Post Doctoral Fellow

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

A Post-Doctoral Fellowship in the Chronobiology Research Group at the University

of Auckland, New Zealand is available for a project entitled:

“Spying on the secret lives of bees: Understanding the importance of eusocial clocks for honeybee behaviour”

We have a three year position for a post-doctoral scientist to work with us on a grant in which we are investigating honey bee behaviour by monitoring the patterns of electrostatic fields signals they emit inside the hive. Using a systems approach, and new technology which allows us to measure the electrostatic charge signatures bees produce and use to communicate inside the hive, we will establish how the honeybee super-clock is controlled in its natural state.

Robust daily rhythms are essential to the health and well-being of all organisms, and the breakdown of rhythms can even be used to reliably predict death. Honey bees have a complex social structure controlled by their daily (circadian) clock. This clock is at the heart of the colony structure, and without it the colony cannot function. We currently have a poor understanding of how the honeybee clock ticks. This is because it has not been possible to observe behaviour inside the hive without opening it, which damages the colony and disrupts behaviour.

In this project we will use new cutting-edge technology (bee spy) to non-invasively study

the honeybee clock in its natural state for the first time. This will enable us to understand how the clock is controlled, and how we can manipulate it to improve the health and management of bees.

This is a full-time role, 40 hours per week, on a 36-month contract. The salary range for this role is $85,000 - $90,000 per annum depending on experience and qualifications.

For more detailed information on the role accountabilities and requirements, please review this position description.

He kōrero mōu | About you

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in insect behaviour or neuroscience or a related field, be comfortable carrying out hands-on research with honey bees, and have a strong background in developing techniques to record and analyse physiology and behaviour in high resolution data sets.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand's leading University and maintains significant computational, laboratory, and analytic facilities. Auckland is frequently rated as one of the world's most liveable cities. 

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through the following:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home and flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks' annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programs, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and other discounts on internal and external services. 

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of 8/01/2024 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and CV highlighting how you can meet the abovementioned skills and experiences.

Please note that we may close the advert earlier if we find a suitable candidate.

We will be shortlisting in early February 2025.

Please reach out to Associate Professor Guy Warman ([email protected]) for a confidential conversation.

Please apply online and also email your cover letter and CV to James Cheeseman - [email protected].

This is an international collaborative project between the University of Auckland and the Free University of Berlin funded by a grant from the Marsden Fund.