Theory and simulation of polymer-assisted condensates (A4)

The goal of of A4 is to understand formation, dissolution and functions of multi-component polymer assisted condensates using generic concepts of polymer physics.

Large biopolymers such as DNA and RNA,play a pivotal role in the formation of condensates, owing to their low mixing entropy and vast number of conformational degrees of freedom. In particular, they can locally trigger condensate formation.
The Sommer group has pioneered analytical and simulation-based approaches to study polymers in multi-component solutions, predicting unusual phase transitions such as co-nonsolvency and polymer-assisted condensation (PAC). In collaboration with the Schiessel group, the PAC concept has been applied to explain the formation of heterochromatin and mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance.
Currently, we are investigating more complex scenarios, including wetting behavior and compartmentalization in multi-component condensates. Computer simulations play a key role in exploring and analyzing these complex phase behaviors.

1. How can multi-phase coexistence be incorporated into the polymer-assisted condensation (PAC) model?
2. How can coarse-grained simulations be refined to model specific condensate problems such as DNA target search, DNA repair, polymerization/depolymerization processes (PAR), or post-translational modifications?
3. How can field-theoretic methods be applied to explore the phase space of complex protein/polynucleotide solutions? How can these concepts be extended to understand the dynamics of condensates?

The PhD students will be trained in mathematical-analytical methods, polymer physics and statistical thermodynamics of phase transitions, various simulation methods and numerical concepts.

• Candidates have a Masters degree in physics or related fields
• Candidates should have a sound basis in statistical physics, soft matter theory or closely related fields.
• Experience in computer simulations and numerical methods are expected