Primate-Jobs
Positions Available

PhD studentship: primate colour vision

Hiring Organization:
Anglia Ruskin University

Date Posted:
2009-10-16

Position Description:
Our vibrant, modern University has ambitious plans for its future. Our two main campuses in Cambridge and Chelmsford are being transformed with major capital investments. With an annual income of £120m, 25,500 students and 2,000 staff, we are a major force for higher education in the East of England.

Working with members of the Animal and Environmental Research Group (AERG), this project will investigate the factors which allow the existence of a polymorphic colour vision system within the majority of New World primates. Recent work has demonstrated an advantage for three-cone colour vision (trichromacy) over two-cone colour vision (dichromacy) when foraging for fruits but the situation may be more complex than this as within many New World primates there are six variations of colour vision; three types of trichromacy and three of dichromacy. Thus six New World primates from the same species may each perceive the world differently; this may have important implications them when foraging or avoiding predators. This project will examine the performance of monkeys with each of the three trichromat and three dichromat phenotypes on different tasks and under different lighting conditions.

Successful applicants are expected to have the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete a PhD within 3 years; to become active members of the academic community and have the ability to work within a team; to have good communication skills and to be willing to undertake teaching assistance or other appropriate assistance within the Faculty. The studentship is subject to a CRB and security check.

The start date for this project is January 2010.

Qualifications/Experience:
Applicants should hold a minimum of an upper second class degree in an appropriate cognate area, a Masters degree is desirable. They should have experience in the execution and write-up of a research project. Experience of PCR genotyping and behavioural recording is desirable, although training will be provided in both these areas if required. Model making skills would be useful as the work will involve the design and construction of artificial fruits and foraging tasks with which to test the monkeys.

Students for whom English is not their first language must meet our University’s required minimum level of English language proficiency (IELTS 6.5 in all skills, or equivalents).

Salary/funding:
£12,940 stipend plus fees paid.

Term of Appointment:
Fixed term (36 months)

Application Deadline:
20th November 2009

Comments:
For further information contact Dr Andrew Smith Email: andrew.smith@anglia.ac.uk Tel: 0845 196 2118 (UK) ++44 1245 493131 (ext. 2118) (international)

To apply, follow the regular research degree application process, as shown on our website: ww.anglia.ac.uk/ruskin/en/home/research/prospective_students/initial.html.

When completing the application form downloaded from our website it will not be necessary for you to include a detailed research proposal as requested on the form. Simply indicate that support is from AERG. You should also include a full CV and a statement indicating why this project is of interest to you and how your previous qualifications, training and experience would make you a good candidate for this doctoral level research.

Contact Information:
Dr Andrew Smith
East Road
Cambridge CB1 1PT
United Kingdom

Telephone Number:
0845 196 2118 (UK) ++44 1245 493131 (ext. 2118) (international)

Website:
http://www.anglia.ac.uk

E-mail Address:
andrew.smith@anglia.ac.uk