ground-nesting sweat bees (Halictidae). The start and end dates of the
position are somewhat flexible but also will depend on when bees start
nesting in Spring. One position will start approximately 1 May and the
other from the middle of June, and they will ideally end when the bees
have finished nesting for the year (mid August to early September).
The assistants will be working alongside a Postdoctoral researcher
and research technician in Gloucestershire, UK. The study species is a
small/medium-sized bee that nests in small colonies (with fewer than
10 individuals) in the ground and has an insignificant sting. Work
will involve: observing foraging behaviour, handling and marking bees,
setting up video cameras/uploading video footage etc. In warm weather,
field assistants will work all day in the field; in bad weather there will
be tasks to carry out back at the accommodation but also opportunity for
time off. Because the work involves recording colour marks on individual
bees, the job would not be suitable for someone who is colour-blind. See
our research group website for more information about the kind of work we
do (https://biosciences.exeter.ac
Experience of working with insects and a Degree (or working
towards a Degree) in a Behaviour/Evolution/Ecology-re
desired. Flexibility around the start and end dates of the assistant
positions is required. The successful applicants must be prepared to
work hard and have enthusiasm for fieldwork. They will obtain excellent
experience of cutting-edge social insect research.
Shared accommodation is provided, but assistants are required to pay
for their own food/personal expenses. Assistants receive an additional
£125 per week to help cover personal costs.
Please contact Dr Rebecca Boulton (r.boulton@exeter.ac.uk) and CC
Prof. Jeremy Field (j.p.Field@exeter.ac.uk) to discuss these positions
further. Please attach a CV and briefly outline your motivation to carry
out the work.
Jeremy Field
Professor of Evolutionary Biology
Centre for Ecology and Conservation
University of Exeter
Penryn Campus
Cornwall
TR10 9EZ
http://biosciences.exeter.ac.u
