Graduate Student Position: Cognition in wild, native bees
Location: University of California, Davis
Organization: Labs of Felicity Muth and Neal Williams, University of California, Davis
Contract Type: Graduate student position
Main Description: A graduate student position is available in the labs of Felicity Muth and Neal Williams at the University of California, Davis. Start date: Fall 2026. This project will compare cognitive traits across multiple species to ask how ecological requirements (such as dietary generalization vs. specialization) shape cognition. Species' cognitive traits are assumed to be adaptive and shaped by their ecology. However, there are relatively few examples of this, since measuring cognition in wild animals across multiple species has its challenges – and the examples that do exist are largely restricted to vertebrates. Wild bees encompass around 20,000 species and vary in many aspects of their ecology, offering a promising system to address such questions. The work will involve developing protocols to work with native bees of multiple species, mentored by Drs Muth and Williams. While certain experiments are already planned, the graduate student will also be encouraged to develop their own project ideas under the general umbrella of project aims.
Work is expected to be a combination of lab-based, greenhouse-based and field-based at the Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility and field sites within 2 hours drive from Davis. UC Davis is a leading institution in the field of animal behavior, as well as being a hub for bee research.
Requirements: The applicant would ideally have experience either working in animal behavior or cognition, or experience working with native bees. Candidates should have some prior research experience. The student would apply through either the Animal Behavior graduate group or the Entomology graduate group (please refer to websites to see details and application deadlines, since these vary by graduate group).
Benefits/Conditions: The position will be part-funded through the National Geographic Society as part of the "Wildlife Intelligence Project" program. In addition, the student will gain teaching experience as a Teaching Assistant for some quarters. Depending on the graduate group applied to and fellowships gained, there will also be additional funding support through these. The student can expect weekly meetings with Drs Muth and Williams. UC Davis is a hub for animal behavior and bee research, and the student will have ample opportunities for interacting with colleagues (including the weekly seminars in behavior, ecology, entomology, the insect ecology discussion group, as well as social events). The student will gain training in conducting behavioral experiments, experimental design, data analysis, writing and presentation skills. As part of the Muth and Williams groups, the student will also participate in weekly lab meetings, outreach activities and social events. In addition, there is ample opportunity for mentorship experience through collaborating with postdoctoral researchers and mentoring undergraduates.
How to Apply: Applications will be reviewed and follow-up interviews conducted the first week of September and the first week of November – with slight advantage given to applicants who are in the first block. If you would like to apply for graduate student fellowships, please reach out to Felicity via email at least 1 month prior to that deadline (and ideally sooner) to receive feedback on applications.
Please go to: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHIHPf5kWNzl8MbPjDVi3QGk7UTOIWKtmFOIPTZS24DSHg4A/viewform?pli=1 and specify that you are interested in this project.
For further information regarding this position please contact Felicity Muth: fmuth@ucdavis.edu
