Research Assistant in Collection of Plant Traits and Data Analysis

We are seeking two Research Assistants to join the Oxford Long-Term Ecology Lab (OxLEL) in the Department of Biology. These positions are part-time (20 hours per week) and fixed term for eight months, from May to December 2025.

Nectar feeding is a vital source of nutrition for adult mosquitoes of both sexes. This behaviour has been harnessed as a promising mosquito control strategy through the development of Attractive Targeted Sugar Baits (ATSBs), which combine plant-based sugars with insecticides. However, the efficacy of ATSBs may be influenced by the presence and abundance of local vegetation around the baits.

This project investigates whether local vegetation affects ATSB performance at study sites in Benin and Kenya. The selected candidates will collect floral trait data from the most abundant plant species in these areas and support the analysis of the field data. This research aims to improve our understanding of mosquito sugar-feeding dynamics and how environmental factors influence mosquito behaviour and ATSB effectiveness.

These roles will involve travel to rural sites in Benin and Kenya between June and September 2025.

Applicants should hold a degree in Biology prior to starting and possess sufficient specialist knowledge to contribute to established research programmes. Experience in field data collection in Africa and the ability to work independently in the field are essential.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Kathy Willis (kathy.willis@biology.ox.ac.uk).

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 fixed term part time and will be available immediately.

The closing date for applications is Monday 12 May 2025, interviews are likely to be scheduled for late May 2025. 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.

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