PhD Theory of Physical Learning

10.08.2026, Academic staff

Prof. Karen Alim’s group on Biological Physics and Morphogenesis at the TUM Campus Garching is looking for a theory PhD student (m/f/d) to join our team on the ERC project Learning Matters!.

Task

You will break with the current focus on the brain to uncover the physics of continual learning instead by investigating the emergence of learning bottom-up in life, reduced in complexity to a network-shaped single cell – Physarum. Lacking any neurons, flows flushing throughout Physarum’s tubular network propagate input packaged as chemical concentration and flow shear force. The tube wall’s viscoelasticity reorganises in response – continually learning its future response. You will develop a theory describing the physical mechanisms of Physarum’s learning mechanics and thereby predict how to implement learning in soft matter, as Physarum’s responsiveness in wall visco-elasticity has its soft matter twin in synthetic hydrogels.

Requirements

As a suitable candidate, you have a Master’s degree in physics, applied mathematics, or related disciplines. You have knowledge in soft matter/complex systems physics, biological physics, or statistical physics. You enjoy working in interdisciplinary and international teams and have programming skills. In addition, you are able to express yourself confidently both orally and in writing in English.

What we offer

We offer a two-plus-two-year contract (TV-L E13 75%) with a flexible start date as early as October 2026, in a highly motivated team that combines experimental and theoretical research on equal footing. As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, TUM explicitly encourages applications from women as well as from all others who would bring additional dimensions of diversity to the university’s research and teaching strategies. The position is suitable for disabled persons. Disabled applicants will be given preference in case of generally equivalent suitability, aptitude and professional performance.

Application

We are looking forward to receiving your application documents, which include your CV, your list of publications, a transcript of record, a motivation of your research interests (max. 1 page) and the contact details for two letters of recommendation in one PDF document. Please send these under the subject "PhD Theory of Physical Learning” by e-mail to Prof. Dr. Karen Alim (k.alim@tum.de) latest by 10.09.2026. She will also be happy to provide you with further information in advance.

Prof. Dr. Karen Alim Technische Universität München Ernst-Otto-Fischer-Str. 8 85748 Garching b. München k.alim@tum.de www.bpm.ph.tum.de

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Kontakt: k.alim@tum.de