Postdoc position in biomechanics/biomathematics of insect flight

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

• to join an inclusive and creative research team based in beautiful Western Sweden;
• 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.

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.

Main responsibilities Your major responsibilities will be to perform and publish scientific and/or mathematical 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 assist in supervising masters-level students and communicate the results of your research at leading conferences and in international journals.

Qualifications To qualify for the position, you should have a PhD in a relevant subject—including engineering, biology, applied mathematics, and others. Ordinarily, your PhD should have been awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers*), but exceptional candidates with a PhD outside this date, and candidates who are anticipating the PhD award in the near future, will also be considered.

We are specifically looking for candidates with experience and/or interest in one or more of the following areas:

• an interest in insects and entomology;
• a background in applied mathematics and/or engineering mathematics, particularly in nonlinear dynamics and computational mechanics;
• experience in interdisciplinary research, particularly the interface between biology and mathematics or engineering;

Other factors that will be highly regarded include the capability to conduct interdisciplinary research (in any area); good oral and written communication skills in English; and a demonstrated ability to contribute to the positive and inclusive outlook within a research group. Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

• The date shown in your doctoral degree certificate is the date we use, as this is the date you have met all requirements for the doctoral degree. Exceptions from the 3-year limit can be made for longer periods resulting from parental leave, sick leave or military service.

Contract terms This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years. What we offer Chalmers provides 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 written in English 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. CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname) including:

• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name) 1-3 pages where you:

• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:

• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Application deadline: February 23, 2025 For questions, please contact: Assistant Professor Arion Pons Division of Fluid Dynamics 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 in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society. Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez - forward.