PhD Position: Quantitative study of dynamical animal social networks ~ Bioblogia.net

4 de mayo de 2012

PhD Position: Quantitative study of dynamical animal social networks

At the Chair of Systems Design, we use methods from complex systems
theory to understand the structure and dynamics of social systems,
ranging from animal groups to human social networks. One of our areas of
interest is the study of evolving social networks, and the link between
the formation of social bonds and individual payoff.

We are starting a 3-year project in collaboration with the Institute of
Evolutionary Biology at the University of Zurich to study the incentives
of social interaction and social bond formation. The project will
combine the analysis of a large data set on social interactions and
individual fitness in a population of wild house mice with formal models
of network formation in economic and social systems. It will also involve
experimental manipulation of the social network to study its robustness
and adaptivity to structural changes.

We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate to join interdisciplinary
research group in charge of this project. Whilst we are looking for
people with a quantitative background in order to efficiently conduct
data analysis and deal with formal models, the candidate will also
interact extensively with researchers from the field of behavioural and
evolutionary biology. As such, the candidate is expected to have a keen
interest beyond the boundaries of his/her original field.

The candidate will have the opportunity to integrate in a lively team
of scientists with various backgrounds (from economics to computer
science), and maintain close collaboration with biologists from the
partner institution. Occasional help with field work near Zurich may be
required. The position requires strong communication skills and fluent
English, written and spoken.

We offer excellent working conditions in a motivated team,  a competitive
salary (according to the ETH Zurich salary scale), and innovative research
in close collaboration with leading institutions all over the world.

Applicants are asked to send their curriculum vitae, a list of their
publications (if applicable), names of at least two references, and
a short overview of their research interests (all in PDF files and in
English) to Ms. Rahel Dulik, rdulik@ethz.ch

For specific inquiries, Prof. Frank Schweitzer (fschweitzer@ethz.ch)
should be contacted.

The candidate is expected to start in July or August 2012 (flexible
starting date). We expect applications at the latest by May 20, 2012. If
no suitable candidate is found at this date, the position will be remain
open for a second round of interviews at a later date.



Dr. Nicolas Perony, ETH Zurich, Chair of Systems Design,
KPL F 32, Kreuzplatz 5, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland
Tel +41 44 632 84 39, Fax +41 44 632 18 80
http://www.sg.ethz.ch/people/peronyn

Find your job here