates should have a BSc and one year of university studies on Master level
The applicants will be employed and enrolled at the ITU University for a period of 3 or 4 years depending on the university degree level of the applicant.
Application The application and all other documents ought to be in English and must include:
A motivated application (cover letter), including a detailed description of your qualifications
A statement of purpose, which provides evidence of independent thinking, novelty and originality, of the targeted research field matching the project description
A full CV, including name, address, phone number, e-mail, previous and present employment and academic background
Documentation of academic degrees (copy of degree certificates etc.)
Relevant scientific publication or/and master thesis written by the applicant
Applications without the above-mentioned required documents will not be assessed.
The applicant will be accessed according to the Appointment Order from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of 13 March 2012.
The IT University may use shortlisting in connection to the recruitment process. In case of shortlisting, the Chair of the hiring committee selects applicants for assessment in consultation with the hiring committee after the application deadline. All applicants are notified whether their application has been passed for assessment. The shortlisting of candidates for assessment is based on the criteria in the job posting.
Further information Questions about the positions can be directed to Professor Sebastian Risi, IT University of Copenhagen, [email protected]. Early contact with our faculty staff is encouraged. Questions related to the application procedure may be directed to HR, [email protected].
Application procedure You can only apply for this position through our e-recruitment system. Apply by pressing the button "Apply for position" in the job announcement on our website. Please read the guidelines for applicants carefully before filling in the application form. You can see the guidelines through this link.
The IT University might upon request in the interview process contact 1-2 references.
Please note that all application material will be destroyed after the assessment.
Application deadline: 16 March 2024, at 23:59 CET
Applications/enclosures received at ITU after the application deadline will not be taken into consideration. If you submit an application, it is your responsibility to ensure that it arrives before the deadline so please allow sufficient time for upload of publications and other documents.
The IT University invites all qualified researchers regardless of age, gender, religious affiliation or ethnic background to apply for the positions.
IT-Universitetet i København, Rued Langgaards Vej 7, DK-2300 København S
www. itu.dk