Post-Doctoral Fellow

Job Description:

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

A Post-Doctoral Fellowship in the Chronobiology Research Group at the University of Auckland 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 20-month position for a post-doctoral scientist to work with us on a Marsden funded grant in which we are investigating honey bee behaviour by monitoring the patterns of electrostatic fields signatures they produce 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 an international collaborative project between the University of Auckland and the Free University of Berlin funded by a grant from the Marsden Fund.

This is a fulltime (40 hours per week) fixed term opportunity for 20 months.

The salary range for this role is $92,213 - $97,083 based on skills and experience.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description

He kōrero mōu | About you

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in developing techniques to record and analyse physiology and behaviour in large high resolution data sets. Previous beekeeping experience would be an advantage. The successful candidate will be working hands-on with bees.

You will also have:

• PhD in a related field, preferably in insect behaviour or neuroscience
• A strong background in developing techniques to record and analyse high resolution data sets, physiology and behaviour experience is advantageous
• Comfort carrying out hands-on research with honey bees, preferentially with skills in bee husbandry

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 itself is frequently rated as one of the world’s most liveable cities.

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

• Flexible employment practices
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks’ annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and a number of 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 18 June 2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

Please reach out to Guy Warman, via [email protected] , for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

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