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Bristol
United Kingdom
Behavioural Biology
Data Analysis
Ecology
Entomology
Evolution
Machine Learning
Mathematical Modelling
Networks
Zoology
About the Project
Division of labour, whereby different tasks are carried out by different groups of workers, is often considered one of the main drivers of the ecological success of social insects (ants, bees, wasps & termites), because specialisation into tasks is predicted to increase performance and minimise task-switching costs. However, the evidence that division of labour does increase productivity in social insects is equivocal. Furthermore, most studies have been carried out using unrealistically simple experimental nests, thus ignoring a key benefit of division of labour: the effective organization of tasks in space, to optimise the flow of work from task to task and minimise interference between unrelated tasks. This project aims to investigate the synergies between nest architecture, division of labour and group-level productivity using ant colonies as a model system. The project will use a broad range of cutting-edge techniques for experimental manipulation (laser-cutting and 3D-printing of 2D- and 3D- experimental nests; access control using barcode-operated gates), data recording (automated barcode-based individual tracking; raspberry-pi controlled video recording) and analysis (custom code to analyse big data, network analysis). This project may uncover previously overlooked key aspects of ergonomic work organisation in societies occupying complex built structures, and so pave the way towards new bio-inspired principles for efficient and resilient architectural design.
University of Bristol Scholarship - How to apply
You can submit an application via the University of Bristol application portal: Start your application | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol selecting the relevant 4-year PhD programme, e.g. “Biological Sciences (PhD) (4yr)”.
Search for your programme and select it from the dropdown list to see the available start dates. Select ‘apply’ next to your chosen start date to begin your application.
Link to prospectus pages for School of Biochemistry giving entry requirements and admissions statement: Biological Sciences | Study at Bristol | University of Bristol
In the funding section of the application form, please indicate “University of Bristol Scholarship”.
In the research section please enter the project title of the scholarship you are applying for along with the supervisor's name. You can upload a blank document instead of the research statement, which is not needed.
We will also be running a pre-application online workshop and Q&A session on how to prepare a PhD application on 5th December 2024 04:00 PM GMT; if you would like to register for this workshop then please sign up here.
Funding Notes
This project is available for a 4-year PhD, for UK and international students. The studentship duration is four years, and it includes an annual stipend set at the current UKRI recommendation of £19,237 per year. Tuition fees and research costs are fully supported by the studentship. An allowance for paid sick leave and parental leave is available as well, in addition to 5 weeks of paid leave each year. Overseas candidates (including EU) will need to cover any costs for moving to the UK, including student visa and healthcare surcharge if applicable.
Open Days
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