Postdoctoral Research Associate in Animal Behaviour, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (UK)

Imperial College London - Department of Life Sciences - Faculty of
Natural Sciences

A NERC funded Research Associate position is available to investigate
a number of novel, interesting and important axes: i) the effect of
systemic pesticides on bee foraging behaviour; ii) does such foraging
impairment affect bee pollination service; iii) what is the genetic basis
for pesticide resistance in bees; and iv) can we elucidate the selective
pressure placed on insect pollinators by pesticides in the environment.

The post holder will investigate the behavioural and molecular responses
to pesticide exposure in bees. The research will involve laboratory,
mesocosm and field experiments to look at the responses to pesticide
exposure at the individual and the colony level. It will also involve
detailed observations and monitoring of individual behaviour and colony
dynamics using numerous methods including micro-tagging.

The position is in the research group of Dr Richard Gill for
a period of three years. The post holder will be based in
the Department of Life Sciences at the Silwood Park Campus of
Imperial College London, and they will become an active member
of the Grand Challenges in Ecosystems and Environment initiative
(http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/ecosystemsandenvironment/grandchallenges).

This post will primarily focus on the behavioural aspect of the
project but, in close collaboration with Dr Yannick Wurm of Queen Mary
University of London, will also assist with the molecular side of the
project to ensure an integrated and inter-disciplinary approach to
the questions raised. But please also note, that there will soon be a
further postdoctoral position advertised as part of this NERC funded
project (to join the research group of Dr Wurm), which will focus on
the analysis and bioinformatics of bee genomic and transcriptomic data.

You must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in Biology, Ecology, Evolutionary
Biology or a related field. Experience in husbandry, handling and
monitoring of animals in the laboratory and/or field (preferably
invertebrates and more desirably bees) and experience in experimental
design and implementation are essential. Knowledge of and/or experience
in genetic methods, investigations and application, and experience
of handling and analysing large datasets and statistical analyses are
desirable. You must also have produced quality published work in peer
reviewed journals as first author.

You will have excellent verbal and written communication skills and
be able to write clearly and succinctly for publication. You must have
experience of working in a team, be able to develop and apply new concepts
and have a creative approach to problem-solving. You must also be able
to organise and prioritise your work in response to deadlines.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Richard Gill at
r.gill@imperial.ac.uk.

Salary scale: £32,750 - £41,540 per annum (maximum starting salary £33,590)

The preferred method of application is online via our website
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/employment (please select "Job Search" then
enter the job title or vacancy reference number including spaces - NS
2014 048 JT - into "Keywords"). Please complete and upload an application
form as directed.

Alternatively, if you are unable to apply online, please contact Christine
Short by email c.j.short@imperial.ac.uk, to request an application form.

Closing date: 3 April 2014 (midnight BST)

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