PhD Fellowship in Neuromechanics and Motor Control of Voice

The Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark seeks a PhD candidate to study motor control and biomechanics of sound production across vertebrates.

• Start: 1 November 2024 or soon thereafter
• Duration: Three years.

The Vocal neuromechanics lab uses a combination of experimental and computational approaches to study motor control and physical mechanisms of sound production in the vocal vertebrates. We use and develop methods from biomechanics, electrophysiology, acoustics, and behaviour at different levels of organization (cellular, whole organ, in vivo).

Examples of our work: Elemans et al (2024) Nature 627: 123–129; Adam et al (2023) Nature Communs. 14: 7787; Madsen et al (2023) Science 379: 928-933.

The PhD fellow will use combined in vitro and ex vivo approaches studying vocal organ physiology in a comparative context. Experimental techniques from biomechanics, neuroscience and voice science will be used, such as high-speed imaging, 3D stereoscopy, muscle mechanics, EMG, sound and kinematic analysis.

We are looking for a highly motivated, dedicated and ambitious candidate with:

• Recent MSc degree - or similar - in biology or engineering, preferably with a background in neuroscience, bioacoustics or biomechanics
• Experience in signal analysis and programming (Python, R, Matlab, or equivalent)
• Excellent written and oral English language communication skills
• Strong communication and collaborative skills
• Interest in working in an interdisciplinary environment paired with excellent social skills.

We offer:

• A three-year PhD position in a stimulating and supportive, international research team, e.g. the Sound Communication and Behaviour Group
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure
• Excellent training in all aspects of this project
• The opportunity to work and interact with an extensive network of international collaborators
• A competitive salary and social benefits (e.g. health coverage, parental leave, social security etc.).

Requirements to complete a PhD at SDU

• Complete a study programme of 30 ECTS points
• in particular in the area of neurobiology and animal physiology- Participate in dissemination of science (e.g. conferences) and teaching for approx. one semester at BSc and MSc levels,
• Carry out an external research stay (max. nine months).
• Complete a PhD thesis including three scientific publications, all in three years
• Publicly defend your PhD.

Application deadline: 16 September 2024.

Please see the full call, including how to apply, on www.sdu.dk.