Project: Navigational strategies of Jumping Spiders
We have a fully funded International 4-year Master of Research + PhD position available to study visual navigation in jumping spiders. The position starts in mid-2025.
The overarching aim of the project is to study 1) the traits of jumping spiders, 2) the navigational challenges and decisions animals make and 3) the necessary visual and neural adaptations. Based on your interest and skills, we will work together to identify one of the three above aspects for the 4-year program. Candidate will be based at Macquarie University, Sydney. There will be opportunities to carry out fieldwork across Australia, film and analyse behaviours and learn a suite of microscopy techniques.
Candidates with demonstrable skills and interest in behaviour of jumping spiders, and analytical skills are preferred.
The project will be supervised by Associate Professor Ajay Narendra, Professor Mariella Herberstein, Professor Ximena Nelson and Professor Dinesh Rao.
Applications open on March 1, 2025; close on April 26, 2025. PhD stipend: $38,500 p.a.
If interested in this position, please contact Ajay Narendra [ajay.narendra AT mq.edu.au] with a short letter of motivation, a CV (include Grades/GPA), and the names of two referees.