This NSF-funded project is focused on fundamental science of collective decision making in natural systems. However, there are broader impacts of this work that stretch from novel architectures for distributed information processing in engineered systems to understanding the emergence of information processing at the origins of life itself.
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Information Processing in Eusocial Insect Collective Decision-making at Arizona State University
The Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science ( ), the School of Life Sciences ( ), and the School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering ( ) at Arizona State University invite applications for a postdoctoral research position investigating mechanisms of emergent computation in collective-decision making by eusocial insects. The anticipated research will combine techniques from information theory as applied to complex systems with experimental work on collective-decision making in nest-site selection by laboratory colonies of Temnothorax crevice-dwelling ants. The project is a collaboration between the groups of Sara Imari Walker ( ), Stephen C. Pratt ( ) and Theodore P. Pavlic ( ). The position is primarily theoretical, but there is opportunity to conduct experimental work.
The expected start date is mid-2016 for an initial one year appointment with renewal for up to two years. Applicants must have a PhD in a related field by the time of appointment. Ideal candidates will have a background in computational modeling of complex systems, network theory, information theory, dynamical systems and/or eusocial insects. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
Applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests, and should arrange to have 3 letters of recommendation to be sent to Jeanette Perez at [email protected] . The priority deadline for applications is March 15, 2016 ; however we will continue reviewing applications every week thereafter, until the position is filled. Application materials should be sent in PDF format. Further inquiries should be emailed directly to Sara Imari Walker ( [email protected] ), Stephen Pratt ( [email protected] ), or Theodore Pavlic ( [email protected] ).
A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.