About the Project
In the last two decades, there has been a big leap in our understanding about the health and fitness benefits of social bonds in humans and other animals. However, a major outstanding question is why some individuals become isolated in societies, while others develop large networks of positive relationships. Recent evidence suggests genetics play a minor role in shaping social tendencies, with parental or environmental factors potentially more important, although often challenging to quantify, especially in humans. Non-human primates are ideal for addressing these issues given the continuity between human and non-human socio-cognition. Furthermore, human-derived changes to the environment are disrupting social structures for many primates, potentially disrupting the dynamics that allow individuals to build health-mediating relationships. How individuals form social tendencies is of key interest to ecological and evolutionary theory, while quantifying human disruption to these dynamics is fundamental to conservation efforts.
This project will use a study site with an unusually large number of wild, habituated groups of endangered macaques, to address how parents, group-level factors and human disturbance influence the development of social skills and relationships. Working with experienced researchers with expertise on social cognition, network analysis, and behavioural endocrinology, this project will combine data from non-invasive behavioural observations, field experiments, and hormone monitoring to generate a holistic insight into how social phenotypes emerge, and the vulnerability of these processes to human disturbance. The project will be broadly of interest and impactful in the fields of anthropology, psychology, and behavioural ecology.
The PhD student will join our flourishing School of Biological & Environmental Sciences, at Liverpool John Moores University and work under the supervisory team of Drs Patrick Tkaczynski, Nicola Koyama, and Emily Bethell, as well as external supervision from Liz Campbell (Atlas Golden Wolf Project, University of Oxford).
The PhD research will involve two field seasons (approximately 4 months each) and around 4 months of laboratory work analysing glucocorticoid concentrations from collected faecal samples. The field work is physically and mentally demanding, therefore, interested individuals should either have prior experience working with wild primates or related field work.
Funding Notes
This is a fully funded PhD studentship (consisting of full UK tuition fees for three years and student stipend at UK Research Council rates). The nature of the funding means only UK/Home students are eligible to apply for this studentship.
Qualifications/Experience
In addition to holding a masters or strong degree (e.g. 2.1 or higher) in zoology, animal behaviour or an equivalent biological sciences field, the ideal applicant will be able to demonstrate significant interest in and prior experience of behavioural data collection and laboratory work. Although not strictly required, basic French or Arabic skills would be an advantage. A driving licence is essential. A good working knowledge of statistical analysis using R, strong organisational skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a team would be advantageous. Full training in advanced statistical analysis and appropriate research methodologies will be provided by the supervisory team and through our Doctoral Academy. For an informal discussion or to enquire about this opportunity please email Patrick Tkaczynski (P.J.Tkaczynski@ljmu.ac.uk) for more information
Application Support
We are committed to make biological/environmental research more inclusive and are therefore keen to support candidates from groups that have long been underrepresented and/or marginalised. If you belong to such groups, we would like to offer dedicated pre-application advice and mentorship, so that you can prepare the strongest possible application. Please contact Dr Nicola Koyama or Prof Stefano Mariani.
Both the Faculty of Science and the School of Biological & Environmental Sciences have dedicated Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Groups, with the School EDI Coordinator leading collective action to promote and embed a culture of equity, diversity and inclusivity. We have a proactive Student EDI group, a Cultural Diversity Student network for ethnic minority students, and a group of Inclusion Ambassadors, who are staff trained to deal with microaggression and harassment. As a School, we embarked upon activities to begin to decolonise programme curricula almost two years ago: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/faculties/faculty-of-science/school-of-biological-and-environmental-sciences/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/decoloniality and earlier this year were awarded an Athena Swan Bronze award in recognition of our equality initiatives and action plan.
How to Apply
To apply, email a CV and covering letter detailing your suitability for the project and contact details of two referees to Patrick Tkaczynski (
P.J.Tkaczynski@ljmu.ac.uk). Applicants need to be available for interview (by video) on January the 12th and able to start at short notice (in February 2023 intake).