Research Fellows in Insect Flight Biomechanics

Applications are invited for two Research Fellows to work on a BBSRC funded study on insect flight mechanics and energetics. The overall aim of this project is to produce a comprehensive overview of how the insect flight motor functions efficiently and has led this highly diverse group of all animals to achieve their incredible aerial manoeuvrability and control. This project is a collaboration between two PIs from University of Leeds, Dr Simon Walker and Dr Graham Askew.

We are seeking to employ two researchers to work in parallel and run a series of physiological and biomechanical measurements on insects in order to gain the most detailed understanding of the mechanics, function and energetics of insect flight muscle to date. You will use a range of experimental approaches including high-speed imaging, fine-wire electromyography, muscle physiology, and behavioural experiments to determine how the movements, neural stimulation, force production and efficiency of different insect flight muscles change according to their role in the flight.

You should have a PhD (or be close to completion) in a relevant area of biomechanics or physiology. A strong background of working with small animals and using in vivo and/or in vitro physiological and biomechanical techniques is essential. You should have the ability to work independently and also as part of a multidisciplinary team.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Dr Simon Walker, University Academic Fellow

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 3821, email: s.m.walker@leeds.ac.uk 

Dr Graham Askew, Associate Professor

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 2897, email: g.n.askew@leeds.ac.uk