Prospective Graduate Students

We are recruiting new graduate students! If you are interested in human behavioral ecology or cultural evolution, and particularly (but not exclusively) their application to questions about family relationships, gender and global health, we encourage you to apply!

You can get a sense of the research we do by looking at our recent publications and our news page. If you have any questions about the lab, or about fit, please reach out to Dr David Lawson directly by email (click on the mail icon in the menu bar). When getting in touch, outline your research interests and motivations for pursuing a PhD. Successful applications require that you outline a theoretically-grounded research question and a feasible approach to answer it (this information goes in your ‘Statement of Purpose’). For more information on what materials are needed and the formal application process, see the Anthropology Department webpage.

Applications are due early December each year (to start the following fall). Typically, initial offers are made by February, and then we invite prospective students to campus (expenses paid) to check out what we have on offer before making their decision. We rarely take on applicants who have not reached out to discuss their application before submitting it - so don’t be shy and get in touch!

What are we looking for?

Ideal candidates are critical and independent thinkers, conscientious, respectful and good communicators. We are particularly interested in students that care not just about formulating and testing interesting hypotheses, but also about how research is done. In others words, an appreciation of research ethics, and the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Some relevant background experience in research, be that in quantitative and/or qualitative methods (we use both) is desirable. Fieldwork experience is also valuable, but not expected. Much of our research is carried out in Tanzania, and we have great connections here to situate future research projects. However, you should feel free to suggest other regions to situate your PhD research.

We are not looking for workaholics or ‘perfect candidates’ that already know everything or never have bad mental health (or hair) days. You should feel comfortable to communicate about your strengths and vulnerabilities (we all have them), and have interests outside of academic life. We want to work with well-rounded people that can work together in diverse teams. Moreover, we believe strongly that lack of experience in any area can be made up for passion for your studies and a commitment to learn!