Research Associate in Ecological Entomology

We are looking for a postdoctoral research associate to join the Bishop Traits Lab in the School of Biosciences. The role is part of a programme that has been fully funded for three years. The position is available for one year initially, with the potential for further extensions in years 2 and 3 following annual reports.

The candidate will work with Dr Bishop and Dr Charlene Janion-Scheepers (University of Cape Town) within a wider HSFP (Human Frontier Science Program) funded project on microclimate mapping to understand species coexistence in the Cederberg Wilderness Area of South Africa. The research will collect data on physiological and behavioural traits, including field and laboratory measurements, of ~40 ant species to uncover patterns and mechanisms of how microclimate variation drives species coexistence. The postdoctoral researcher will play a leading role in this research, working closely with other project PIs based at Durham University (Dr Rebecca Senior) and Harvard University (Prof Andrew Davies). The successful candidate will be expected to spend extensive time at the field sites and will have opportunities to visit partner institutions and attend international conferences. This position will focus on quantifying the foraging schedules, activity patterns, and behavioural repertories of the diverse Cederberg ant fauna.

Candidates must have a PhD in ecology or entomology, or a related field by the time of appointment. The ideal candidate will also have demonstrated experience in ant ecology and taxonomy, fluency in R, while experience in ecophysiological techniques will be an advantage. A strong track record of scientific publications and conference presentations in related disciplines is needed. Finally, the candidate must be able to collaborate closely with other postdoctoral researchers at Harvard and Cardiff Universities, as well as with research assistants at UCT.

We can offer you the chance to work in a vibrant organisation, with great benefits and opportunities for progression. We are a proud Living Wage supporter.

This position is full time (35 hours per week) and fixed term until 31/10/2025. The role is based in the Cardiff School of Biosciences in the Sir Martin Evans building. 

Salary: £39,347 - £44,263 per annum (Grade 6). Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances. 

Please contact Dr Tom Rhys Bishop (BishopTR@cardiff.ac.uk) for an informal, confidential discussion about the role.

Closing date: Sunday, 27 October 2024

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds.  We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

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