Doctoral scholarship morphology of filter feeding in paddlefish

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Department: Department of Biology
Regime Full-time

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Within the frame of EU-funded MSCA Doctoral Networks project Nature4Nature, the Department of Biology in the Faculty of Science is looking for a full-time doctoral scholarship holder on morphology of filter feeding in paddlefish.

Project description

Bioinspiration (including biomimetics and biomimicry) develops novel materials, devices, and applications inspired by biological structures and strategies. The Nature4Nature project brings biologists, engineers, designers and manufacturers together to deliver early-stage researchers (ESRs) teaching in a learning environment that connects the inspiration, integration and implementation aspects of the bioinspiration process to undertake the conceptual, methodological and practical challenges. To do so, the project will collectively focus on biological filtration mechanisms to explore, test and design high-throughput, clog-resisting filtration systems, which could ultimately alleviate the current problems facing aquatic environments. The aim of this specific scholarship is to advance our knowledge on a promising model system for bioinspired filtration: cross-step filtration of paddlefish. Three-dimensional, digital reconstructions will be made based on micro-computed tomography of paddlefish heads. Next, these reconstructions will be converted into models ready for use in additive manufacturing design or computer-aided simulations.

Position

  • You will work actively on the analysis and 3D digital model reconstruction of the morphology of the filter-feeding apparatus of American paddlefish. You will assist in the writing and submission of scientific reports related to this research.
  • You will primarily work at the laboratory for Functional Morphology where we investigate how organisms function and evolve. Many of our projects take a mechanistic approach: we try to understand how organismal systems work, i.e. how body parts (primarily of the movement and feeding apparatus) and processes interact.
  • You will carry out secondments of 3 weeks each at Fraunhofer IWS in Dresden and Hochschule Bremen to test the generated 3D models for, respectively, additive manufacturing and input into computational fluid dynamics simulations.
  • You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Nature4Nature network.

Profile

  • You hold a Master degree in Biology, Veterinary sciences, or equivalent. Transcripts of the Master’s degree must be available by the date of the recruitment.
  • You may be of any nationality but must comply with both the HORIZON MSCA Mobility Rule* and Eligibility Criteria*
  • You should have a strong affinity for research on animal morphology using 3D graphics software. Having experience with morphological analysis using CT scans is a plus.
  • Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
  • Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
  • You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
  • Your English is fluent, both speaking and writing.
  • All qualified applicants, including minorities and woman, are encouraged to apply.

* HORIZON MSCA Mobility Rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the host organization (Belgium) for more than 12 months in the past 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status are not taken into account.

* HORIZON MSCA eligibility criteria: Applicants may not hold a doctoral degree or equivalent at the start date of the recruitment. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.

What we offer

  • We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of 14 months. During this period, the University of Antwerp and the Nature4Nature network will guide and support the candidate in applying for a personal PhD fellowship. If successful, such personal fellowship would allow the research to continue towards the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis.
  • The planned start date is January 1st 2025, or as soon as possible after that date.
  • Doctoral candidates are offered a competitive remuneration based on the MSCA allowances in line with the MSCA WP 2021-2022. The gross monthly amount at UAntwerpen corresponds to the amount for doctoral scholarship holders. Moreover, funding is available for technical and personal skills training and participation in international research events.
  • You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
  • You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
  • Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

  • You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including Wednesday October 2nd, 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments:
    • a motivation letter,
    • your academic CV (including followed courses, honours, previous work, programming skills, publications, …),
    • a list and grades of the courses that you took during your studies (Bachelor and Master),
    • contact info of 2 professional referees.
  • The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.
  • If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. Sam Van Wassenbergh, sam.vanwassenbergh@uantwerpen.be.

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.

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