The Astley Lab is seeking a postdoc interested in snake locomotion as part of the PI’s CAREER grant (Award Abstract), with approximately 3 years of funding remaining.

This project seeks to investigate the muscular mechanisms of force and power generation during lateral undulation in snakes, the control of contact forces, and whether and how the mechanical and control demands of locomotion conflict. This investigation will use a wide range of techniques including force-sensing and mechanically active test arenas, in vitro muscle physiology, and robotics, and experience with any these techniques is advantageous (though we can train people in any or all of them), as is familiarity with the care and handling of snakes. This position also includes a substantial educational component, using live animal demos and novel “code-free” robotics methods to provide disadvantaged students experience in bio-inspired robotics.

Applicants should submit their CV and references via the University of Akron HR Website, and can email Dr. Astley at hastley@uakron.edu with any questions.  Review of applications begins 8/14/23.