HOST-SHIFT & RANGE EXPANSION IN NATIVE PHYTOPHAGOUS INSECTS.
The past decade has seen an explosion of interest in biological invasions and their consequences. It is now clear that the magnitude and frequency of early introductions are minor compared to those associated with today’s extensive global trade and passenger movements. Such factors have resulted in most areas around the world experiencing increasing species invasions. The focus of this internship will be on native invasive phytophagous insects, in particular the native grassgrub, Costelytra zelandica, that has become a serious pest (invasive) of pasture and sometimes in horticulture in New Zealand. You will use this species to investigate host and environmental range expansion to increase the understanding of species invasions in general.
Ultimately, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to:
- do a field trip sessions in the New Zealand Alps
- run an ecological experiment and improve his/her laboratory skills
- do statistical analyses (Chi square test, ANOVA and/or ANCOVA)
- learn about molecular techniques (DNA extraction and multiplex PCR)
This internship will be based at the BioProtection Research Centre (Lincoln University, New Zealand).
The candidate should start between the 1st of January and the 15th of February 2011 due to the time frame required for the fieldwork. The internship is for a period of 4 to 6 months (negotiable).
The successful candidate will have a strong background in ecology and some notion of statistics and molecular analyses.
Application must contains:
- a cover letter
- a personal resume (CV)
- 2 academic referees
Applications have to be sent before the 25th of October 2010. The successful applicant will be informed the following week.
To submit you application and for more information, please contact the following persons:
Marie-Caroline Lefort
Marie-Caroline.Lefort@lincoln.ac.nz
Ass. Pr. Susan Worner
Susan.Worner@lincoln.ac.nz
The past decade has seen an explosion of interest in biological invasions and their consequences. It is now clear that the magnitude and frequency of early introductions are minor compared to those associated with today’s extensive global trade and passenger movements. Such factors have resulted in most areas around the world experiencing increasing species invasions. The focus of this internship will be on native invasive phytophagous insects, in particular the native grassgrub, Costelytra zelandica, that has become a serious pest (invasive) of pasture and sometimes in horticulture in New Zealand. You will use this species to investigate host and environmental range expansion to increase the understanding of species invasions in general.
Ultimately, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to:
- do a field trip sessions in the New Zealand Alps
- run an ecological experiment and improve his/her laboratory skills
- do statistical analyses (Chi square test, ANOVA and/or ANCOVA)
- learn about molecular techniques (DNA extraction and multiplex PCR)
This internship will be based at the BioProtection Research Centre (Lincoln University, New Zealand).
The candidate should start between the 1st of January and the 15th of February 2011 due to the time frame required for the fieldwork. The internship is for a period of 4 to 6 months (negotiable).
The successful candidate will have a strong background in ecology and some notion of statistics and molecular analyses.
Application must contains:
- a cover letter
- a personal resume (CV)
- 2 academic referees
Applications have to be sent before the 25th of October 2010. The successful applicant will be informed the following week.
To submit you application and for more information, please contact the following persons:
Marie-Caroline Lefort
Marie-Caroline.Lefort@lincoln.ac.nz
Ass. Pr. Susan Worner
Susan.Worner@lincoln.ac.nz