Michał Kalkowski

University of Southampton is recruiting three Post-Doc Research Fellow / Research Associate positions in Plant Acoustics , spanning acoustics , mathematical modelling , and plant biology . This is a highly interdisciplinary project involving the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research , the School of Biological Sciences , and Mechanical Engineering . The project investigates how plants generate and respond to sound, including possible links to stress responses , root function , soil-plant transmission , and pollination . The team aims to combine controlled experiments, advanced measurement, signal analysis, and multiphysics modelling to build credible mechanisms and open datasets for the emerging field of plant acoustics. Open roles: (1) an acoustics-focused postdoctoral role to lead acoustic measurement, vibroacoustic analysis, signal processing, and experimental design; (2) a modelling-focused postdoctoral role to develop image-informed, multiscale, multiphysics models of acoustic emission and reception in plants; and (3) a biology-focused postdoctoral role to lead controlled plant growth, physiology, root/rhizosphere, microbiome, and pollination experiments. Eligibility highlights: applicants should have a PhD (or be near completion) or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline. The acoustics role seeks expertise in experimental acoustics, instrumentation, Python/MATLAB, and reproducible data workflows. The modelling role seeks strong computational modelling, FEM/multiphysics, scientific programming, and multiscale analysis. The biology role seeks plant biology/physiology or microbiology experience, controlled environment experiments, root and microbiome work, and quantitative analysis skills. Funding and start date: these are paid research positions at the University of Southampton; the post does not describe a scholarship or tuition package. The project is aiming to start from June 2026 by agreement. Application: use the University of Southampton jobs portal and apply to the relevant vacancy. Informal enquiries can be sent to Michal Kalkowski at [email protected] ; the biology role also lists Dr. William King at [email protected] .