Thu 17 Feb

OPENING OF PHD POSITIONS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEW VISION UNIVERSITY

We are looking for talented and motivated young scientists with excellent physics and mathematics background to start their PhD training to work on exciting collaborative projects from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Chemistry Department in partnership with New Vision University, School of Medicine. These projects target theoretical and computational biophysics with explicitly defined problems (see below). We are offering 1-2 fully funded PhD positions based at Professor Barsegov’s lab (UMass Lowell) and Co-advised by Professor Svintradze (NVU Tbilisi) with possibilities to frequently visit Georgia. PhD positions will be covered by research and teaching assistantships.

Are you looking for scientific challenges in an inspiring collaborating environment? Ready to develop new methods or software for solving challenging shape dynamic problems? Want to interact with experimentalists to check the validity of theoretical predictions? Want to pursue a PhD in one of the best American public universities in the Boston area while also having an opportunity to travel Georgia frequently? Apply, join and succeed in our collaborative group of dedicated young scientists and experts to develop emerging fields of cell surface dynamics, cell motility, biomechanics of viruses, and RNA-based drug discovery. As an example, see publications: PNAS 115 (2018) 8575-8580; Acta Biomaterialia 122 (2021) 263-277; Sci. Rep. 9 (2019) 6105; Front. Phys. 6 (2018) 136.  

The Doctoral Program at UMass Lowell, MA USA in partnership with NVU, Tbilisi Georgia, will provide a comprehensive curriculum towards the successful completion of your PhD thesis. The curriculum covers fundamentals in molecular and cell biology, biophysics, chemistry, necessary mathematics, and computer programming, and provides soft skills training (communication, problem solving, and personal skills). There is opportunity for knowledge exchange, networking and collaboration within internationally recognized experimental labs. The Doctoral Program aims to develop its participants into independent, well-connected researchers and leading members of the scientific community.

Requirements

What you need

To apply you must be graduating with Bachelor’s in physics, Mathematics or Chemistry, or have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of those disciplines. Knowledge of computational languages is a plus but not required. A TOEFL certificate of proficiency in English is necessary to follow the curriculum. Candidates are selected irrespective of sex, race, nationality, or any other factor aside from interest and merit. Because the program is initiated in Georgia, preferences will be given to Georgian nationalities among equally qualified candidates.

Where to apply

Original announcements can be found at our websites https://www.uml.edu/ and /media/t31fniyq/affiliation_policy_nvu_eng_0-pdf-103x150.jpg. You will have an opportunity to apply in order to carry out the research work in 1) Cell Division; 2) Virus Mechanics; 3) RNA-based Drug Discovery. In your application, please specify which of these projects you are interested in. You may select up to three projects and rank them according to your interest. To apply, please send your PhD application by email to dsvintradze@newvision.ge. Your complete application must include the following materials:

Motivation Letter

Curriculum Vitae

Copy of your BS and MS transcripts and letter on good standing by your master thesis supervisor

Certificate of English proficiency (TOEFL) for non-native English speakers

Up to three letters of recommendation

For additional questions, feel free to contact PIs: Dr. Barsegov (valeri_barsegov@uml.edu) and Dr. Svintradze (dsvintradze@newvision.ge).

Application process

Applications are reviewed by the PIs (Dr. Svintradze and Dr. Barsegov). You will be contacted once the review process is complete, typically within one month after the application. Selected candidates will be invited for an online interview.

Review of applications will start in February 2022 and will continue until all positions are filled. Start of PhD is expected at late August 2022.

Contact for Inquiries: dsvintradze@newvision.ge