Bio-inspired structures draw their primary inspiration from the sheer fecundity of nature in the diversity of forms and their constant evolution in order to better adapt to their environment. Over the past years, considerable achievements have been made towards establishing complex relationships between internal structures of bio-inspired materials and their mechanical properties. Nevertheless, there remains much to be understood about the underlying mechanisms.

The project aims at developing a computational framework for multi-scale modelling and simulation of bio-inspired engineering structures as part of a systematic approach to optimise form and function. Confidence in optimisation results and the subsequent structural performance derived from detailed computational modelling will be achieved through carrying out a variety of experimental tests in collaboration with research partners.

Applicants should have a first or upper second class UK honours degree (or equivalent) in solid mechanics, biomaterials, materials engineering or a related discipline. A Master’s level qualification is desirable but not essential. A strong background in advanced structural/material modelling and numerical simulations is required.

Interested candidates should send their application including a cover letter (explaining background and motivation), CV, and publication record (if applicable) preferably as one single PDF file to Dr Payam Khazaeinejad at [email protected] .