PhD opportunity to study social networks and cooperation in sociable weavers
A funded 4-year PhD position is available to study social network associations and cooperation using a long-term study on sociable weavers at Benfontein reserve, South Africa. The PhD work is part of an ERC-funded project that is investigating the role of partner choice in the evolution of cooperation. The successful candidate will be registered at the University of Porto (with possibility of having a joint PhD degree through the Universities of Porto and Montpellier). The successful candidate will investigate feeding and roosting networks in this highly social species, and will use correlational data and experiments to examine the links between cooperation and social associations. The student will be working under the supervision of Rita Covas (CIBIO, University of Porto, Portugal), Claire Doutrelant (CEFE-CNRS, Montpellier, France) and André Ferreira (University of Zurich, Switzerland). S/He is expected to spend time in these different institutions, and to conduct fieldwork in South Africa. The project requires a strong interest in sociality and cooperation and a keen interest in state-of-the-art technologies such as RFID and robotics. Previous experience with fieldwork and social network analyses are advantageous. A valid driver’s license is required. Pre-application enquiries are welcome (please email rita.covas@cibio.up.pt , Claire.doutrelant@cefe.cnrs.fr or andrem343@hotmail.com )
To apply, please submit your application until the 23 January using the link https://www.cibio.pt/?p=1903
For more information: https://sociableweaverproject.com