Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have an established background in mechanosensing, engineering, or biomechanics?
We are inviting applications for a Research Fellow to join a BBSRC-funded project exploring mechanosensing and flight in insects. This exciting role is based in the Comparative Biomechanics Group at the University of Leeds, with close collaboration with partners at the Royal Veterinary College and Imperial College London,
Animals rely on sensory input to guide their movements, but sensing and processing information is energetically costly. Rather than collecting vast amounts of data, evolution has favoured efficient, smart sensing—measuring only what’s necessary, when it’s necessary. This project aims to uncover the principles behind this efficiency by developing a general model of wing mechanosensing, revealing how sensor distribution and morphology have co-evolved with flight dynamics.
The successful applicant will:
* Measure multi-scale body and wing kinematics across different fly species.
* Test hypotheses about species-specific sensor placement.
* Investigate how sensor locations align with aeroelastic strain patterns during flight.
The University of Leeds and the Faculty of Biological Sciences are committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offer a range of family friendly policies. The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN (the national body that promotes gender equality in higher education), and the Faculty of Biological Sciences was awarded a Silver award in 2020. We are proud to be an inclusive Faculty that values all staff, and are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees. Our Athena SWAN webpage provides more information
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Designing, planning and conducting a programme of investigation, in consultation with Dr Simon Walker;
Generating independent and original research ideas and methods in insect mechanosensing with an aim to extend the Comparative Biomechanics research portfolio;
Making a significant contribution to the dissemination of research results by publication in leading peer-reviewed journals, and by presentation at national and international meetings;
Working independently and as part of a larger team of researchers, both internally and externally, to develop new research links and collaborations and engage in knowledge transfer activities where appropriate;
Contributing to the supervision of junior researchers and PhD students and acting as a mentor to less experienced colleagues;
Evaluating methods and techniques used and results obtained by other researchers and relating such evaluations to your own research;
To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:
We are a campus based community and regular interaction with campus is an expectation of all roles in line with academic and service needs and the requirements of the role. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements. To find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Leeds area visit our Working at Leeds information page.
Our University
As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students and staff from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Within the Faculty of Biological Sciences /School of Biomedical Sciences we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community; those who identify as LGBT+; and disabled people. Candidates will always be selected based on merit and ability.
Information for disabled candidates
Information for disabled candidates, impairments or health conditions, including requesting alternative formats, can be found on our Accessibility information page or by getting in touch with us at hr@leeds.ac.uk
Criminal Records
A criminal record check is not required for this position. However, all applicants will be required to declare if they have any ‘unspent’ criminal offences, including those pending.
Any offer of appointment will be in accordance with our Criminal Records policy. You can find out more about required checks and declarations in our Criminal Records information page.
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