Research Associate

A NERC-funded two-year PDRA position in the School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol is available to join Professor Andy Radford’s vibrant research team, investigating the provision and value of public goods in non-human animals. This interdisciplinary project will combine field experiments with theoretical modelling and analysis of long-term behavioural and life-history data, to determine how short- and long-term social factors affect the provision and value of public goods in cross-commodity trades. This PDRA post is to focus primarily on the theoretical modelling element (in collaboration with Dr Andy Higginson, Psychology, University of Exeter), working alongside another PDRA who will be focusing on the empirical work. Start date: 1st February 2024.

The role-holder will design, develop and analyse mathematical and computational models of biological markets in small groups; they will work in close collaboration with the empirical PDRA to generate predictions that can be tested using data from the long-term Dwarf Mongoose Research Project (https://dwarfmongooseresearch.weebly.com/). The role-holder will also conduct literature reviews, write papers and run school events. The majority of the time will be spent in Bristol, with visits to Exeter to liaise with the theoretical modelling groups of Dr Andy Higginson and colleagues.

The successful candidate will have a PhD (or working towards one) in a relevant subject, a strong interest in social behaviour, and will be able to develop and implement models of animal behaviour, especially game theory, using analytical mathematics and/or computer programs in R, C++, Python or another language. They will be highly motivated, collaborative and an excellent communicator (especially with respect to writing), and have a demonstrable desire to learn new skills.

For informal enquiries please contact Professor Andy Radford (Andy.Radford@bristol.ac.uk ).

We recently launched our strategy  to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people – because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

Available documents

A NERC-funded two-year PDRA position in the School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol is available to join Professor Andy Radford’s vibrant research team, investigating the provision and value of public goods in non-human animals. This interdisciplinary project will combine field experiments with theoretical modelling and analysis of long-term behavioural and life-history data, to determine how short- and long-term social factors affect the provision and value of public goods in cross-commodity trades. This PDRA post is to focus primarily on the theoretical modelling element (in collaboration with Dr Andy Higginson, Psychology, University of Exeter), working alongside another PDRA who will be focusing on the empirical work. Start date: 1st February 2024.

The role-holder will design, develop and analyse mathematical and computational models of biological markets in small groups; they will work in close collaboration with the empirical PDRA to generate predictions that can be tested using data from the long-term Dwarf Mongoose Research Project (https://dwarfmongooseresearch.weebly.com/). The role-holder will also conduct literature reviews, write papers and run school events. The majority of the time will be spent in Bristol, with visits to Exeter to liaise with the theoretical modelling groups of Dr Andy Higginson and colleagues.

The successful candidate will have a PhD (or working towards one) in a relevant subject, a strong interest in social behaviour, and will be able to develop and implement models of animal behaviour, especially game theory, using analytical mathematics and/or computer programs in R, C++, Python or another language. They will be highly motivated, collaborative and an excellent communicator (especially with respect to writing), and have a demonstrable desire to learn new skills.

For informal enquiries please contact Professor Andy Radford (Andy.Radford@bristol.ac.uk ).

We recently launched our strategy  to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people – because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

Available documents