Project: Biophysical and morphological coevolution of egg micropyles and sperm in insects Location: University of Lincoln, UK Contract: 3 years. Fixed-term role available from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2029 (flexible start date). Working type: on-site Closing date: 22-May-2026 This is an externally-funded PDRA position supporting the Leverhulme project “Biophysical and morphological coevolution of egg micropyles and sperm in insects”. Insect eggs are incredibly intricate and complex structures which are poorly studied compared to sperm. To fertilise insect eggs, sperm must pass through a tiny pore called a micropyle, which connect to a channel leading inside the egg. Through our previous work on insect egg and sperm, we have shown that sperm and egg micropyles co-evolve. The aim of this project is to quantify and explore the form and function of insect egg micropyles across insects by combining novel methods across evolutionary analysis, mathematical modelling, micro-scale experiments and 3D printing. You will have a PhD (or close to completion) in biophysics, bioengineering, mathematical biology or a closely allied discipline along with experience in creating, writing, enhancing, and running code in R/Python, using and developing microfluidic devices and advanced imaging. You will have excellent communication skills with the ability to talk to different audiences, as you will be collaborating with a team of researchers across multiple disciplines both in the UK and overseas. You will be embedded in an intellectually vibrant, interdisciplinary environment at University of Lincoln, working with: Dr Graziella Iossa (https:// https://graziellaiossa.weebly.com/) Professor Carl Soulsbury (https://life-historyresearch.weebly.com/) As well as collaborators at the University of Tulane, USA. How to apply and further information Please apply via the UoL jobs website: https://jobs.lincoln.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?ref=CHS310 Informal enquiries very welcome! Email: giossa@lincoln.ac.uk Senior Lecturer in Zoology School of Natural Sciences University of Lincoln Graziella Iossa (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to evoldir@evoldir.net)