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LPENS and Institut Curie, PSL University, Paris

Collective cell migration, a key process in living systems, remains largely underexplored in the intermediate-density subconfluent regime, where cell clusters coexist with isolated cells, as is often the case in morphogenesis and tumor progression.

A 2-year postdoctoral position in theoretical biophysics is opening in the Physics of Cells and Cancer Lab (Institut Curie - Paule Dagenais, Pascal Silberzan) and LPENS (Xiaowen Chen, Vincent Hakim). Working between the two labs, the project will focus on computational analysis and theoretical understanding of collective cell migration on patterned surfaces. In the subconfluent regime, we recently observed in vitro a new mode of collective migration driven by asymmetric micro-rails (ratchets) whose period is smaller than a cell size.

The project will study how directed collective flows emerge from cell-cell collisions, governed by cell density and substrate geometry. In the long run, the aim includes the exploitation of controlled collective migration to design new cell-sorting strategies, where collective effects can amplify subtle mechanical differences between cell types.

Applicants should hold or expect to complete a PhD in physics or a related field, with strong background in soft matter / nonequilibrium statistical physics / numerical simulation / statistical inference. Previous experience with data analysis would be a plus but not required. Applicants should be able to work interactively in a collaborative research environment, including physicists and biologists.

Funding: PSL Grand Program Engineering Life (EnLife)
Duration: 2 years.
Ideal starting date: summer/fall 2026.

Applications will be reviewed starting from April 15, 2026, on a rolling basis until the position is
filled. To apply, please send your CV, a brief research statement, and two letters of reference
to xiaowen.chen@phys.ens.fr.

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