Monthly Archives: April 2016

“Hi, my name is Chloe and I’ currently doing my PhD on aquatic ecology at the University of Cambridge. I’ll be visiting the NBAF during the month of July and so I’m looking for a single room to rent (in a houseshare or not) during that time. Please email me on co353 (at) cam.ac.uk if you know of a place. Cheers!”

Please make sure the lab door are shutting properly.

Yesterday afternoon two mobile phones went missing (presumed stolen) from labs on C Floor. Security services and the police have been informed.

You are reminded that you need to take care of your personal belongings and not to leave them unattended anywhere, even for a short time. Opportunist thieves are very quick!

If you suspect that any of your belongings have been stolen the procedure is to call Security Control Room – 24085, and to inform either John Beresford or one of the admin team as soon as possible.

This is also the procedure if you see anyone acting suspiciously.

The University Security Policy can be found at http://sheffield.ac.uk/security

Be vigilant at all times.

South Yorkshire Police have informed us about an e-fit of a man suspected of sexually assaulting a woman on Conduit Road. You can view the e-fit at:

http://www.southyorks.police.uk/appeals-information/do-you-recognise-man-e-fit-1

The man – who is in his late 20s or early 30s – reportedly approached a woman as she walked along Conduit Road at around 11.55pm on Sunday 10 April and assaulted her.

He made off in the direction of Crookesmoor Road / Northumberland Road. The man was white, around 5ft 9ins tall, and was dressed in dark clothing.

Please take extra care if you live or work in this area. If you have any concerns, you can talk to University security colleagues on 0114 222 4085.

If you recognise the man or were a witness call South Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting incident 1 of 11 April 2016. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

I’m running a photographic course on insect photography at RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate again this year. I wonder if any of your biology students might be interested? It’s on Friday 17th June. This is a one day class-room based course with attendees gong out into the gardens to photograph insects and also collect and bring back to photograph against an insect set. All photographic levels welcome, cost is £61.00 for RHS members and £69 for non RHS members. Further information can be found on the RHS website courses section: rhs.org.uk or e-mail me direct. Last year’s course was fully booked so if you know of anyone who might be interested please let them know soon.

Kind regards

Garry Fry BSc ABIPP ARPS ASWPP
g.fry@rosedene.myzen.co.uk

THE PROJECT: We are studying the evolu2onary dynamics underlying species diversifica2on in the genus Antirrhinum (snapdragons). A major focus of this research involves field work on natural hybrid zones between two subspecies with different flower colours. THE FIELD WORK: We are seeking volunteers to assist with the field work, which involves working in teams mapping the loca2on of individual plants (GPS), tagging and sampling them for leaves and flowers, measuring quan2ta2ve traits, phenotyping them for flower pigmenta2on and processing material for later DNA extrac2on. THE SITE: The field site is located near Ripoll in a beau2ful part of the Pyrenees of North Eastern Spain (Catalonia). We stay in comfortable apartments overlooking a picturesque valley, with close access to hiking trails and small villages. CONTACT: Volunteers are required from late May to early August. Please send any ques2ons to the email address below. How to apply? By the closing date of April 7th, please send a statement of your background, CV, why you are interested and the length of 2me you would be available (minimum three weeks) via email to maria.clara.melo@ist.ac.at

Predicting the adaptive potential of the endangered New Zealand hihi (stitchbird; Notiomystis cincta)

We are pleased to offer an 18 month postdoctoral fellowship, funded by a Marsden Fund Grant, with Dr Anna Santure in the School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand. This project is an exciting opportunity to use statistical genetic approaches to understand and predict the evolutionary potential of the endangered New Zealand hihi (stitchbird; Notiomystis cincta), and is a collaboration with Dr Patricia Brekke and Dr John Ewen at the Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, see www.hihiconservation.com.

Determining the adaptive potential of wild populations requires that we understand the genetic basis of traits that are important for survival and reproduction in these populations. We are developing a genomic toolkit to characterise the genetic basis of morphological and life history traits in the reintroduced Tiritiri Matangi Island population of hihi, in order to understand the potential of the species to respond to changing environmental pressures, including anthropogenic climate change. Hihi are an ideal study system because, in addition to being a wonderful example of eccentric New Zealand wildlife, a reintroduced population of birds on Tiritiri Matangi Island has been intensively monitored since introduction and we have a wealth of data on morphological and life history traits, social and genetic relationships, DNA samples and environmental variables. The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for quantifying selection on morphological and life history traits, and investigating heritabilities and genetic trade-offs between traits that may constrain the adaptive potential of the species. The postdoc will also have the opportunity to contribute to linkage mapping and association analysis, and there is potential to examine signatures of selection in the draft hihi genome and test the impact of drift versus selection on the population.

We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in quantitative and / or theoretical population genetics, as well as a passion for evolution and conservation biology and a track record of publishing in leading journals. Candidates with experience in comparative genomics, statistics, bioinformatics, mathematics, computer programming or similar are also encouraged to apply.

The postdoctoral fellowship is available with a salary range of approximately NZD $79,159- $84,931 depending on experience, the start date is negotiable but ideally before September 2016. We welcome informal enquiries, please contact Anna Santure at a.santure (@) auckland.ac.nz.

Applications should be made through the Auckland University Careers site at:

https://www.opportunities.auckland.ac.nz/psp/ps/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL?languageCd=ENG

(select Research Fellow – School of Biological Sciences)

The University has an equity policy and welcomes applications from all qualified persons. International applicants are welcome to apply.

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students.

A new full time PhD in sheep veterinary genetics and genomics based in the Animal and Veterinary Science research group at SRUC, and in collaboration with the Moredun Research Foundation is available to a suitable student.

Deadline for applications 1st May.

Details at the links below

http://master.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=74244

http://www.sruc.ac.uk/jobs