Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow in Theoretical Evolutionary Biology
Develop evolutionary models and simulations to study the co-evolution of social structure and learning.
Best for:Best for theoretical biologists and evolutionary modellers with strong simulation and programming backgrounds.
Overview
The University of Exeter is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to join the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the Penryn Campus. Working alongside Dr Bram Kuijper and Professor Alex Thornton, the successful candidate will contribute to the NERC-funded project exploring how learning and social structures mutually influence each other. The role focuses on developing individual-based evolutionary simulations and theoretical frameworks to generate testable predictions. The researcher will collaborate closely with empirical teams studying wild jackdaws and participate in the Wild Cognition Research Group. This is a full-time, fixed-term position running from May 2027 until May 2029.
What you'll do
- Develop evolutionary models and individual-based simulations using programming languages such as C++, R, or Python.
- Interpret model outputs to establish predictive frameworks linking social decision-making and social evolution.
- Collaborate closely with empirical researchers studying wild jackdaws as part of the project.
- Publish research findings in high-quality peer-reviewed journals and present outcomes at academic conferences.
- Prepare external funding proposals and contribute to research project development for fellowship applicants.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD or nearing completion in behavioral ecology, evolutionary biology, theoretical biology, or a related field
Language: English
Instruction: English
Publications: Strong track record of high quality publications in theoretical evolutionary biology for fellowship applicants.
- Proven skills in evolutionary modelling and computational evolutionary biology
- Experience with individual-based evolutionary simulations
- Proficiency in a programming language such as C++, R, or Python for simulation development
- Demonstrated experience in conducting and completing research from conception to publication
- Strong communication, teamwork, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills
- Applicants must possess or be close to completing a relevant PhD qualification.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-12-14
Interested applicants should read the full job description and person specification before submitting an application through the online university careers portal.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Job Description and Person Specification responses
Contact
Bram Kuijper· Dr
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