Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mosquito Physiology and Behaviour

Working at Durham University

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Our University Strategy is built on three pillars of research, education and wider student experience, but also on our keen sense of community and of inspiring others to achieve their potential.

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We want our University to be a place where people can be free to be themselves, no matter what their identity or background. Together, we celebrate difference, value one another and are each responsible for creating an inclusive community that is respectful and fair for all.

Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page

The Role and Department

The Department of Biosciences is composed of 68 academic staff and research fellows; around 50 research and technical support staff; over 90 Research Postgraduate students and over 500 Single Honours undergraduate students. We offer a 3-year BSc degree programme in Biological Sciences and a 4-year MBiol, while also contributing to Natural Sciences. We also run a PGT in Plant Biotechnology with further PGT programmes scheduled for future delivery. Our research and teaching is supported by outstanding research infrastructure in advanced bioimaging (including super-resolution, confocal and electron microscopy), genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, high-performance computing and field research. We promote research at the interface with other disciplines.

The Dept. of Biosciences is currently ranked in the top 5 UK Biology Departments in University league tables (4th in the Guardian University Guide, 5th in The Complete University Guide) and has a 100% internationally recognised research environment (REF2021). Our basic science underpins applications across each-and-every sector of the bio-economy, including Biotechnology, Ecology and Agritechnology. Research programmes are grouped in the following areas: Molecular Plant Sciences; Biomolecular Interactions; Ecology, Evolution and Environment; and Animal Cells and Systems. These groups organise focused seminar series, Research Away Days, manage joint research facilities, oversee mentoring, internal peer review and serve to nucleate larger research projects. Along with our excellent research facilities such as bioimaging, proteomics, metabolomics and genomics we offer a high quality and supportive environment for our research staff. The Dept. of Biosciences partners with other areas of research strength in Durham University including Computational Sciences and Chemistry and encourages multidisciplinary research for Health and Wellbeing. The Department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award. Athena SWAN is a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation and progression. The Department embraces excellence in all of its forms and invites all qualified applicants to apply. We particularly welcome applications from women and black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in the academic sector.

The Role

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mosquito Physiology and Behaviour, This research project is in collaboration with Dr Marcus Blagrove (Liverpool, UK) and Prof Thomas Schmitt (Wuerzburg, Germany), and is funded by the Leverhulme Trust for 3 years. The project will investigate the physiological and behavioural mechanisms that Anopheles, Aedes and Culex pupae employ to avoid desiccation when taken out of their aquatic habitat. We will evaluate the timing of survival in various climatic conditions (humidity, temperature), as well as pupal behaviour in response to sensory stimuli that may point them towards water. We will also investigate how cuticular hydrocarbon composition on pupal exuvia aid desiccation prevention and survival.

The successful applicant will be expected to to work independently, be highly self-motivated and self-driven, with clear focus on developing their academic career. The post holder will report to Dr Olena Riabinina, and will be additionally advised by Dr Blagrove and Prof Schmitt. The ability to interact with lab members in a collaborative and friendly manner is paramount. The post holder will design experiments, collect and analyse data, and prepare manuscripts for publication. At least one of the following experiences is essential for this post, while the remaining two are desirable: 1)Experience in designing behavioural assays and setups, and collecting behavioural data; 2) Experience in insect/mosquito colony maintenance; 3) Experience of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry data collection and analysis. Ability to work flexibly, including on weekends/holidays as required for emergencies and mosquito colony maintenance is essential.

Part of the data collections will be conducted in London, Liverpool and Wuerzburg, thus the ability to travel to and work at these locations for several days to several weeks is required. The post holder will be expected to work collaboratively with the lab members of the three collaborating labs and will be given the opportunity to co-supervise junior lab members (undergraduate placements, summer projects, etc). The post holder will also be given an opportunity to present their work at lab meetings, departmental meetings and events, at national and international conferences, as well as engage with public during public-facing events.

The post is funded for 3 years, starting on the 2nd January 2025 and fixed-term due to the conditions of the funding, received from the Leverhulme Trust. The start date is negotiable. The post is open to international applicants.

Informal enquiries before application are welcome and should be directed to Dr Olena Riabinina, at olena.riabinina@durham.ac.uk.

Please include:

a CV,

a Cover Letter/Motivation Letter describing your current and future research interests, your reasons for applying for this post, and your expectations of this position,

contact details of 3 academic referees.

Key responsibilities:

• To conduct research and generate new knowledge
• To be responsible for your own work and behaviour
• To be professional and motivated
• To understand the research you are doing
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, in peer reviewed journals
• To conduct your research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources and time.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.

This post is fixed term for 3 years due to the duration of funding provided by the Leverhulme Trust.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by Dr Riabinina. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 2nd January 2025.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

• 30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 42 days per year.
• The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
• We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
• Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
• A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.
• If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key component of the University's Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our Purpose and Values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It's important to us that all colleagues undertake activities that are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.

We welcome and encourage applications from those who are currently under-represented in our work force, including people with disabilities and from racially minoritised ethnic groups.

If you have taken a career break or periods of leave that may have impacted on the volume and recency of your research outputs and other activities, such as maternity, adoption or parental leave, you may wish to disclose this in your application. The selection committee will take this into account when evaluating your application.

The University has been awarded the Disability Confident Employer status. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

Contact Information

Department contact for academic-related enquiries

Dr Olena Riabinina, at olena.riabinina@durham.ac.uk.

Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application

If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email. Please send your name along with abrief description of the problem you're experiencing toe.recruitment@durham.ac.uk

Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or +44 191 334 6801 from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time. We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays).

University contact for general queries about the recruitment process

If you have any general queries about the recruitment process please contact the recruitment team on e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk.

How to Apply

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.

Submitting your application

We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

What to Submit

All applicants are asked to submit:

• a CV and cover letter - (otherwise known as Motivation Letter) describing your current and future research interests, your reasons for applying for this post, and your expectations of this position, as well as specifically how you meet the Essential and Desirable criteria
  
  

Next Steps

Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department. The assessment for the post will normally include a presentation to academics involved in this proposal and the Insect Neuro lab members followed by a panel interview and a lab tour and we anticipate that the assessments and interviews will take place over two days in or around the 16th October 2024.

In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.
Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

Qualifications

1. A good first degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics

2. A PhD or equivalent in Neuroscience, Ecology, or related subject.

Experience

3. At least one of the following three (the other two being desirable):

• design and conduct behavioural assays to study sensory behaviours, including identifying and putting together the necessary hardware and software, and subsequent data analysis
• maintaining colonies of insects/mosquitoes for experiments
• acquisition and analysis of Gas Chromatography/Mass spectrometry data

4. Experience in at least one, ideally multiple, subjects among insect neuroethology, ecology, chemical ecology or neuroscience.

5. Experience in conducting high quality academic research including having the responsibility of organising own time.

6. Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals.

7. Demonstrable ability to present research papers at national/international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.

Skills

8. Demonstrable self motivation and initiative towards developing yourself and helping others

9. Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.

10. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Desirable Criteria

Experience

11. At least two of the following three - the two that are not covered by the Essential above:

• design and conduct behavioural assays to study sensory behaviours, including identifying and putting together the necessary hardware and software, and subsequent data analysis
• maintaining colonies of insects/mosquitoes for experiments
• acquisition and analysis of Gas Chromatography/Mass spectrometry data

12. Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.

13. A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career.

14. Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics.

15. Experience of overseeing students with respect to the development of their practical/research skills e.g. acting as a demonstrator; supervising student projects/practicals.

16. Experience in conducting qPCR experiments

17. Experience in conducting field collections of insects

18. Experience in mosquito colony maintenance

Skills

19. Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research work efficiently and keep thorough laboratory records.

20. Good aptitude for handling small objects, such as mosquito larvae and pupae