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- Tasks: Join a team exploring mechanosensing and flight in insects through innovative research.
- Company: The University of Leeds is a leading international research university committed to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking research that combines biology and engineering with real-world impact.
- Qualifications: A background in mechanosensing, engineering, or biomechanics is essential for this role.
- Other info: We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and offer mentorship opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have an established background in mechanosensing, engineering, or biomechanics?
We are inviting applications for a Research Fellow to join a BBSRC-funded project exploring mechanosensing and flight in insects. This exciting role is based in the Comparative Biomechanics Group at the University of Leeds, with close collaboration with partners at the Royal Veterinary College and Imperial College London,
Animals rely on sensory input to guide their movements, but sensing and processing information is energetically costly. Rather than collecting vast amounts of data, evolution has favoured efficient, smart sensing—measuring only what’s necessary, when it’s necessary. This project aims to uncover the principles behind this efficiency by developing a general model of wing mechanosensing, revealing how sensor distribution and morphology have co-evolved with flight dynamics.
The successful applicant will:
Measure multi-scale body and wing kinematics across different fly species.
Test hypotheses about species-specific sensor placement.
Investigate how sensor locations align with aeroelastic strain patterns during flight.
The University of Leeds and the Faculty of Biological Sciences are committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offer a range of family friendly policies. The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN (the national body that promotes gender equality in higher education), and the Faculty of Biological Sciences was awarded a Silver award in 2020. We are proud to be an inclusive Faculty that values all staff, and are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees. Our Athena SWAN webpage provides more information
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Designing, planning and conducting a programme of investigation, in consultation with Dr Simon Walker;
Generating independent and original research ideas and methods in insect mechanosensing with an aim to extend the Comparative Biomechanics research portfolio;
Making a significant contribution to the dissemination of research results by publication in leading peer-reviewed journals, and by presentation at national and international meetings;
Working independently and as part of a larger team of researchers, both internally and externally, to develop new research links and collaborations and engage in knowledge transfer activities where appropriate;
Contributing to the supervision of junior researchers and PhD students and acting as a mentor to less experienced colleagues;
Evaluating methods and techniques used and results obtained by other researchers and relating such evaluations to your own research.
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Research Fellow in Mechanosensing employer: University of Leeds
Contact Detail:
University of Leeds Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in Mechanosensing
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the field of mechanosensing and biomechanics. Attend relevant conferences or seminars where you can meet researchers from the University of Leeds, Royal Veterinary College, and Imperial College London. Building these connections can give you insights into the research culture and potentially lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest research and publications in insect mechanosensing. Being well-versed in current studies will not only prepare you for discussions during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous research experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Highlight any independent projects or collaborations that showcase your ability to generate original research ideas and work within a team.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to current or former employees in the Comparative Biomechanics Group. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying and interviewing.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in Mechanosensing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements. Highlight your relevant experience in mechanosensing, engineering, or biomechanics that aligns with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Research Fellow position. Emphasise your research background, particularly in insect mechanosensing and any collaborative projects you've been involved in.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your passion for the research area. Mention specific projects or ideas you would like to explore as part of the team at the University of Leeds.
Highlight Collaborative Experience: Since the role involves working with various partners, make sure to showcase any previous collaborative research experiences. Discuss how you contributed to team projects and what you learned from those interactions.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leeds
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous research projects in detail, especially those related to mechanosensing, engineering, or biomechanics. Highlight any innovative methods you developed and how they contributed to your field.
✨Understand the Project Goals
Familiarise yourself with the specific aims of the BBSRC-funded project. Be ready to articulate how your skills and experiences align with the objectives of uncovering principles behind efficient mechanosensing in insects.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working with various institutions, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of past teamwork experiences and how you contributed to successful outcomes.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask about the Comparative Biomechanics Group and their ongoing research. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
