Funded PhD position on Biomechanical Modelling of Butterfly Wing Nanostructure Formation

About the Project

Complex nanostructures are widespread in nature, yet their formation remains poorly understood in any biological system. This exciting PhD project aims to unravel the detailed mechanisms controlling how these intricate structures develop and are precisely patterned at the cellular level.

Butterfly wings represent nature's pinnacle of nanostructural engineering. These wings are covered in thousands of tiny scales, each produced by a single cell and intricately patterned with nanostructures that confer remarkable optical, mechanical, and aerodynamic properties. Butterflies achieve what engineers can only dream of—producing structures that are precisely patterned across multiple length scales, from the nanometer to the macroscopic level.

Understanding how cells produce and pattern these structures with nanometer-scale precision represents a fundamental challenge in developmental biology. Success in this field will produce a step-change in our understanding of biological nanostructure formation and unlock new possibilities for biomimetic applications, where characterising and replicating these natural structures has long been a research target.

Research Approach

This project combines cutting-edge observational and experimental techniques with sophisticated biomechanical modelling. The research will employ an iterative approach where:

Biomechanical Modelling: Data from observational and experimental work will inform and constrain comprehensive biomechanical models of nanostructure formation. These models will incorporate:

• Analytical approximations for complex biological systems

• Finite-element methods for solving partial differential equations

• Stress-strain balance calculations

• Mass-transfer phenomena analysis

• Material characteristics evaluation

• Mechanical instability predictions (including buckling phenomena)

The modelling work will not only be informed by experimental observations but will also generate specific, testable predictions. These predictions will drive further investigations through advanced microscopy, genetic studies, and targeted

This project offers exceptional mentorship from a world-class interdisciplinary team:

• Dr Andrew Parnell (Uni. Of Sheffield)

• Dr Nicola Nadeau (Uni. Of Sheffield)

With support and strong interactions from Professor Mathias Kolle (MIT)

We seek a motivated candidate with:

• Strong background in physics, engineering, mathematics, or related quantitative discipline

• Interest in biological systems and interdisciplinary research

• Experience or willingness to learn computational modelling techniques

• Enthusiasm for combining theoretical and experimental approaches

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to our fundamental understanding of how nature creates some of its most sophisticated structures, with implications spanning from basic developmental biology to advanced materials engineering.

What is on offer

• 3.5 years of funding as part of a Leverhulme Trust funded research project grant

• This includes a stipend at the standard UKRI rate

• You would receive training in all the skills and techniques you would need for the project in addition to having access to broader training opportunities in the university

Unfortunately this position is only open to UK applicants who are classed as "Home" students for fee purposes. 

How to apply 

For further information and to apply:

Please email Andrew Parnell and Nicola Nadeau with your CV and a statement of your interests.