We seek two fieldwork assistants to help research social behaviour in the ground nesting sweat bee, Lasioglossum malachurum, from the start of June until mid-end of July 2018.
The assistants will be working alongside a Postdoctoral researcher and a PhD student at a rewilding estate in West Sussex, UK. L. malachurum is a small bee that nests in very small colonies (fewer than 10 individuals) in the ground, and has an insignificant sting. Work involves: observing foraging behaviour, handling and marking bees, setting up video cameras, uploading video footage and excavating nests from the ground. In warm weather, field assistants will work long days in the field; in bad weather there will be tasks to carry out back at the accommodation/opportunity for time off. Because the work involves recording colour marks on individual animals, the job would not be suitable for someone who is colour-blind. See our research group website for more information about the kind of work we do (http://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/staff/index.php?web_id=Jeremy_Field).
Experience of working with insects and a Degree (or working towards a Degree) in a Behaviour/Evolution/Ecology-related topic are desired. Flexibility around the start and end date of the assistant position is required. The successful applicants must have enthusiasm for fieldwork and be prepared to work hard. They will obtain excellent experience of cutting-edge social insect research.
Shared accommodation in Sussex is provided, but assistants are required to pay for their own food/personal expenses. Assistants receive £125 per week to cover costs.
Please contact Dr Tanya Pennell (t.pennell@exeter.ac.uk
Dr Tanya Pennell
College of Life and Environmental Sciences
University of Exeter
Cornwall
TR109FE
Email: T.Pennell@Exeter.ac.uk
Twitter: @TanyaPennell
