Job ID: 121511

2 interdisciplinary PhD positions on Insects, Robotics and Computer Vision

Position: Ph.D. Student

Deadline: 22 January 2025

Employment Start Date: 1 October 2025

Contract Length: 3.5 years

City: Durham

Country: United Kingdom

Institution: Durham University

Department: Biosciences / Computer Sciences

Description:

We have 2 fully-funded PhD projects at Durham University, UK. Applicants of any nationality may receive full funding. Interested applicants should contact Dr Atapour-Abarghouei (amir.atapour-abarghouei@durham.ac.uk), Prof Farshad Arvin (farshad.arvin@durham.ac.uk) and Dr Riabinina (olena.riabinina@durham.ac.uk ) with their CVs and Cover/Motivation letters by the 22nd January 2025.
1) Automatic feeder for monitoring and supporting bumblebees to counteract the effects of climate change and global insect decline
Deadline for applications: 22 January 2025
This project will develop a novel setup, a scented feeder, to study innate smell preferences across bumblebee species, and to monitor bumblebee abundance. Additionally, the feeder will be used to provide additional resources to bumblebees in resource-poor areas.
The project will suit independent and enthusiastic applicants able to develop the project and drive it forward. Interest and demonstrable skills in computer science, machine learning, robotics and animal behaviour are a plus.
2) Automated assay to study mosquito development and behaviour in changing climatic conditions
Deadline for applications: 22 January 2025
This project will develop a novel automated high-throughput assay to study development and behaviours of mosquito larvae in various climatic conditions that mimic current and predicted conditions around the world.
The project will suit independent and enthusiastic applicants able to develop the project and drive it forward. Interest and demonstrable skills in mechatronics, robotics, electrical engineering, computer science, biohybrid robotics and animal behaviour are a plus.