Post-doctoral fellow in aerodynamics of bird flight - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
Birds display a large variation in wing shape and flapping motion, which is associated with flight performance differences. Since flight is costly, we expect evolution to have optimized wing shape and how they are moved, but despite an increasing understanding of the aerodynamics of bird flight we still have a rudimentary understanding of how wing shape and motion link together. At Lund University we conduct world leading experimental research on animal flight. This project is focused on aerodynamics of bird flight and will involve application of state-of-the-art techniques to study bird flight in our low-turbulence wind tunnel. The results will inform the development of models used to predict flight power and that are used to understand bird migratory behaviour. 

Work duties
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. For this position research is focused on experimental aerodynamic studies, using quantitative flow measurements, of animals or robotic models in our wind tunnel. The exact focus of the research will be subject to the background of the applicant (e.g. aerodynamics, robotics or biology). The researcher is expected to take responsibility for planning and leading experimental studies using flow quantification techniques in our wind tunnel, organize data, perform analyses and prepare manuscripts for publication. There is no teaching directly associated with the position, but teaching may be included (no more than 20% of working hours). Appart from teaching at undergraduate courses the work may also include supervision of degree projects and doctoral students. The position also include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. It may also be relevant to work with applications to seek external funding. 

The postdoctoral fellow is expected to participate in the Animal Flight Lab group at the Department of Biology.

Qualification requirements 
To qualify for the position, the applicant must have a PhD or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within a subject relevant for the position (i.e. biology, engineering, physics), completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier. 

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

For appointments to the position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• Ability to develop and conduct high quality research
• Ability to work in the research group environment

The main criteria for evaluation of candidates are scientific skills, problem solving skills, and the potential to contribute to the overall goals of the research project. We are searching for a highly dedicated, self-motivated PhD in biomechanics, bio-fluid dynamics, functional morphology, aerodynamics, bioinspired robotics or similar, with a strong background in research on animal biomechanics or fluid dynamics.

The person is also expected to be organized and able to communicate with media and students. Documented ability to write and communicate in English at an advanced level is a requirement.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, ability to organize and conduct experimental aerodynamic work. Experience working with particle image velocimetry, or similar techniques, as well as programming skills in Matlab or other relevant languages will also be considered. Perseverance to conduct experimental work, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the research group, and how they stand to contribute to its future development will also be evaluated. 

Additional merits

• Experience of experimental fluid dynamic studies using particle image velocimetry.
• Previous experience working with animals (flight or swimming) and using Matlab.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills relevant to the project.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of two years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.
• if selected for interview, we also expect an electronic copy of the PhD-thesis