PhD Candidate: Genomics-Informed Strategies: The School of Biology and Environmental Sciences (SBES) at University College Dublin (UCD) is offering a fully funded PhD position to research and combat honey bee colony invaders. The project is funded by the European Union (EU) and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) in Ireland. The research focuses on alternative control methods and the incidence of pathogens threatening honey bee health, aiming to contribute to the protection of Irish bees.
Protecting Irish Bees through Field Trials and Genomics-Informed Strategies
Designation: PhD Candidate
Research Area: Combating honey bee colony invaders, with emphasis on alternative control methods and pathogen incidence.
Location: School of Biology and Environmental Sciences (SBES), University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland.
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Minimum educational background: BSc (2.1 or above, or equivalent), or MSc degree within pollinator, environmental, or pathogen sciences, or related discipline.
- Desirable experience: Honey bee biology and beekeeping, DNA and RNA extraction and PCR, and data analysis using R. Possession of a driving license is also desirable for fieldwork.
- Characteristics: Enthusiastic, self-motivated, self-critical, and willing to learn.
Job Description: The PhD candidate will:
- Explore alternative control methods for the Varroa mite through field trials.
- Investigate co-infection of emerging pathogens affecting honey bee health.
- Examine the incidence of American Foul Brood and European Foul Brood across Ireland.
- Identify factors leading to clinical infections in honey bee colonies.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should send a single PDF document, including a brief CV, a 1-page letter of motivation (highlighting research interests and goals), and contact details of two referees, to julia.jones@ucd.ie. The deadline for submission is March 11th, 2024, for full consideration.
Last Date for Apply: March 11th, 2024
PhD Package:
- Includes a tax-free stipend of €25,000 per year (funded by the EU and DAFM) and tuition fee coverage.
- SBES expects the PhD candidate to demonstrate practical classes each year, remunerated at an hourly rate.
- UCD is committed to diversity and fair treatment, providing an inclusive environment.
- UCD is ranked in the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide.
- The large city campus offers lakes, woodland walks, and wildlife.
- Information for international applicants regarding visa requirements is available.
