Supervisors: Prof. Alasdair Houston, Prof. John McNamara & Dr Tim Fawcett
We are seeking a talented, enthusiastic student for a PhD position in our group, as part of an exciting new ERC-funded project on 'The evolution of mechanisms controlling behaviour'. This is an ambitious, interdisciplinary project which aims to shed light on the internal workings of behaviour and lead to a better understanding of how evolution has shaped decision making in a wide variety of animals, from invertebrates to humans.
The project
The PhD project will involve the development of mathematical and computational models of behaviour, based on evolutionary theory. A key part of the work will be to integrate mechanistic considerations into evolutionary models, to understand how behaviour is affected by constraints in evolved psychological/physiological systems (McNamara & Houston 2009, Trends Ecol. Evol. 24, 670-675). Within the aims of the project, the candidate will be free to work along the lines that interest them most.
The PhD project will be theoretical, involving techniques such as optimality theory, game theory, genetic algorithms and neural networks. Training in these methods will be provided, but we are seeking a student with good skills in mathematics or computer science.
The working environment
The successful candidate will join a new, dynamic research group run by Profs Houston and McNamara, world leaders in theoretical approaches to studying animal behaviour. The MAD group (www.bristol.ac.uk/biology/research/behaviour/mad) is based in the School of Biological Sciences and has strong links with researchers in Mathematics, Computer Science and Psychology. We have ongoing collaborations with experts throughout the EU, and there will be opportunities to travel to international workshops and conferences during the PhD.
The University of Bristol is one of the top research universities in the UK and the pre-eminent institute for theoretical studies of animal behaviour. Students have access to world-class library and computing facilities and are immersed in a vibrant research environment, with numerous seminar series, frequent visits from prominent international scientists and an active social scene. The School of Biological Sciences runs a training scheme for graduate students to improve skills in statistics, communication, time management, public engagement and much more besides.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking a student with good mathematical and/or computational skills. Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) a degree in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or a related discipline. We also encourage applications from Biological Sciences students whose degree includes a substantial (i.e. > 30%) mathematical component. A keen interest in evolutionary biology is essential.
The studentship is open to all EU students. Those from the UK need at least an upper second-class Bachelors degree to take up the position.
The studentship is available for three and a half years with a stipend of £13,590 per annum, and will start in October 2011 or soon after.
How to apply
Please send the following documents to tim.fawcett@bristol.ac.uk:
- a CV including the names and contact details (e-mail address, postal address, phone number) of two academic referees
- a cover letter explaining why you want to do a PhD and why this particular project interests you.
The deadline for applications is 21 April 2011.
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