The groups of Dr. Eleni Katifori at the Max-Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization in Goettingen, Germany and Prof. Randall Kamien in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA, are jointly looking for a Post-Doctoral Associate.

The interests of the Katifori group are focused on theoretical questions about the elasticity, mechanics and pattern formation of biological structures as well as questions in the statistical physics of complex networks with applications to biological vasculature. The interests of the Kamien group include membrane mechanics and geometry, self-assembly of hybrid colloid/liquid crystal phases, and the topology and visualization of complex ordered phases.

The successful candidate will join an international collaborative project exploring the mechanics of self-organized pattern formation at the micron-scale. Although the position is theoretical, the Post-Doctoral associate will work in close collaboration with experimental groups at the University of Pennsylvania and is expected to spend time at both the Max-Planck institute in Göttingen and UPenn in Philadelphia.

More information about the Katifori and Kamien group can be found on the webpages http://www.pbo.ds.mpg.de and http://www.physics.upenn.edu/~kamien/kamiengroup respectively or by contacting the emails listed below.

The post-doctoral applicant should have a theoretical background in soft matter, statistical mechanics, biophysics or related subjects. Prior programming knowledge is a plus, but not required. A good working knowledge of English is necessary.

The position is limited for two years with the possibility of extension.

Both the Max Planck Society and the University of Pennsylvania are committed to employing more underrepresented individuals and especially encourage them to apply.

To apply, please send a CV including publication list, a statement of interests, and 2-3 reference letters directly to the email listed below. Your statement of interests should be three pages or shorter and should describe your past and current research interests and why you are interested in this position. Only online applications will be considered. For full consideration please send your application material, quoting the earliest possible starting date and reference number 7-2013, until October 1^st 2013. Please send inquiries and/or your applications via email to: eleni.katifori@ds.mpg.de and kamien@sas.upenn.edu