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Vacancies: 2 postdoctoral positions in Modelling Evolutionary Processes (eco-evo-devo)
7 December 2016
Call for applications for two postdoctoral research positions in the area of evolutionary systems biology in the lab of Dr Richard Watson at the University of Southampton.
Fellows will build on recent developments unifying evolutionary theory with learning theory. This work converts theoretical tools of learning systems to deepen and expand our understanding of natural evolution. Both positions will use computational and/or mathematical modelling to explore the adaptive capabilities of different functional processes and different assumptions about the processes of and feedbacks within natural selection: the selective conditions in which it takes place, the variation on which it can act, and the heritability of that variation. We focus on modelling how these components of the Darwinian Machine (i.e. selection, variation and inheritance) change over time as a function of past evolution.
Themes addressed within these projects include evolution of:
- developmental organisations, plasticity, and evolvability (evo-devo)
- ecological organisations, collective function and niche construction in ecosystems (evo-eco)
- reproductive organisations and transitions in individuality (evo-ego)
The successful candidates will build mathematical/simulation models to develop our understanding of how ecological, developmental and reproductive feedbacks alter evolutionary dynamics and test the utility of learning theory to characterise them.
Full Time Fixed Term 2 years
£29,301 to £36,001 per annum (depending on experience)
Applications close 29 January 2017
Start date 1 June 2017
For further information and applications, refer to the university recruitment portal or contact [email address=”R.A.Watson@soton.ac.uk” name=”Dr Richard Watson”].