BEMÆRK: Ansøgningsfristen er overskredet
Applicants are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Mechanical and Production Engineering programme. The position is available from 01 November 2023 or later.
Title
The Architecture of Photosynthesis: Mechanical Investigation of the Microstructure of Leaves
Research area and project description
Photosynthesis is the metabolic process that sustains all life on Earth. Understanding how vascular plants reconcile leaf structural optimization for both light capture and photosynthetic gas exchange with architectural stability required to withstand gravity and wind has been an intractable challenge. While the anatomy of the inner leaf tissues should optimize gas exchange through a porous microstructure that augments the net absorptive interface, such an optimization should also come with a cost to the architectural stability of thin planar leaves. This interdisciplinary project leverages a combination of expertise in cell biology, ecophysiology, and mechanical engineering to investigate the functional trade-off between gas exchange and leaf mechanics. Based on engineering concepts, the biomechanics of plant leaves and the porous properties of its inner tissues will be analyzed at multiple length scales to gain insight into evolutionary pressures that have shaped laminar leaves over millions of years.
The successful applicant will work in a multidisciplinary team of bioligists and engineers from McGill University (Canada), Yale University (USA), and Imperial College London (UK) with several international meetings and conferences to attend. He or she will develop theoretical and numerical models to study the micromechanical structure of the leaf, with the aim of reconciling how and why leaves are structured the way they are and identify the critical design principles of highly productive species capable of sustaining maximum photosynthetic performance. This research might also help identifying a set of key traits that could be used for the development of next-generation biomimetic materials with inspiration from nature.
The PhD position is fully funded through HFSP research grant.
Project description: For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. Please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application.
Qualifications and specific competences
Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or other relevant subjects.
The successful applicant is expected to possess excellent academic background – particularly high level of knowledge of solid mechanics, be highly motivated, and be able to communicate fluently in English. Hand-on experience in computational solid mechanics, and specifically, shell mechanics is highly beneficial.
Place of employment and place of work
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Navitas, Inge Lehmanns Gade 10, building 3210, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
Contacts
Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact:
- Matteo Pezzulla, matt@mpe.au.dk
How to apply
Please follow this link to submit your application.
Application deadline is 3 September 2023 23:59.
Preferred starting date is 1 November 2023.
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide.
Please note:
- The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.
- Shortlisting will be used, which means that the evaluation committee only will evaluate the most relevant applications.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Aarhus Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
-Arbejdsgiver:
Aarhus Universitet, Nordre Ringgade 1, 8000 Aarhus C
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 03-09-2023; - ansøgningsfristen er overskredet
Ved skriftlig henvendelse: https://app.researchplanner.net/Peoplexs22/CandidatesPortalNoLogin/ApplicationForm.cfm?PortalID=16581&VacatureID=1083072
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/CV/FindWork/Details/5884600
