The Research Group “Mathematics and mechanics of plant morphogenesis” is seeking to fill a Postdoc position (m/f/d) as soon as possible:

     Postdoc Project: Multiscale, multiphysics, mathematical
                                    modelling of  plant morphogenesis


1 Description of the project

Plant growth is a complex hydromechanical process in which cells enlarge through water uptake, while their walls expand and remodel under turgor-driven tension. In multicellular tissues, where cells are mechanically interconnected, morphogenesis emerges from the combined effects of local growth processes, shaped by heterogeneous mechanical, physical, and chemical fields that act with varying degrees of non-local influence. From a mathematical perspective, this constitutes a multiphysics problem that is typically multiscale. A rational understanding of plant morphogenesis therefore requires dedicated mathematical approaches.
      At the cellular scale, computational models provide insight into the complex dynamics of individual cell growth and water transport within tissues [1]. At the tissue scale, we have developed a continuum theory of plant growth that treats tissue as a poromorphoelastic body—a growing poroelastic medium in which growth arises from pressure-driven defor-mations and osmotically driven water uptake [3, 5]. At the scale of an organ, such as a shoot or a root, differential growth generates large macroscopic deformations that alter the posture of the organ. Here, dimensional-reduction-based methods can help elucidate the overall dynamics of plant motion [2, 4].
      In this project, the candidate will be expected to explore a range of fundamental and applied problems in mathematical modelling of plant morphogenesis based on these approaches. Depending on their preferences and abilities, this work may involve more numerical or analytical aspects.


2 Selection criteria

1. The candidate should hold a PhD degree in mathematics or a related
    discipline.
2. Knowledge of solid mechanics, partial differential equations, asymptotic
    methods, numerical methods, and/or homogenisation are strongly desired.
3. Capacity and autonomy to propose novel and original ideas in an
     exploratory, interdisciplinary project.
4. Motivation to work in a biology-dominated environment and enthusiasm to
    collaborate with experimentalists.
5. Oral and written professional English proficiency
6. Autonomy and efficiency in scientific writing and oral communication.
7. Capacity to communicate efficiently with colleagues from different 
    disciplines.
8. Willingness to contribute to the day-to-day guidance of a PhD student.