We are recruiting a Research Assistant to carry out laboratory and field-based research as part of an exciting new project investigating the ecological and evolutionary legacy of extreme climatic events for the resilience of rainforest food webs. Motivated by the need to understand the consequences of climate change for high-biodiversity ecosystems, we will investigate the effects of heat waves on networks of interacting species using a special study system: communities of fruit flies and the parasitic wasps that consume them. This work builds on a successful collaboration with teams at James Cook University (Australia), University College London and the Czech Academy of Sciences. A summary of the project is available on the website of the funder, the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).

You will be responsible for carrying out both fieldwork and laboratory work as part of the project and will therefore be required to spend extended periods based at our collaborating institution, James Cook University in Townsville, Australia. The successful candidate will hold a first degree in a relevant area of biology along with experience of both field-based and laboratory research. Experience of working with insects and of molecular laboratory techniques would be an advantage. You will work closely with other researchers to integrate your work within the broader research project and will be expected to contribute to preparing research outputs for publication as well as leading aspects of data collection and associated project administration. This post requires working in both Oxford and Australia (based at James Cook University).

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, applications to work part time are also encouraged, and available immediately. We welcome applications from candidates who would prefer a shorter contract length and/or flexibility in working arrangements.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon 28th March 2023, interviews are likely to be scheduled for soon after.