PhD position: Theory of non-equilibrium information processing
We invite applications for a 4-year PhD studentship on the theory of non-equilibrium information processing in molecular systems, with a start date of October 2025. The project will be based within Dr Thomas Ouldridge’s "Principles of Molecular Systems" group [1] in the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London, and will interact heavily with the cross-faculty Physics of Life Network [2]. Students interested in using theory and simulation to analyse minimal models of natural and synthetic molecular systems, and interpreting the results in terms of non-equilibrium thermodynamics and information theory, are encouraged to apply.
Living systems harness free energy and information to thrive. Free energy input keeps cells active, or out of equilibrium, but free energy alone is insufficient. Information processing at the microscopic scale - such as the copying of genetic information - is necessary to channel free energy towards specific outcomes, thereby creating systems of breath-taking complexity. In the principles of biomolecular systems group, we seek to apply fundamental physics to understand the possibilities and limits of non-equilibrium molecular information processing, then channel that understanding into engineering synthetic, DNA-based examples.
The proposed work would sit at the fundamental end of this spectrum, and would involve analysis of minimal stochastic models of molecular systems, similar in approach to [3-5]. There is some flexibility in the details of the project, but possibilities include: analysis of the thermodynamics of the genotype-phenotype map in RNA or protein production; exploration of the thermodynamics of self-replication; and investigating how self-assembling systems can store information on their history.
Candidates should have (or be in the final year of) a degree in a mathematical science, a physical science or engineering with a strong mathematical or computational component. No expertise in non-equilibrium thermodynamics or information theory is expected, but candidates must be interested in exploring these topics. To apply for this position, please email a single PDF file including: a (1 page max) cover letter describing your interests and research experience, a CV detailing academic performance (including grades/marks) and names and contact information of two referees, to Dr Thomas Ouldridge (@email).
A review will be conducted for applications submitted before midnight on Wednesday 23rd October 2024, with possible interviews within the following week – these early applicants will be eligible for nomination to schemes with enhanced funding. If the position is not filled at that stage, applications will be considered until midnight on Sunday 1st December 2024.
Funding Notes:
The position is open to both UK and international applicants. Fees will be covered and the student will receive a tax free-stipend at the UKRI level plus London weighting (currently £21,237.00 with annual increases for inflation).
References
[1] http://www.imperial.ac.uk/principles-of-biomolecular-systems/
[2] https://www.imperial.ac.uk/physics-of-life/
[3] https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.1808775116
[4] https://journals.aps.org/prx/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevX.7.021004