Pre-announcement · PhD + Postdoc positions · University of WarsawOfficial call to follow

MIND-MAP · Topological Data Analysis of dynamic cell morphology

The topology of dynamically varying cells.

How can we describe a shape that continuously changes in time? Develop new topological descriptors and data-analysis methods that turn 3D + time microglia microscopy into trajectories, state spaces and interpretable models of morphological dynamics. Understanding these dynamics can help reveal how microscopic cellular changes relate to brain function and dysfunction, opening routes to progress in biology and medicine.

Illustration: computer-generated cells,
not microscopy data
Status
Pre-announcementofficial call to follow
Positions
PhD + Postdoctwo funded openings
Duration
3 years2027–2029
Where
WarsawUniversity of Warsaw

What you'll work on

Temporal topological descriptors dynamic topology

Develop descriptors of how complex branching shapes evolve in time.

Shape trajectories dynamics · state spaces

Represent individual cells as trajectories through morphological state space.

Topological representations of 3D shapes TDA · geometry

Develop and compare interpretable topological and geometric descriptions of complex cell morphology.

Ball Mapper & interpretable visualization high-dimensional data

Build graph-based maps of morphological states, transitions and experimental conditions.

The project combines mathematical method development with real, challenging biological data — the goal is not merely to apply existing TDA tools, but to develop new ones.

Warsaw PI: Paweł Dłotko (University of Warsaw; Topological Data Analysis). MIND-MAP partners: Jooyoung Hahn (CTU Prague; computational modelling) and Sandra Siegert (ISTA, Austria; microglia biology and imaging).

What you get

  • Funded PhD and postdoctoral positions within the international MIND-MAP project
  • A research problem at the intersection of topology, dynamics and real scientific data
  • Close collaboration with researchers in Prague and at ISTA
  • Access to unique 3D and 3D+time microscopy datasets
  • Opportunities for conferences and research visits

Who we are looking for

  • PhD candidates: a master's degree in mathematics, applied mathematics, computer science, physics or a related quantitative field
  • Postdoctoral candidates: a PhD in a quantitative field, with experience in TDA, geometry or related data-analysis methods
  • Strong mathematical foundations and interest in topology, geometry, dynamical systems or data analysis
  • Readiness to program — preferably in Python and/or C++ — and work with real scientific data
  • Good English, and curiosity, dedication, willingness, good teamwork and positivity about interdisciplinary research

How it works

  1. NowExpress your interest — send a CV, say whether you are interested in the PhD or postdoc role, and add a few lines about your research interests.
  2. NextInformal contact — we can discuss the project and which role best fits your background.
  3. Official callFormal recruitment and eligibility criteria for both positions will be announced separately.
  4. 2027Positions begin, subject to the formal recruitment procedures.

This page is a pre-announcement and does not constitute the formal recruitment notice.

Interested in the PhD or postdoc position? Get in touch.

If topology, geometry and dynamics on real 3D+time data sound interesting, feel free to contact me already now. Send a CV, indicate whether you are interested in the PhD or postdoctoral position, and add a short description of your background and research interests. This is a pre-announcement; the official recruitment calls, including formal conditions, will be published separately.

p.dlotko@uw.edu.pl