I am happy to discuss ideas with potential students or collaborators, with regard to current research projects or with new ideas.
We currently focus on social insect models (both real and digital), though projects on other systems are welcome. Our current research involves:
- Evolutionary ecology of different behavioural strategies in ants and bees
- Phylogeography and evolution of behavioural strategies in ants
- Comparative social behaviour in facultatively social bees
- The use of agent-based models to explore the evolution and ecology of behavioural strategies in social organisms
- Analysis of stable isotopes to elucidate behavioural responses to different environments
- Complex-systems biology using social organisms as model systems
- Ecological interaction networks
- Island invasion biology
For students and post-docs:
The Japan Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has several programs for graduate students to undertake higher degrees in Japan. See HERE.
The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) also has a post-doctoral program (1 or 2 years) for foreign nationals to come to Japan (see HERE)
Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU) has its own programs (through the Tokyo Human Resources Fund for City Diplomacy) to fund international graduate students for short-term visits (PDF) and, for exceptional students, programs to support them during masters (PDF) or PhD studies (PDF).
For collaborators:
JSPS and TMU have bilateral research and exchange programs for students and staff.
JSPS bilateral program (seminars and research: see HERE)
JSPS invitational program (see HERE)
TMU teaching staff exchange program (PDF)
31 August 2021 – Position open:
Post-doctoral researcher in the genomics of queen polymorphisms in ants
We seek someone with a background in genomic analysis who is willing to apply for a post-doctoral fellowship with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science to undertake a 2-year post-doc based at Tokyo Metropolitan University in Japan.
While we will support the application of the incumbent, we stress that funding is dependent on their successful application for this Japan government funded fellowship.
The project will examine the genetic basis for the queen polymorphism associated with alternative reproductive strategies in ants. We will use Myrmecina ants as a model system, specifically M. nipponica in Japan and M. graminicola in Europe.
This project is part of a collaboration between Adam Cronin (Tokyo Metropolitan University; adamcronin.org) and Claudie Doums (Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle de Paris). The post-doc will be based in Japan, but will be required to spend time in Europe (mainly Paris) for field work and analysis. The details of the project will be established through in-depth discussion between the incumbent, Adam Cronin and Claudie Doums, and will incorporate the interests of the incumbent as well as the main goals of the study.
The applicant will apply for a “JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan (standard)” (https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-ippan/index.html). These fellowships are for two years and provide a monthly tax-free scholarship of 326,000 yen (approx. 2800 euro), as well as a settling in allowance and return air-fares. Additional research funds are also available through joint-application with a host researcher. Applicants can be from any country with diplomatic relations with Japan, though those with scientific ties can enjoy a simplified application process (see here: https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-fellow/long_list.html). Recruitment for these fellowships occurs twice a year, in September and May (https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-ippan/appliguidelines.html).
This position is open until filled.
For further details, please contact either or both of us:
Adam Cronin (adamcronin[@]gmail.com)
Claudie Doums (claudie.doums[@]ephe.psl.eu)