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The role

A postdoctoral position is available to join researchers in the Ant-Epidemiology Lab led by Nathalie Stroeymeyt at the University of Bristol to study the intricate interplay between pesticides and pathogens on ant colonies. Current work from our lab provides evidence of synergistic effects between the novel insecticide Flupyradifurone and fungal pathogens at the individual level, suggesting a potential impairment of insect immune functions. Given that collective disease defence behaviours are arguably more important than individual immunity in social insects, this project seeks to explore whether these behaviors are also disrupted by Flupyradifurone. To tackle this question, the successful candidate will work under minimum supervision to design and execute an automated tracking experiment in ants with controlled pathogen and insecticide exposure. Subsequent molecular pathogen quantification, automated behaviour recognition, social network analysis and epidemiological simulations will shed light on the impacts of flupyradifurone on collective disease behaviours ants deploy against the pathogen.

What will you be doing?

The role will involve a diverse range of research tasks, including the day-to-day management of the project and maintenance of ant colonies, as well as offering support in the training and supervision of postgraduate and undergraduate lab members.

You should apply if

You have a PhD in a biological or biomedical science and have prior experience of working in the field of social insects, ecotoxicology, host-parasite interactions and epidemiological research. Experience with automated behaviour tracking in ants, molecular methods such as RT-qPCR, and experimental work with entomopathogens and insecticides is essential. The ideal candidate for this post-doctoral position is well-organized, eager to learn new skills and enthusiastic about experimental work with ants.

The funding available for this position is available from 1st November 2023 until 30th April 2024.

Additional information

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Nathalie Stroeymeyt [email protected].

Available documents

• ACAD106920 - Research Associate - Job Description.pdf
• BISC Further Particulars.pdf