Position Description:
Vocal communication is fundamental to primate social behaviour. However, vocalisations vary extremely widely among primate taxa in terms of both acoustic parameters (e.g., call frequency) and the range of vocalisations different species produce (i.e., vocal repertoire). This project aims to develop a new framework to investigate the evolution of primate communication systems using interdisciplinary methods. Research will focus on two model taxa, howler monkeys (Alouatta) and colobine monkeys (Colobinae).
The project aims to:
describe the full variation in vocal anatomy among the study species
describe the range of vocalisations produced by each species using bioacoustics methods
carry out playback experiments on selected species to understand the behavioural function of vocal signals
The candidate will make significant advances in theoretical aspects of the evolution of animal signals, integrating statistical, field and laboratory analyses. This covers a range of expertise, including: spatial analyses, phylogenetic comparative methods, bioacoustics and anatomy/morphometrics.
Qualifications/Experience:
Potential applicants should contact one of the above Proposed Supervisory Team before submitting an application. When you are ready to apply, you will need to complete an application form for our Animal & Environmental Biology PhD. In the section of the application form entitled ‘Outline research proposal’, please clearly state the title of this research project and that you are applying for a PhD Studentship. Your application must include your CV and a covering letter indicating why you would like to do the project and what skills, experience, and personal qualities you possess that you feel are relevant to the project.
Salary/funding:
This 36 month Studentship will provide a bursary (currently £14,057 p.a.), research expenses, and will cover all UK/EU level tuition fees for up to 36 months. Applications from non-UK/EU students are welcome, but studentships for these students will only cover tuition fees up to the value of UK/EU tuition fees (£4,500) and students will be liable for the remainder.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Research support is available
Term of Appointment:
3 years
Application Deadline:
25 July 2016
Comments:
Please contact Dr Jacob Dunn by email for further details
Contact Information:
Jacob Dunn CB2 3QG
United Kingdom
E-mail Address:
jacob.dunn@anglia.ac.uk