[Postdoc] Full-time Postdoc Opportunity in the Insect Diversity Lab, NUS

The Insect Diversity Lab at the Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, is in search of a full-time Postdoc. We study global insect diversity with current focus on bees and related wasps of Southeast Asia. A key goal is to develop taxonomic infrastructure and to use this to advance research on insect urban ecology, behaviour, and conservation.

Core Responsibilities include:

• Organise and conduct DNA barcoding work for bees of Singapore and Southeast Asia.
• Specimen preparation, database entries, DNA extractions, PCR and data analyses.
• Coordinate with collaborators within the NUS Department of Biological Sciences and overseas.

Additional Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Data entry and management of specimen and bibliographic databases.
• Technical and report/scientific paper editing.
• Processing of collected specimens (pinning, labelling, curating, and dissection for DNA).
• Specimen imaging using an imaging system.
• Acting as a liaison with various external agencies, e.g. NParks to obtain permits.
• Field sampling of bees/wasps using a sweep net.

Abilities:

• Prior experience with molecular taxonomy, especially DNA barcoding and molecular diagnostics.
• Prior experience in the field of entomology will help but can be picked up on the job.
• Written and verbal competency in the English language is a necessity.
• Familiarity with NGS barcoding techniques is desirable.
• Prior technical expertise or familiarity with software used in data management, analysis, and visualization is preferred.
• Additional abilities/experience in statistics is desirable.
• The candidate should be conscientious and adaptive, and enthusiastic about working with insects both alive and dead.
• The job requires attention to detail and the ability to maintain focus when working independently.

Application details

• This position is for 1 year.
• Applicants should be ready to start work in April 2019.
• Ph.D degree in Life Sciences or related field.
• Remuneration: SGD $4,500/month (dependent on qualifications and includes CPF contribution for Singaporeans/PR).
• Interested applicants should submit their CV, a short write-up about how this job may contribute to the applicant’s long term goals, and a sample of their academic writing.
• Please submit these to Dr John Ascher (dbsajs@nus.edu.sg) and Miss Ong Xin Rui (dbsoxr@nus.edu.sg) by 10 February 2019.
• Short-listed applicants will be notified for an interview by late February 2019.

Assistant Professor John Stoskopf Ascher
Department of Biological Sciences
National University of Singapore

[Job] Avian Fieldwork Research Assistants needed from 05 Feb to 05 Mar 2019 [submit by 21 Jan 2019]

Researchers from The University of Hong Kong are seeking 2 Research Assistants for 4 weeks of fieldwork, from February 5-March 5 2019 in Singapore (including weekends), for the project:

“Population assessment and assessment of ecological niche of the critically endangered Cacatua sulphurea in Singapore”

RA duties will include assistance with:

• Nest focal watches
• Observing behaviours of birds around nest hole sites
• Field identification of local plant / bird species
• Habitat transects

Basic training for these activities will be provided. Hours will be 7am-12noon and 3pm-6pm daily, weekends included. With the support of Wildlife Reserves Singapore, we are able to provide a per diem rate of SGD 75.

Applicants must be living in Singapore and have the following skills:

• Good communication skills
• Proactive attitude
• Strong knowledge of plant and bird species local to Singapore
• Good fitness condition

Interested parties please send an email with basic information and experience to alexast@hku.hk by January 21, 2019.

Astrid Andersson, HKU
Dr Caroline Dingle, HKU
Dr Jess Lee, WRS

 

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Image from Wikipedia by J. Patrick Fischer

[PhD] PhD Opportunity with research focus on bee diversities in Singapore and the region [by 31 Jan 2019]

The Insect Diversity Lab at the Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, is in search of an enthusiastic PhD student with a strong academic background and interest in accomplishing a research project focused on bee diversities in Singapore and the region.

This student should have interests in entomology, taxonomy, and conservation biology, and will design and implement question-based research based on assembled integrative taxonomic resources, which includes DNA barcodes and image databases. This student will generate and analyse DNA barcodes, and apply existing analytical tools to assess faunal overlap, rate of discovery of new species, turnover of faunas across ecological gradients, and other phenomena of importance to conservation and management.

We are looking for a student that is capable of developing and testing original hypotheses to increase the scope and applicability of these taxonomic resources, especially in the areas of conservation and management. Prior experience with molecular taxonomy, especially in DNA barcoding and molecular diagnostics, is essential. Familiarity with NGS barcoding techniques, statistical analyses with R programming, and excellent writing skills would be ideal.

Application

Interested students should submit

• their CV specifying their research experience,
• a short write-up about how this positon may contribute to their long term goals,
• a sample of their academic writing and
• two referees.

Please submit these documents to Dr John Ascher (dbsajs@nus.edu.sg) and Miss Ong Xin Rui (dbsoxr@nus.edu.sg) by 31 Jan 2019. Short-listed applicants will be notified for an interview by mid-February 2019.

Assistant Professor John Stoskopf Ascher
Department of Biological Sciences
National University of Singapore