Project: The content and the dynamics of multiplayer online video games is complex because it emerges from the game play experience, social interactions, and the structure of virtual worlds. Player behaviour in these games is complex, and so we are applying theories and tools developed by the study of animal behaviour, ecology, and evolution to analyse and predict the content and dynamics of multiplayer video games. The objective of the PhD project is to analyse the factors shaping player behaviour in the game Dead By Daylight to understand the impact of social interactions on the persistence of various player profiles within the gaming community.
This project will build on an ongoing collaboration between the University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM) and the gaming company Behaviour Interactive, both based in Montreal, Quebec.
The candidate will analyse huge databases on player behaviour and playing habits to tackle fundamental and applied questions. The candidate will be based at the Department of Biological Sciences at UQAM and they will complete internships within the data science team in the company. They will work with professionals from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, and they will develop technical and logistical skills that are crucial for a career in academia or in the gaming industry. We offer a funding package via the MITACS funding program for the full duration of the diploma (4 years, 21 500$/year).
The Montiglio Lab is based in the Department of Biological Sciences at UQAM. Our department offers diverse training opportunities with research strengths in aquatic ecology, forest ecology, toxicology, and evolutionary biology. It offers weekly research seminars from international researchers. Montreal is also a rich environment for research and life in general. It harbours 5 universities offering courses, workshops, and conferences within a few bus or metro stops from UQAM. You can read more on our team here.
UQAM offers a francophone inclusive work environment. The candidate does not need to have high-level French language skills to be able to flourish professionally in our department, but it is advantageous to develop an intermediate level to take advantage of all that Montréal and UQAM have to offer. The candidate will also need at least an intermediate level of spoken and written English. UQAM offers free classes and conversation groups to help you with both languages. Field work and interactions with international researchers are conducted in English.
Our department offers several courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels in ecology, evolutionary biology, and animal behaviour. PhD candidates can take part in teaching to develop their skills and complete their funding. We offer conventional lectures and courses based on problem-based learning. You will have the opportunity to become familiar with a great diversity of teaching approaches.
Requirements: MSc diploma in biology or in a relevant discipline, with a marked interest and experience in evolutionary biology, animal behaviour, ecology, and statistical analyses. The ideal candidate will also have good communication skills that are essential both in academia and in the gaming industry.
We believe that our research group will produce better science if it includes a diversity of perspectives. We encourage anyone with an interest in the project to apply, especially from groups that are traditionally under- represented.
To apply , please send your CV, a motivation letter, and your transcript to Pierre Olivier Montiglio ([email protected]).
We will consider all applications until the position is filled.
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