Research Fellow Palaeontology

The School of Biological and Environmental Sciences (https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/faculties/faculty-of-science/school-of-biological-and-environmental-sciences) seeks to appoint a post-doctoral researcher as part of a UKRI Horizon Europe Guarantee (formerly ERC Consolidator Grant) awarded to Prof Peter Falkingham, to study evolutionary locomotor biomechanics on the dinosaur-bird lineage from fossil footprints.

This post-doctoral position will focus on producing biomechanics simulations of the hind limbs in dinosaurs and birds, interacting with compliant substrates. The data will include 3D kinematics from XROMM and fossil tracks, lab-based force measurements, and discrete element method particle simulations.

The ideal candidate will have solid, evidencable experience in either:
Musculoskeletal modelling of locomotion, with strong working knowledge of software such as OpenSimm, MuJoCo etc

-or-

Compliant substrate simulations using the Discrete Element Method, Material Point Method, or similar. Our group is currently using LIGGGHTS, and experience in this area is preferred, but we are open to working with different software and methods.

You will work closely with the PI and other team members of the project, integrating results with each other. You will be expected to present your work via peer-reviewed publication and presentation and conferences.

In return, we offer an excellent benefits package including generous annual leave entitlement, pension scheme, induction, and development support as well as family-friendly policies.

This is an exciting time to join the university as we deliver the LJMU Strategy 2030 and its vision of LJMU as an inclusive civic university transforming lives and futures, by placing students at the heart of everything we do.

If you feel that this is the role you have been looking for and your skills and experience can make a real difference at LJMU, we look forward to hearing from you.

Informal enquiries may be made to Prof. Peter Falkingham (p.l.falkingham@ljmu.ac.uk), PI of the UKRI Horizon Europe Guarantee project TRACKEVOL.

LJMU values diversity and provides a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can fulfil their potential.

Please note all of our vacancies will be closed to applications at midnight on the advertised closing date, unless otherwise stated.