Two qualified PhD students are sought to join the Primatology and Biological Anthropology Group in the School of Human Sciences at The University of Western Australia (UWA) in Perth and carry out fieldwork-based research in primate behavioural ecology under the principal supervision of Senior Lecturer Cyril C. Grueter.
In 2016, we launched a project in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, whose overarching goal is to elucidate how the local chimpanzee population has adapted to a relatively marginal, high-altitude environment. Our research thus far has focused on the chimpanzees’ dietary profile and responses to food shortages, grouping patterns, and the influence of landscape characteristics on ranging decisions and spatial cognition. We are now furthering this research by examining additional ways in which ecological challenges have led to evolved or plastic behavioural responses. We will specifically focus on strategies that the chimpanzees use to avoid energy deficits and remain thermoneutral, i.e. meat acquisition through hunting, the use of agricultural produce, construction of well-insulated nests, tool use to extract nutritious food, and physiological ways of conserving energy and generating heat.
Competitive applicants will hold a M.Sc. or Honours in zoology, (biological) anthropology or related fields and have a strong interest in animal behaviour. General UWA PhD entrance requirements can be found on https://www.uwa.edu.au/study. Demonstrated scientific creativity and familiarity with statistical analyses (preferably using R) as well as prior field experience (preferably in tropical areas) and physical endurance are required.
Please note that these are NOT fully funded PhD positions. The students are expected to be scholarship competitive, i.e. have a track record of high academic achievement and published at least one paper in an international journal. Domestic students may apply for an UWA Research Training Program stipend or University Postgraduate Award. International students may apply for an UWA International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (http://www.scholarships.uwa.edu.au/) to cover their living expenses. Partial funding for the project is available, but the candidates are expected to seek additional funding from granting agencies for the project-related expenses.
If you’re interested and meet the above criteria, please send your CV, copy of academic transcripts and a writing sample (e.g. your thesis or first-authored publication) to Dr. Cyril C. Grueter, School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, 6009, WA, Australia; e-mail: cyril.grueter@uwa.edu.au; phone: +61 (8) 6488 8643.