Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Department of Biology, University of Exeter, UK
This new full time post is available immediately on a fixed term basis until 30 September 2007. The project involves laboratory studies of the impact of Wolbachia infections on sexual selection and population dynamics in moths. The aim will be to examine the potential for Wolbachia to influence sexual selection, to quantify the effect of different Wolbachia strains on male fertility and to explore the implications of Wolbachia infection for host population dynamics. An essential part of the project will be setting up selection experiments, assaying presence of Wolbachia infections and develop techniques for quantifying the effect on male fertility.
Applicants will either have a PhD or expect to obtain one in the next 6 months, in evolutionary biology with a focus on sexual selection and have experience of Wolbachia detection using PCR, including published evidence of the effect of Wolbachia on host sexual selection. Experience of laboratory work with Wolbachia infected insects, including maintaining large laboratory populations of infected and uninfected animals, and familiarity with paternity analyses and male fertility assays is essential. In addition, documented knowledge of modelling the impact of Wolbachia on sexual selection is desirable.
The University of Exeter is a major player in the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC), a multi-million pound partnership initiative aimed at expanding higher education opportunities in Cornwall and bringing about a sustainable step change in the development of the Cornish economy. The new £50 million campus at Penryn near Falmouth, shared with Falmouth College of Arts, opened in September 2004. It forms the ‘Hub' of the CUC project and offers a superb study and leisure environment for students, including a 500-room student village and brand new academic facilities. Salary will be up to £21,640 pa on scale Research 1A £19,460 pa - £29,128 pa.
To apply please send a covering letter and CV (plus the names and addresses of three referees) to
Dr Nina Wedell,
Centre for Ecology and Conservation,
University of Exeter in Cornwall,
Tremough,
Penryn,
TR10 9EZ
or email: N.Wedell@exeter.ac.uk, quoting reference number 8365.
Closing date for completed applications is 30 June 2005.
:::
