PhD Studentship: Royal Society Funded Studentship on Insect Biomechanics

The University of Lincoln is offering one fully funded PhD studentship in connection to a four-year Royal Society funded project on the biomechanics of small jumping insects.

Many insects are spectacular jumpers, and this project delves into the mechanics of how these animals generate their great leaps.

This project will be determining how very small insects (about 50 mg in size, example insects are froghoppers, small crickets, and grasshopper nymphs) control their spin in the air when they jump to targets. We will be combining high-speed videography with animal behaviour to mechanically characterise the jumps, both escape jumps and jumps to targets. The successful student will compare the different ways these different insects generate spin in the air. This will yield examples of how to mechanically control spin. The results are intended to be suitable for use in robotics, with the insects acting as a ‘model system’ for development of small jumping robots.

The PhD studentship will ideally be focused on:

• high speed filming of insect jumping
• development and testing of hypotheses on how these insects are controlling spin during these jumps

Applicants will be taught how to handle the animals and, if needed, the mechanics necessary to do the analyses.

The successful applicant will also have funding to attend international conferences and be expected to present their work to the international community

For questions, please contact Professor Gregory Sutton at: [Email Address Removed]

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree or equivalent in zoology, animal biology, engineering, or physics. Applicants with a relevant Master's are particularly welcome. Applicants must be comfortable handling insects.

Applicants should possess excellent report writing and English language communication skills and an ability to work to deadlines.

How to Apply

An application of a 2-page CV and 1-page covering letter including a personal statement demonstrating how your experience to date prepares you to undertake PhD level research.

Please quote project ID in the subject line of the email. Please E-mail applications to [Email Address Removed]

• Closing Date: 10 June 2022
• Interviews: End of June 2022
• Start Date: 2022/2023 academic year (October 2022)
• Duration: A maximum of 48 months
• Reference: 2AK-22-14