Técnico de investigación con insectos en la Polinesia Francesa

We are looking for a research field technician to assist on a project that is investigating a recent evolutionary event - the rescue of male Hypolimnas bolina butterfly embryos from Wolbachia-induced male-killer activity. Normally, female butterflies infected with a male-killing strain of Wolbachia are only able to produce female offspring. H. bolina has evolved the ability to rescue male embryos, so that infected females are able to produce both male and female offspring. This project aims to understand the genetic basis of this suppressor trait and to assess the impact that Wolbachia infection and suppression have on the fitness of butterflies.

The position is tenable for 5 months, commencing in June 2017 and will
primarily be based in French Polynesia. The main responsibilities of
the role will be to assist a post-doctoral research associate with
breeding large butterfly pedigrees. You will assist with all aspects
of maintaining butterfly stocks e.g. collecting caterpillar food,
feeding and cleaning out caterpillars, feeding butterflies. You will
also assist with performing a series of behavioural and fitness assays,
storage of biological samples, data recording, molecular biology work
e.g. DNA extraction, PCR, and other duties that may also arise.

We are looking for someone who is experienced at insect handling, and
with previous experience of rearing insects and performing experiments
involving insects. The nature of the work will mean that you must be
happy to work outdoors in different weather conditions, and be prepared
to work flexible hours, depending upon the stage of the experiment. The
candidate will need to hold at least a BTEC National level qualification
or its equivalent and be in possession of a full drivers licence. Previous
experience of overseas fieldwork is desirable as are French language
skills.

This position requires the right to the work in the UK, and is not
eligible for a visa.

For a full job description and to apply for this post please visit:
https://recruit.liverpool.ac.uk/pls/corehrrecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.display_form?p_company=1&p_internal_external=E&p_display_in_irish=N&p_process_type=&p_applicant_no=&p_form_profile_detail=&p_display_apply_ind=Y&p_refresh_search=Y&p_recruitment_id=007128#

The deadline for applications is Tuesday 9th May. Interviews will take
place the week beginning the 15th May.


Louise Reynolds
Post-Doctoral Research Associate
Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour
Institute of Integrative Biology
University of Liverpool
Crown Street
Liverpool
L69 7ZB