Research Associate (Fixed Term) Part-time

Research Associate Position

A Research Associate post is available in the Behaviour and Evolution Group directed by Rufus Johnstone in the Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge.

The applicant will help to develop new theoretical models to explore the role of intergroup conflict in the evolution of animal societies, as part of an ERC Advanced Grant (INTERGROUP) awarded to Rufus Johnstone and Michael Cant and funded by the UKRI under the Horizon Guarantee programme.

Intergroup conflict is recognised as a potentially powerful force shaping the evolution of social behaviour in animal societies. However, we have limited theory to explain and predict when intergroup fights will break out, how long they will last, how they will end, or their consequences for individual behaviour and life history. This successful applicant will address these questions by developing new theoretical models of conflict initiation, dynamics, and consequences for life history allocation. The goal of the modelling work is to generate predictions that can be tested using data from the mongoose and termite systems or published data in other taxa.

The successful applicant will join the Behaviour and Evolution research group based in the Department of Zoology, directed by Rufus Johnstone. They will form part of the larger group of researchers working on the INTERGROUP project based at the universities of Exeter, Swansea, Liverpool John Moores and York. They will participate in regular meetings with the team, with potential opportunities for collaboration and short visits as the project develops. Candidates will be highly motivated and keen to interact with other components of the wider project. An interest in and aptitude for evolutionary theory and modelling is desirable, although training in formal modelling techniques will also be provided. Close teamwork and a collaborative spirit will be essential, but team members will be expected to demonstrate scientific independence matching their technical expertise. There will be opportunities to contribute to training new team members and to general project management, as well as to participate in public engagement activities.

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