Research Associate / Senior Research Associate in Using eDNA to study the impact of parasitic bees

Location: United Kingdom
Application Deadline: 23rd February 2025
Published: 1 week ago

Follow us for daily updates

The role

The role holder will plan and perform research to study how parasitic robbers bees of the genus Lestrimelitta impact other social bee species in a tropical bee community in Brazil. You will develop an approach that uses eDNA metabarcoding to identify the species that are parasitised by robber bees. You will use SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) or microsatellites to assign captured robber bees to different colonies in the study area and assess robber bee colony density and foraging ranges. You will combine these molecular methods with ecological surveys and behavioural observations of robber bee attacks. You will analyse the resulting data and write scientific publications. The results will help us better understand how robber bees impact tropical bee communities.

You will be working under direction and with support from Christoph Grueter, and in collaboration with other project partners based at the Universities of Bristol and São Paulo. You will be based in the Life Sciences Building in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Bristol. During field work (representing roughly 20-30% of the duration of the project) you will be hosted by the University of São Paulo project collaborators in Ribeirão Preto (Brazil). You will be provided with academic (including guidance on career opportunities) and pastoral support within the School and training will be available designed to develop your competencies and ability to take on a wider range of responsibilities.

What will you be doing?

Research Responsibilities

  • Perform plan and conduct research described in the Leverhulme-funded project (RPG-2024-329) under the PI’s guidance.
  • Analyse and interpret research data, drawing conclusions using initiative and creativity.
  • Coordinate work with collaborators.
  • Present research progress and outcomes in group meetings and School-wide seminars.
  • Write and disseminate research findings through reports, papers, or presentations

Administration Responsibilities

  • Contribute to research impact and engagement beyond academia.
  • Adhere to University policies (e.g., ethics, equal opportunities, health and safety).
  • Undertake training and development to support research objectives.
  • Participate in staff reviews and plan professional development.
  • Actively contribute to the research group and School as a good academic citizen.

You should apply if

  • PhD in a relevant field (e.g., animal behaviour, molecular ecology, entomology, or ecology) or be working towards one with research experience.
  • Expertise in animal behaviour and/or ecology.
  • Laboratory and field research experience.
  • Strong analytical and quantitative skills (e.g., statistics, bioinformatics).
  • Clear communication skills, both oral and written.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with researchers and engage with the public.
  • Commitment to promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in academia.

Additional information

For informal queries about the role please contact: Christoph Grüter, c.grueter@bristol.ac.uk

Contract type: Open-ended (Fixed funding for 3 years)

Work pattern: Full Time

Grade: Grade I or J / Pathway 2

Salary: £37,999 – £43,878 (Grade I) / £42,632 – £47,874 (Grade J) per annum depending on experience

School/Unit: School of Biological Sciences

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Sunday 23rd February 2025

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people – because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

Please mention you saw this ad on ResearchTweet.com

Share this job

Similar Opportunities

Academic jobs in Saint Louis University

Research Assistant

Deadline: Open Until Filled
Location: United States
Academic Jobs at University of Bristol

Research Associate in Host-Pathogen Interactions

Deadline:  19/02/2025.
Location: United Kingdom
Academic Jobs at University of Bristol

Research Associate / Senior Research Associate in Environmental Impact of Digital Services

Deadline: 17th February 2025.
Location: United Kingdom
Academic Positions at University of Gothenburg

Researcher in human pregnancy genomics/epidemiology

Deadline:  2025-02-19
Location: Sweden
Academic positions in university of turku

Project Researcher or Senior Researcher to FinnGen Project

Deadline: 28 February 2025
Location: Finland
Academic Jobs at University of Manchester

Research Associate Stem Cell Biology

Deadline: 08/03/2025
Location: Manchester, England

Recent Opportunities

Postdoc position in University of Southern California

Postdoctoral Scholar-Research Associate

Deadline: 30.06.2025
Location: United States
Postdoc position in University of Southern California

Clinical Lab Scientist - Clinical Laboratory - Full Time 8 Hour Evenings (Non-Exempt)(Non-Union)

Deadline: Open Until Filled
Location: United States
Postdoc position in University of Southern California

Postdoctoral Scholar - Research Associate

Deadline: Open Until Filled
Location: United States

Recent Advances in Science