The collective behavior research group uses a combination of mathematical models and experiments to understand the dynamics of animal and human groups. See http://www2.math.uu.se/~david/web/ for details of their current research. Some current projects on humans involve the study of socially contagious activities, such as audience clapping, and of how individuals integrate social and personal information when trying to answer trivia questions. They collaborate closely in this work with an experimental research group led by Prof. Jens Krause in Berlin.

An opening is currently available for a postdoctoral researcher to work on similar projects, from a perspective that combines mathematical modelling with experimental work.

Full details of the position and how to apply can be found at: http://www2.personalavd.uu.se/ledigaplatser/2450postDOC.html. Applications should be submitted no later than November 18th, 2011. 

We are seeking a postdoctoral research associate to work with us on our project entitled “Experimental and Theoretical Analysis of Collective Dynamics of Swarming Systems”, funded by the National Science Foundation.

The proposed research will focus on the study of schooling fish experimentally, from the perspective of non-equilibrium statistical physics. We have developed detailed digital tracking of all individuals in schools, which allows us to investigate biologically meaningful collective states to search for both generic, and specific, characteristics of animal groups. For example, an investigation of the adaptability, rapid response, consensus, and robustness requirements of group motion will allow us to reveal how individual interactions produce functional complexity at the group level. The successful candidate will: 1. Perform controlled laboratory experiments where hundreds, or thousands, of fish are tracked concurrently and their response to stimuli recorded (such experiments and tracking technologies are already well developed in the laboratory). 2. Develop detailed, and idealized, models to capture specific and universal aspects of groups, and to apply physics-inspired analytical tools to groups, such as correlation lengths, clustering, information flow, defect dynamics, etc. 3. Investigate collective effects that are typical of non-equilibrium dynamical systems; e.g.: scaling-laws, pattern formation, or transitions. 4. Test if some collective states follow a generic behavior due to the system adaptations and, if so, exploit the consequences of this for theoretical analysis.

Applicants must have proven ability to pursue quantitative experimental research (including data collection and analysis); experience with biological systems is a bonus.

The position will initially be for a period of 12 months with a possibility of extension of up to 24 months. The position is available immediately but, if needed, the start date is flexible.

We welcome informal inquiries. To apply please send a CV and a cover letter explaining your suitability for the position to icouzin@princeton.edu. Please include the word “Swarm” in the subject line.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and particularly welcomes nominations of women and members of underrepresented minority groups.

Start date: Mid-October 2010 or sooner

A postdoctoral position is available in the Collective Animal Behavior Laboratory at Princeton University to study collective information processing using schooling fish as a model system. This is part of a multidisciplinary investigation of decision-making by animal groups. Specifically we aim to explore the interplay between individual heterogeneity, spatial organization, and collective decision-making dynamics.

While a comprehension of modeling techniques may be useful this is first and foremost an experimental position and as such you must have experience of working with animals (ideally, but not essentially, with fish). The CouzinLab is a highly inter-disciplinary environment with an integrated research program involving automated tracking, computational modeling and controlled experimentation. See http://www.princeton.edu/~icouzin for further details.

You will be a team-player to capitalize on these technologies and collaborative possibilities with a passion for biology and the capability to provide leadership in our experimental research program.

To apply, please send a CV and a statement of research interests to Prof. Iain D. Couzin at icouzin@princeton.edu with "Schooling" in the subject line.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and particularly welcomes nominations of women and members of underrepresented minority groups.

- Collective Behavior and Information Transfer in Human Crowds -

Starting Date: Ideally as soon as possible

A two year postdoctoral position is available in collective behavior of human crowds in the CouzinLab at Princeton University. This is part of an ongoing project for the UK Home Office in collaboration with Oxford Risk, a University of Oxford spinout company, and will involve analysis of kinematic data sets from pedestrian crowds as well as the development and validation of individual-based models of the motion and behavior of people in urban environments. Strong programming skills are essential and comprehension of computer vision techniques would be beneficial (although expert knowledge in this area is not required).

You will be integrated within a highly multi-disciplinary research environment and should be enthusiastic, motivated with good interpersonal skills. The position will be based in Princeton but you must be able to travel to the UK periodically to undertake experiments and for meetings with the Oxford Risk team.

Please see the links below for further information about the CouzinLab and Oxford Risk:

• http://www.princeton.edu/~icouzin
• http://www.oxfordrisk.com/

To apply, please send a CV and a statement of research interests to Prof. Iain D. Couzin at icouzin@princeton.edu with "Crowds" in the subject line.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and particularly welcomes nominations of women and members of underrepresented minority groups.

Position: Computer Scientist in Spatial Analysis and Data Integration
Location: IRD Reunion Island, France
Duration: 17 months from June 2010 to December 2011
Deadline: 31st of May 2010
Salary Range: ~ 3000€ by month

IRD (Institute for Reasearch and Development) is seeking for a young scientific researcher (PhD) with strong quantitative analytical skills and good knowledge in spatial analyses including experience in data modelling (developed mathematical approaches by stochastic differential equations or individual-based models) and programming (R, Splus, C++ or Matlab). You should possess good interactive web development skills to manage databases using JavaScript (AJAX) and PHP/Python in an Apache/Linux environment. Knowledge in marine biology and telemetry are suitable. You will work on electronic tagging data coming from experiments dedicated to the understanding of gregarious fish behaviours under FADs (Fish Aggregating Device). Spatial data with high resolution acquired by different telemetry methods are already available. You will contribute to purchase and consolidate the analyses by confront field data to model outputs. You should have to participate to tagging experiment in the open-field. You need good verbal and written presentation and communication skills in English, good working knowledge of Word and Excel and databases and proven ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team.

For additional information and proposal, please contact:
Dr M. Soria, Research engineer
Tel: 00 262 (0) 262 29 93 42
Email: marc.soria@ird.fr