Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Department of Biology is looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct research on incorporating symbionts into ecological networks, working primarily with Dr Ailsa McLean and collaborating with other researchers in the department, including Dr Talya Hackett.

Ecological networks are an informative way of describing not only the composition of ecological communities, but also the ways in which those species interact. The aim of this project is to incorporate the hidden dimension of microbial symbionts into ecological networks and investigate if changes in one interaction type cascade to another. Initially, we will use symbiont–insect–parasitoid communities, focusing on aphids and their well-described assemblage of bacterial symbiont and parasitic wasp associates.

The PDRA will conduct field sampling to gather insects, carry out molecular detection of symbionts and parasitoids, and perform parasitoid rearing experiments. You will therefore need to be comfortable in field, insect laboratory and molecular laboratory settings, although previous experience in all three is not required. You will then build and analyse ecological networks for the insect communities sampled. Previous experience in analysing ecological networks would be an advantage, but also not required.

Candidates should hold (or shortly expect to gain) a PhD/DPhil in a relevant biological field. You will be responsible for data collection and analysis and will work with the PI and others in writing up results for publication. You should also be willing to present results at scientific meetings (funding is available for conference attendance).

Where Covid-19 has resulted in substantial disruption to your work or research outputs, please explain this by providing an additional paragraph in your supporting statement.

The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria.

This post is full time (although applications to work flexibly or part-time are welcome) and available immediately, with an anticipated start date of April/May 2024 for 3 years.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Monday 5 February 2024; interviews are likely to be scheduled for the week beginning 12 February 2024. Applications for this vacancy are to be made online via our e-recruitment system, and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application.