PhD position, Functional morphology and biomechanics - 2019BAPFWETEF329

The Faculty of Science is seeking to fill a full-time (100%) vacancy in the Department of Biology for a doctoral student in the area of functional morphology and biomechanics

PhD grant Experimental and modelling approaches to study the three-dimensional dynamics of the beak of songbirds

https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/funmorph/

Background

At the laboratory for Functional Morphology we investigate how organisms function and evolve. Examples of functions under study include: locomotion, feeding, fighting, communication, and thermoregulation.  Many of our projects take a mechanistic approach: we try to understand how organismal systems work, i.e. precisely how body parts (primarily of the movement and feeding apparatus) and processes interact to allow the individual animal to move, eat, fight, communicate etcetera.

This PhD project is part of an emerging project on the mechanics of the beak in songbirds.  Beak function is known to play a central part in some of the best known examples of evolution by natural selection in vertebrates: songbirds including the group of Darwin’s finches. Their biological machinery allows these birds to move their beak during feeding and singing, and use it to crack hard seeds, but strong trade-offs appear to exist between the different functions of the beak.  However, since we don’t know what causes these trade-offs, the biomechanical basis of the link between cranial anatomy and fitness remains unknown, and hence our view on songbird evolution is incomplete.  Additionally, how these birds precisely manage to quickly reposition, crack and swallow seeds using fast 3D movements of the upper and lower beak, also remains to be discovered.

The aims of this PhD is (1) to optimise and integrate experimental and modelling approaches to assess the dynamics of the cranial musculoskeletal system underlying the 3D movement of the beak of small birds, and (2) use these methods to improve our understanding on the mechanical functional of the cranial system of songbirds during feeding.  Experimental approaches will include kinematic analyses using multi-view, synchronised high-speed videography and stereoscopic X-ray videography, and in vitro quantification of contractile properties of cranial muscles and tendons.  Modelling approaches include the application and validation of mathematical models of muscle contraction, and numerical simulations of the moving head skeleton.

Job description

• You contribute to teaching and research in the Functional Morphology Group (FUNMORPH).
• You prepare a doctoral thesis in the field of biomechanics with a focus on
  songbird beak dynamics.
• You will perform both experimental research in the laboratory, and computer simulations using professional software packages for 3D multibody dynamics analyses.

Profile and requirements

• You preferably hold a master degree in Biology, Physics, or (Bio)-Engineering. Masters in other scientific disciplines with a strong affinity for this topic are also eligible.
• You have strong affinity for research in the field of cranial anatomy and biomechanics.
• The focus in your teaching corresponds to the educational vision of the university.
• Your academic qualities comply with the requirements stipulated in the university’s policy.
• You are quality-oriented, conscientious, creative and cooperative.
• You have a basic knowledge of programming. Experience with Matlab & Simulink (Simscape Multibody), or scan-based 3D reconstruction software (e.g. Amira, Geomagic) is a plus.
• You have a basic knowledge of biomechanics, in particular on kinematical analyses and muscle mechanics.
• Being holder of a certificate of laboratory animal scientist (FELASA cat. B or C equivalent) is a plus.

We offer

• a fascinating and versatile research and PhD project in a dynamic research group;
• a contract for a period of one year. This contract is renewable after a positive evaluation for an additional 3 years;
• additional training and education possibilities;
• regular participation in international conferences;
• a gross monthly grant ranging from € 2.373,36 - € 2.516,73;
• the effective start date will be determined in consultation with the selected candidate.

How to apply?

• Applications may only be submitted online, until the closing date 31 December 2019.
• Define briefly (max. 500 words) your motivation and relevant knowledge.
• A pre-selection will be made from amongst the submitted applications. The remainder of the selection procedure is specific to the position and will be determined by the selection panel.
• More information about the application form can be obtained from vacaturesuantwerpen.be.
• For questions about the profile and the description of duties, please contact Dr. Sam Van Wassenbergh (03 265 19 88) (sam.vanwassenberghuantwerpen.be).

The University of Antwerp is a family friendly organization, with a focus on equal opportunities and diversity. Our HR-policy for researchers was awarded by the European Commission with the quality label HR Excellence in research.

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