iMECHAMORPHO : in silico MECHAnics of MORPHOgenesis in biological and biomimetic multi-functional materials (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Nature has evolved to produce a stunning diversity of optimized porous architectures that simultaneously perform a variety of functions (for example, coloration, transparency, thermoregulation, hydrophobicity) and yet the mechanisms governing their formation are only just beginning to be understood. A paradigmatic example is butterfly wing scales: large cells that are patterned hierarchically (layer-by-layer) and designed to function upon programmed cell-death. They offer the potential to inspire biomimetic approaches for the creation of multifunctional materials at these particularly demanding (sub-micron) scales. This project will undertake time-resolved, multi-scale modeling of the topological changes observed during butterfly wing development and characterize in silico the morphological phase space of achievable biological and biomimetic interfaces, for potential applications ranging from photovoltaics, photonics to flexible electronics and soft actuators.

Situated at the interface of functional ecology, evolution, morphogenesis, soft matter mechanics, and materials engineering, this thesis project aims to develop a mechanistic understanding of the development of butterfly wing scales. The scientific objectives revolve around two complementary axes: (1) extending our current model of the macroscopic mechanics of ridges to account for the full hierarchical diversity and biological richness of the butterfly wing scale; and (2) iteratively modeling the phase behavior of interfaces in biological and biomimetic metamaterials, paving the way for the design of richer, defect-tolerant architectures, some of which will be realized experimentally as proof-of-concept to validate the models.

Consequently, the thesis work will involve theory (UA) and numerical analyses (conducted at IRBI and UA) utilizing high-resolution computational modeling (for instance, employing high performance computing clusters such as CaSciModOT); close collaboration with other laboratory staff engaged in studying insect scale development at IRBI; and, finally, the experimental macro-scale realization of a subset of the morphologies using synthetic materials (at PMMH). By integrating theory and numerics with experimental approaches, this thesis project offers comprehensive interdisciplinary training with career prospects in both academic and industrial sectors. This represents a rare opportunity for international mobility between major, world-renowned scientific hubs in the field of interdisciplinary sciences.

Your Work Environment

The Insect Biology Research Institute (IRBI, UMR 7261, CNRS / University of Tours) is recruiting a PhD candidate for a 3-year term, commencing October 1, 2026. The PhD project entitled "iMECHAMORPHO: in silico MECHAnics of MORPHOgenesis in biological and biomimetic multifunctional materials" is fully funded by the CNRS as part of a joint doctoral program between the CNRS and the University of Arizona, supported by the French-Arizona Institute for Global Grand Challenges, an initiative at the forefront of international scientific endeavors. The PhD candidate will be co-supervised by Vinodkumar SARANATHAN (within IRBI's INOV team specializing in physical and evolutionary ecology and insect-environment interactions), Benoît ROMAN (PMMH) in France, and Shankar VENKATARAMANI (UA Math) in the United States. The project will draw upon the collective expertise of all three laboratories where research will take place. The successful candidate will work within a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment, interacting with world-leading experts in biological photonics, biomimetics, and the applied mechanics and mathematics of soft deformable materials, spanning both theoretical and experimental approaches. Tours is a vibrant modern city situated in heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Loire Valley, the cradle of French Renaissance, and connected by very good public transportation (buses, trams and direct high-speed trains connections: 1h to Paris). Tucson, Arizona, is recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy for its Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine and is renowned for its sunny climate (over 350 days per year). As for Paris, need we say more!

Constraints and risks

No specific risks are associated with this thesis project. However, the project involves regular travel between laboratories in France, as well as periods of mobility at the University of Arizona as part of an international collaboration; this requires strong logistical organization and advance planning skills for travel arrangements.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions