Doctoral student (PhD) (m/f/d) in Mathematical Modeling / Biofilm Systems

1. September 2020

The Process Dynamics and Process Synthesis (PSD) Group at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems offers a PhD position in the Mathematical Modeling team with following topic

Advanced Mathematical Modeling of Biofilm Systems


The PSD Group has a strong interdisciplinary focus and provides expertise in the development of mathematical models for a wide range of engineering processes. The described project represents, such a cooperation with partners within the MPI and from the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg. We envision a close interaction with experimental partners to facilitate the understanding of multiscale interactions between cellular growth and metabolism, mass and energy transfer, as well as fluid dynamics in biofilm reactors. Experimental data will be generated in house from a lab scale experimental setup. The experiments are basis for the development of an advanced computational model which will be used further to intensify the process and design optimal process control strategies.

We seek for a candidate with an above average master’s degree in biosystems engineering, biotechnology, cybernetics, computational biology or related engineering and natural science disciplines. The candidate should have a strong theoretical background and offer expertise in the following areas

  • Mathematical modeling with partial differential equations, preferably for biological or biotechnological processes
  • Numerical solution of partial differential equations
  • Model-based process analysis
  • Solid experience with scientific software, e.g. MATLAB or Python

Furthermore, we expect that the candidate supports experimental partners in the planning, conduction and evaluation of experiments. Therefore, profound biotechnological knowledge and practical lab experience is highly appreciated.

The ideal candidate is highly motivated to work efficiently, self-directed and as part of an interdisciplinary team on scientific challenges. We offer a position that involves not only diversity of tasks in an interdisciplinary and intercultural research group but also extensive training, direct and competent supervision, and state-of-the-art equipment. Collaborations with national and international partners are well established for additional support.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

Please note the information regarding storage of personal data: https://www.mpi-magdeburg.mpg.de/data-protection-for-applicants


Please submit your application documents (including a CV, employer’s / personal references, and copies of the Master’s and high school certificates) only via e-mail to

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Achim Kienle
E-mail: sek-pspd@mpi-magdeburg.mpg.de

For further questions on the position please contact Dr.-Ing. Robert Dürr ().

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