This is an externally-funded PDRA position supporting the Leverhulme project “Biophysical and morphological coevolution of egg micropyles and sperm in insects”. You will work closely with an international team of researchers across multiple disciplines at the University of Lincoln, UK, in collaboration with the University of Tulane, USA.
Insect eggs are incredibly intricate and complex structures which are poorly studied compared to sperm. To fertilise insect eggs, sperm must pass through a tiny pore called a micropyle, which connect to a channel leading inside the egg. Through our previous work on insect egg and sperm, we have shown that sperm and egg micropyles co-evolve.
The aim of this project is to quantify and explore the form and function of insect egg micropyles across insects by combining novel methods across evolutionary analysis, mathematical modelling, micro-scale experiments and 3D printing.
You will have a PhD (or close to completion) in biophysics, bioengineering, mathematical biology or a closely allied discipline along with experience in creating, writing, enhancing, and running code in R/Python, using and developing microfluidic devices and advanced imaging. You will have excellent communication skills with the ability to talk to different audiences, as you will be collaborating with a team of researchers across multiple disciplines both in the UK and overseas.
Closing Date: 22 May 2026
Department: Research
Salary: £38,784 per annum
Please note, this post is fixed-term for 36 months and full-time at 1 FTE.
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