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PhD POSITION IN CHEMICAL ECOLOGY OF SOCIAL WASPS

A PhD position is available at HortResearch, enrolled through the University of Auckland in New Zealand to work on the odour-mediated behaviour in two species of social wasps. The objective of the project is to investigate the role of odour in regulation of the social behaviour of two species of social wasps, the German wasp, Vespula germanica and the common wasp, V. vulgaris. This position is part of a new project which aims to provide environmentally-friendly solutions for managing invasive Hymenoptera. The 3-year scholarship, including stipend, university fees and operating costs is available immediately. This prestigious position will be funded by the New Zealand Foundation of Research Science & Technology (FRST) and HortResearch. The student will be physically located with HortResearch’s chemical ecology team at Lincoln, while registered at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland. The PhD project will be under supervision of Dr Ashraf El-Sayed, Dr. Max Suckling (HortResearch) and Dr Jacqueline Beggs ( University of Auckland).

The preferred candidate should have a background in chemistry and ecology. Familiarity with chemical ecology methods and social insects will be an advantage. To apply, please send (preferably by email) a cover letter describing your suitability for the position, your CV and email contact of two referees to:

Nadine Andrews
Human Resources Administrator
HortResearch
120 Mt Albert Road
Private bag 92 169
Auckland , New Zealand
DDI + 64 (0) 9 815 8863
Tel: + 64 (0) 9 815 4200 ext 7163
Fax: + 64 (0) 9 815 4224
Email: nandrews@hortresearch.co.nz

HortResearch is located at the charming township of Lincoln which is about 20 km south of Christchurch (pop 360,000), the main city in the South Island. Lincoln is the home to a major campus of Crown Research Institutes and several commercial research facilities. For information about HortResearch’s Chemical Ecology Group, please visit our website at: http://www.pherobase.com/chemecol/cheecol_hort.htm.

For more information about The University of Auckland, please visit our website at:
http://www.auckland.ac.nz

Further details can be obtained from Dr. Ashraf El-Sayed, HortResearch, Canterbury Research Centre, Email: ael-sayed@hortrresearch.co.nz, or Dr. Jacqueline Beggs , School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Email: j.beggs@auckland.ac.nz.