PostDoc position in Bern, Switzerland

Scientist in pollinator health

Location:

Swiss Bee Research Centre, Research Station Forschungsanstalt Agroscope Liebefeld-Posieux ALP Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, CH-3003 Bern, Switzer- land, http://www.apis.admin.ch

Closing date for applications:

August 31, 2010

Starting date: 

October 1, 2010 (latest start of outstanding candidates January 1, 2011)

Appointment:

Qualifications:

PhD in insect ecology, insect pathology, molecular genetics or related field with demonstrated ability to attract external funding and conduct cutting-edge research publishable in high-quality peer-reviewed journals. Prior field and laboratory experience with at least one of our model organisms (Apis mellifera, Bombus terrestris, Osmia rufa) as well as knowledge of ecotoxicology, insect pathology and management skills is highly desirable. 

Position Description: 

(A) The successful candidate will develop a productive research program with strong links to two FP7 projects (BEEDOC, http://www.bee-doc.eu/; STEP, http://www.step- project.net/) emphasizing the role of pathogens and pesticides for pollinator health (75%). The candi- date will be expected to raise external funding both in Switzerland and internationally, co-supervise two PhD students [1) Interactions between pesticides and the microsporidian endoparasite Nosema ceranae in honey bee colonies and 2) Interactions between pesticides, the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor and viruses in honey bee colonies], conduct independent laboratory and field experiments on the interface between pesticides and pathogens with special attention given to the immune system of bees. (B) Management of the global COLOSS network (http://www.coloss.org/) together with a sec- retary and Dr. Neumann (25%). The organisation of conferences and workshops as well as networking will be the focus. The candidate must be able to integrate successfully into our research team. Oppor- tunities for teaching to biologists and veterinarians will be provided, but are not mandatory.

Application:

Candidates are requested to submit their application by email (peter.neumann@alp.admin.ch) by the 31st of August 2010. The application should include, in a sin- gle pdf file, a motivation letter including the research vision (max. 500 words), a curriculum vitae and copies of university diplomas (MSc, PhD, etc.). Two letters of recommendation (in English) shall be sent by the referee directly to Dr. Neumann.

PD Dr. rer. nat. Peter Neumann 

Action Chair COST Action FA0803 COLOSS

Head of Honeybee Pathology Section 

Swiss Bee Research Centre 

Federal Department of Economic Affairs EVD 

Research Station Agroscope Liebefeld-Posieux ALP 

Schwarzenburgstrasse 161 

CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland 

E-Mail: peter.neumann@alp.admin.ch