The aim of the project is to develop models, with different layers of complexity, able to capture the basic physics behind motility-induced aggregation and communication in cellular aggregates. We will employ a cross-disciplinary approach which includes soft matter numerical modeling, statistical mechanics methods and experiments to some extent. The results of these studies will address fundamental problems in active matter physics, a paradigm of non-equilibrium physics, and provide a deeper understanding of essential mechanisms controlling bacteria communication and their life cycles inside biofilms.


Project funded by MUR PRIN-2022. Project N. 2022HNW5YL

Principal Investigator: Nicoletta Gnan

Research Units: CNR UOS "Sapienza", University of Bari, University of Camerino

Starting date: 30 December 2023 (2 years project)


2-years postdoc

The Institute of Complex Systems hosted at the Department of Physics of “Sapienza” University of Rome  is looking for a talented early-career postdoctoral researcher to work on an exciting project focusing on active matter modeling at the microscale.


Job description:

The project will focus on numerical simulations of models that capture fundamental physics behind motility-induced aggregation and communication in bacterial aggregates. The work will also include data analysis and system characterization using a wide range of complementary methods including theoretical tools such as field theoretical methods. 


Candidate’s requirements


To apply, please submit the following documents: 


Please send your application files to nicoletta.gnan@cnr.it by 4 October 2023.  Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted after this date.