Starting Fall 2023

We are seeking a motivated candidate to join our biophysics group. The project will involve mechanical modeling (FEM) and 3D image analysis of growing plant organs. A background in Biophysics, Physics, Computer Sciences or Mathematics is required. Biology students with a strong interest in physics and programming are encouraged to apply. Experience with modeling or programming (C++, python, matlab) are a strong asset.

The PhD student will model organ growth to understand how biological shapes are generated from a physics perspective [1,2]. The project is based on mechanical simulations [3] and 3D image analysis [4]. The candidate will work in close collaboration with experimentalists (physicists and biologists) from the Routier lab and Kierzkowski lab. Our group belongs to the Research Institute in Plant Biology (IRBV) at University of Montreal.  

Please send your candidature to al.routier@umontreal.ca before April 15^th , 2023:

• motivation letter and research interests (1 page max)
• CV and grade records
• email addresses of 2 referees.

More information about our research:   https://routierlab.com/

Literature:
[1] “Multiple mechanisms behind plant bending.” Jonsson et al., Nature Plants, 1-9 (2022) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-022-01310-y
[2] “Cellular basis of growth in plants: geometry matters.” Kierzkowski & Routier-Kierzkowska, Current Opinion in Plant Biology 47, 56-63 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbi.2018.09.008
[3] https://morphographx.org/morphomechanx/
[4] “MorphoGraphX: A platform for quantifying morphogenesis in 4D” Barbier de Reuille, Routier-Kierzkowska et al., eLife 4, e05864 (2015). http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.05864.