Program Overview

PhD Programme in Molecular and Statistical Biophysics

The PhD programme in Molecular and Statistical Biophysics aims to train the next generation of leaders in molecular and statistical biophysics. The programme's vision is to empower students with deep expertise in key fields such as statistical mechanics, molecular dynamics, polymer physics, and computation. Through this multi-disciplinary approach, the programme intends to provide students with the tools necessary to understand and manipulate complex biological systems.

Mission

The programme's mission is to provide a collaborative learning community that encourages innovative thinking, rigorous scientific inquiry, and robust problem-solving skills. The programme's graduates will be prepared to excel in both academic and industry settings, driving innovative breakthroughs and contributing to the evolution of biophysics.

Faculty

The teaching faculty includes:

• Giovanni Bussi: Molecular and Statistical Biophysics
• Ali Hassanali:
• Alessandro Laio: Theoretical and Scientific Data Science
• Alessandra Magistrato:
• Cristian Micheletti: Molecular and Statistical Biophysics
• Angelo Rosa: Molecular and Statistical Biophysics
• Guido Sanguinetti: Theoretical and Scientific Data Science
• Christoph Zechner: Molecular and Statistical Biophysics

Programme Structure

The duration of the PhD is four years. After an eight-month intensive training period with lectures on a wide spectrum of advanced topics, students start their own research activity under the supervision of a faculty member. Research is carried out in frequent contact with the supervisor and collaborators.

Coursework

In addition to attending colloquia, seminars, and journal clubs within the group, PhD students also benefit from existing collaborations with a large number of international research institutes. Dedicated travel funds allow students to attend summer schools and international workshops. During their first year, PhD students take the following compulsory courses:

• Molecular Biophysical Chemistry (Alessandra Magistrato, 5.00 UCF, Jan Mar)
• Molecular Biophysical Chemistry (Ali Hassanali, 3.00 UCF, Feb Mar)
• Polymer Physics (Angelo Rosa, 4.50 UCF, Oct Dec)
• Statistical Mechanics for Soft Matter Systems (Cristian Micheletti, 5.00 UCF, Oct Dec)
• Stochastic Processes in Biophysics (Christoph Zechner, 4.50 UCF, Jan Mar)
• Theoretical Foundations of Molecular Dynamics (Giovanni Bussi, 7.50 UCF, Oct Feb) Students also attend at least one additional course offered by another SISSA PhD programme, chosen by the student.

Admission Criteria

PhD candidates are selected twice a year on a competitive basis based on a written and oral exam, taking into consideration their CVs, undergraduate transcripts, and reference letters. Applicants should have a good background in Physics and/or Chemistry and/or Applied Mathematics and are expected to obtain their MSc (Laurea Magistrale) or equivalent degree by the end of October in the respective year.

PhD Regulation

The PhD programme in Molecular and Statistical Biophysics is regulated by the general SISSA PhD regulations and by the didactic regulation.