PhD pozícia biomechanika v Prahe (ČVUT)
Call for Applications: PICTUS International PhD Programme – Biomechanics and biophysics
The International PhD Programme (PICTUS) at the Czech Technical University (CTU) in Prague is pleased to announce its first call for applications. I am seeking seeking highly motivated PhD students to join our interdisciplinary research environment for a full 48-month employment contract.
Successful candidate will be enrolled in a specialized PhD course and will have the opportunity to develop their own research proposals based on the innovative topics offered within the programme.
Research Focus: Thermodynamics of Biological Motion
In biological systems, motion is more than an observable consequence of life; it is a fundamental mechanism governing function, stability, and adaptation. Our research is grounded in the premise that biological systems are thermodynamically open and specifically tuned to reside near critical points.
This phenomenon spans all scales—from macromolecules to whole organisms. We apply the framework of generalized phase transitions to describe abrupt changes in organization, such as the transition from walking to running or the attachment of motor proteins to cytoskeletal tracks.
Key areas of investigation include:
- Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics: Utilizing Fluctuation Theorems to understand energy injection, storage, and dissipation.
- Critical Phenomena: Exploring how proximity to transitions allows minimal perturbations (voltage, pressure, etc.) to be amplified into system-wide responses.
- Biological Membranes: Using theoretical models and experimental setups
(liposomes, supported lipid bilayers) to test fundamental principles of thermodynamic properties and lipid composition.
The Role & Mentorship
The selected candidate will work within a specialized research group employing both theoretical and experimental approaches. The primary focus will be on theoretical models of biological membranes to investigate how thermodynamic properties can be precisely controlled and extended to complex systems.
Mentor: Potential candidates should contact Matej Daniel (matej.daniel@cvut.cz) to discuss their research interests and proposal development.
Eligibility Criteria
- Experience: Candidates must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) at the time the employment contract begins.
Previous academic studies must be compatible with the specific project/topic of application.
- Mobility Rule:
Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Czech Republic for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the call deadline (May 31, 2026). Career breaks are not counted toward this period.
Application Process Deadline: May 31, 2026
Call: https://international.cvut.cz/jobs-at-ctu/pictus-phd-fellowship-programme/ Application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrY2cmUp_g-FT17lkYdM-2Cs7zG_To8zVuG-b76dj_1xdGJg/viewform?usp=header
