Ecologist - insect behaviour and / or molecular biology

This role will be aiding work within the Protecting Crops & Environment Division to: 1. Understand the impacts of plant diversification on plant-pest-natural enemy and plant-pest vector-virus interactions. 2. Monitor the impact of regenerative farming practices (including plant diversification) on arthropod communities (with a focus on pest herbivores and their natural enemies). For Project 1, you will help sample replicated field experiments exploring the effect of plant diversity on:

• Cabbage stem flea beetle and aphid pest infestation and subsequent parasitization.
• Turnips Yellows virus incidence and spread.
Collected samples will be analysed using molecular methods (PCR, LAMP). Field experiments will be backed by behavioural bioassays in controlled laboratory conditions. You would be using continuous cultures of insects so any experience in working with or rearing live insects would be an advantage. For Project 2, you will travel to commercial farms to help field-sample plants and insects. This is to assess the impacts of key regenerative agricultural practices on pest abundance, biodiversity and biocontrol. Sampling will take place throughout the growing season and is physically demanding. You will help to process samples once they have been returned to the laboratory. Taxonomical identification skills would be helpful for this role - but full training will be given.
• The post is for 3 years at first with excellent prospects to extend.
• How are your computer skills? You will need to be competent in PowerPoint, Excel and Word to help write reports, prepare presentations and perform calculations etc.
• The work will involve travel to field sites so a driving licence is essential.
• This role provides the opportunity to work with Farm staff, Engineers, Insectary staff, Glasshouse staff amongst others.
• Looking for development opportunities? We will need people to represent Rothamsted at conferences, meetings, seminars and other events such as demonstrations at schools and open days.
  
  The successful candidate will need a background in agricultural entomology and/or molecular ecology, ideally with experience in field working including arthropod sampling methodologies.
  
  This full time position has a salary between £24,225 and £26,573 per annum.