PhD Student -Biomechanics of Insect Cuticle: Explore the biomechanics of insect cuticle as a PhD student in a cross-disciplinary scientific project at the University of Applied Sciences Bremen. This position is part of a DFG-funded study project focused on understanding how insect exoskeletons react to cyclic loading, with a particular emphasis on fatigue and repair mechanisms.
Designation: PhD Student
Research Area: Biomechanics of Insect Cuticle
Location: University of Applied Sciences Bremen, Bremen, Germany
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Successfully completed Master of Science/Uni-Diploma (or close to completion) in biology, biomimetics, engineering, materials sciences, or a related discipline.
- Experience in mechanical characterization of biological materials, microscopy, and microCT techniques is advantageous.
- Good knowledge of standard research software (office, statistical software, Matlab, R, Python).
- Very good language skills in English; language skills in German at least level A2.
- Willingness to work in an interdisciplinary team.
Job Description:
As a PhD student, your responsibilities will include:
- Designing and performing experiments to analyze the biomechanics of insect cuticle, with a focus on fatigue and repair mechanisms.
- Publishing results in scientific journals and presenting at conferences.
- Co-supervising B.Sc, M.Sc. theses, and student assistants.
- Providing support in project administration.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit the following documents by 05.01.2024 via career.hs-bremen.de:
- One-page letter explaining your qualification and motivation to pursue a PhD in insect biomechanics.
- CV including the names and contact details of two academic references.
- Diploma with the transcript of records.
Last Date for Apply: 05.01.2024
Qualifications
| Minimum Qualifications | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Completed Master of Science/Uni-Diploma (or close) | Experience in mechanical characterization |
| Good knowledge of microscopy and microCT techniques | |
| Language skills in German at least level A2 | |
| Willingness to work in an interdisciplinary team |
Responsibilities
- Design and perform experiments on the biomechanics of insect cuticle.
- Publish results in scientific journals and present at conferences.
- Co-supervise B.Sc, M.Sc. theses, and student assistants.
- Support project administration.
Note: For degrees completed outside the EU, provide an assessment from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) or a PDF excerpt from the ANABIN database. For vocational qualifications outside Germany, submit the German translation and recognition details from BIBB. Women, candidates with disabilities, and those with a migration background are encouraged to apply. For inquiries, contact Prof. Dr. Jan-Henning Dirks at jan-henning.dirks@hs-bremen.de. Learn more about the University of Applied Sciences Bremen at www.hs-bremen.de/en.
