Research Associate: Behaviour and Evolution Group (Fixed Term)

Job description

A Research Associate post is available in the Behaviour and Evolution Group directed by Rufus Johnstone in the Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge.

The applicant will join an exciting, inter-disciplinary team investigating the role of intergroup conflict in the evolution of animal societies. Informed by data collected from banded mongoose and termite study systems, the applicant will develop new theoretical models of intergroup conflict, as part of an ERC Advanced Grant (INTERGROUP) awarded to Rufus Johnstone and Michael Cant and funded by the UKRI under the Horizon Guarantee programme.

Intergroup conflict is recognised as a potentially powerful force shaping the evolution of social behaviour in animal societies. However, we have limited theory to explain and predict when intergroup fights will break out, how long they will last, how they end, or their consequences for individual behaviour and life history. This successful applicant will address these questions by developing new theoretical models of conflict initiation, dynamics, and consequences for life history allocation. The goal of the modelling work is to generate predictions that can be tested using data from the mongoose and termite systems or published data in other taxa.

The successful applicant will join the Behaviour and Evolution research group based in the Department of Zoology, directed by Rufus Johnstone. They will form part of the larger group of researchers working on the INTERGROUP project based at the universities of Exeter, Swansea, Liverpool John Moores and York. They will participate in regular meetings with the team, with potential opportunities for collaboration and short visits as the project develops. Candidates will be highly motivated and keen to interact with other components of the wider project. An interest in and aptitude for evolutionary theory and modelling is desirable, although training in formal modelling techniques will also be provided. Close teamwork and a collaborative spirit will be essential, but team members will be expected to demonstrate scientific independence matching their technical expertise. There will be opportunities to contribute to training new team members and to general project management, as well as to participate in public engagement activities.

For more information, please refer to the Further Particulars document.

The closing date for applications is midnight (GMT) on 18 October 2026

The interview for this role is expected to take place during the week commencing Monday, 26 October 2026 (subject to change) and may be conducted remotely in exceptional circumstances.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available up to 31 May 2029, with a possibility of extension subject to the project status and funding.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

For informal enquiries about the role, please contact Professor Rufus Johnstone [email: [email protected] ].

For any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Zoology HR Office [email: [email protected] ]

Please quote reference PF51056 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.