PhD student position in the biomathematics/biomechanics of insect flight

The research group of Dr. Arion Pons at the Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences is delighted to announce a funded PhD student position on the biomathematics/biomechanics of insect flight. This PhD position offers you the opportunity:

› to join an inclusive and creative research team;

› contribute to an interdisciplinary research programme that synergises applied mathematics, biology, and engineering to advance our understanding of living organisms;

› and, to cultivate an international network across different disciplines of academia and industry.

Information about the department and research groups
The Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences is highly diverse, with research foci ranging from environmental science to aerospace engineering. Among a range of fundamental and applied research in these areas, we have a strong focus on novel and sustainable aviation. You will be joining an emerging research group, led by Dr. Arion Pons in the Division of Fluid Dynamics, and will have the opportunity to contribute to a new focus on biological and biomimetic flight within the Department.

Major responsibilities
As a PhD student, your primary role will be performing and publish scientific, engineering, and applied mathematics research. Research areas may include the analysis of nonlinear systems arising in insect exoskeletal, muscle; and fluid flows; application of computational tools for fluid and structural mechanics to problems arising in entomology; and establishing a fundamental framework for studying energy-efficiency in forced oscillators. Mathematical biology is the primary focus of this position; but biomechanical testing and/or robotic development may be involved, and it is anticipated that the line of research will be highly interdisciplinary. You will be guided by senior researchers in the department, and will be expected to communicate the results of your research at leading conferences and in international journals. A secondary role involves teaching or other departmental duties corresponding to 10% of your time.

Read more about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

Qualifications
To be qualified for the position, you should have master’s degree in a relevant subject—including applied mathematics, engineering, physics, biology, and others. We are particularly interested in curious and creative candidates:

› with an interest in insects and entomology;

› with a background in applied mathematics and/or engineering mathematics, particularly in nonlinear dynamics and computational mechanics;

› with experience in interdisciplinary research, particularly the interface between biology and mathematics or engineering;

› with excellent oral and written communication skills in English (Swedish language ability is not required);

› and, with demonstrated ability to contribute to the positive and inclusive outlook of the research group.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of four and a half years. You will be employed by Chalmers and will receive a salary according to current salary agreements.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with reference number 20240205 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

In order to apply for a position at Chalmers, you must register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. Fill in the section about personal information and answer the questions. You also need to upload:

› your CV;

› short motivation letter (1 or 2 pages), describing your interest in insect flight and why you are a good fit for the position;

› and, copies of your qualifications.

After the deadline, your application will be processed, and you will receive an email within a few weeks with more information.

Application deadline: 2024-06-01

For questions, please contact:
Arion Pons, Assistant Professor,
arion@chalmers.se

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   

---

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!
 

---