Adaptation to an anthropogenic habitat: Integrated modelling of ecological, physiological and reproductive impacts on chacma baboons As human-wildlife ‘conflicts’ become increasingly widespread worldwide, there is a growing need to understand how animals adjust to human-modified environments and the consequences of these adaptations for their reproduction and survival. We are looking for an enthusiastic prospective PhD student to join an international research team investigating how feeding at a local landfill site and other anthropogenic food resources influences the behaviour and physiology of chacma baboon (Papio ursinus) groups, in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The project will involve fieldwork at an established field site in Alldays, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The student will gain experience in quantitative behavioural ecology methods, non-invasive hormone analysis from faecal sampling, statistical and social network analysis and possibility to develop their skills and experience in telemetry. Full project description can be found here<https://iapetus.ac.uk/studentships/adaptation-to-an-anthropogenic-habitat-integrated-modelling-of-ecological-physiological-and-reproductive-impacts-on-chacma-baboons/> We welcome interest from candidates with backgrounds in primatology, ecology, conservation biology, quantitative ecology or related disciplines. Experience with fieldwork, laboratory techniques or statistical analysis would be particularly relevant. Please send any project enquiries to Prof. Ann MacLarnon: ann.m.maclarnon@durham.ac.uk<mailto:ann.m.maclarnon@durham.ac.uk> Funding This project is advertised through the IAPETUS Doctoral Training Partnership at Durham University. Studentships are awarded through a competitive selection process, so funding is not guaranteed for this individual project. Successful applicants receive a funded PhD studentship. Co-supervision from Ann MacLarnon and Russell Hill at Durham University and Sophia Daoudi-Simison at Newcastle University. Key dates International studentships are limited to 30% of awards. International applicants: Please get in touch by 7 December 2026 to discuss sponsorship before applying. Applications open: 6 November 2026 Application deadline: 5 January 2027, noon UK time Application details can be found here<https://iapetus.ac.uk/how-to-apply/?utm_source=chatgpt.com> Iapetus is committed to increasing participation in doctoral research from groups that have historically been underrepresented in postgraduate study. It offers a Widening Participation Scheme for applicants with UK Home fee status who are from UK minoritised ethnic groups, have lived in areas with historically low participation in higher education, or have a disability. Please see the application guidance<https://iapetus.ac.uk/how-to-apply/?utm_source=chatgpt.com> for details. Sophia Daoudi-Simison | PhD | Animal Behaviour Lecturer (Pronouns: She/Her) School of Psychology, DMBB 4.25, Newcastle University, UK EVOMINDs<http://evominds.co.uk/> Centre for Behaviour and Evolution<https://www.ncl.ac.uk/cbe/> Scottish Primate Research Group<http://living-links.org/about/scottish-primate-research-group/> E: sophia.daoudi@newcastle.ac.uk<mailto:sophia.daoudi@newcastle.ac.uk> E: webeditor@asab.org (ASAB Communications Officer) T: 0191 208 3108 [Image] Note: My normal working hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. I will reply to student emails within 2 working days (excluding weekends and bank holidays), unless I am otherwise unavailable (i.e. when I have an out of office response in place, when the University is closed, or when I am on annual leave). My e-mail practice conforms to the Faculty of Medical Sciences E-mail Guidelines https://newcastle.sharepoint.com/hub/medical/Pages/policy-procedures.aspx ________________________________ Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159
