POST-DOC POSITION: SOCIALITY IN A HAPLODIPLOID BEETLE, ISRAEL We are looking for a 2 year post-doctoral fellow to study the evolution of sociality using the haplodiploid scolytid beetle Coccotrypes dactyliperda as a model. The newly emerged adult female beetle faces three strategic options: she may leave her natal site (the seed of a date palm) and establish her own family in a new site, she may stay in her natal patch, cooperatively reproduce and share maintenance tasks or she may give up direct reproduction and help in rearing the young. Do genetic relatedness and ecological conditions influence these decisions? Do the secondary endosymbionts have a role in these decisions? Are the decisions maternally affected? Behavioral and molecular tools will be used to answer these questions. The research will take place in the Department of Entomology, the Volcani Center, Israel. The study is part of a project funded by the Israel Science Foundation to Ally Harari and Yael Lubin.
We look for candidates holding a PhD in ecology, with experience with insects and preferably social insects, familiarity with molecular techniques and with behavioral experiments. Good knowledge of English (discussion, reading and writing) is essential. We offer an initial contract for a period of 12 months beginning as soon as possible, with possibility of extension for another 12 months upon favorable evaluation. To apply, please send CV, a letter of motivation, and names and e-mail addresses of three potential referees by 30 September, 2012 Contacts: Dr. Ally Harari [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> or Prof. Yael Lubin [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> This mail was sent via Mail-SeCure System.
