A research fellowship is available in the group of Professor David Evans for 3 years to study the molecular biology and control of chronic bee paralysis virus, an emerging pathogen of honey bees.

Managed honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies offer mobile pollination services to complement wild pollinators, which together ensure the reproductive success of ~90% of flowering plants globally and increase the yield and quality of agricultural crops. Honey bee and wild pollinators are in decline due to interacting pressures such as land-use intensification, agrochemicals and the impact of parasites and pathogens.

Emerging infectious diseases include those previously identified that are increasing significantly in prevalence. Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (CBPV), a bipartite RNA virus until recently associated with rare but severe disease with characteristic symptoms in honey bees, is now causing devastating problems for commercial bee farmers and is increasing globally.

This collaborative study with the University of Newcastle (Dr. Giles Budge and Prof. Steve Rushton) aims to understand the emergence of CBPV as a significant pathogen of honey bees, to characterise the molecular features of the virus that contribute to pathogenesis, to identify whether co-infection with other pathogens contributes to disease and to define co-stressors that exacerbate susceptibility and/or disease. The goal of the study is to develop honey bee management techniques that help bee farmers and amateur beekeepers prevent or mitigate CBPV disease in honey bee colonies.
   
You will be a highly motivated scientist with a PhD. in molecular biology, ideally with practical experience in studying the biology of RNA viruses. Experience or interest in beekeeping would be particularly useful, but is not essential. You will have demonstrated practical experience in a range of molecular biology and biochemistry methods coupled with excellent oral and written communication skills. The ability to work successfully in a research team and to productively interact with the staff from other Universities as well stakeholders (e.g. bee farmers) is critical.

The post is for 3 years, starting on 1 March 2018, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Informal enquiries to Professor David Evans by email d.j.evans@st-andrews.ac.uk or on 01334 463401/463396.

The University is committed to equality for all, demonstrated through our working on diversity awards (ECU Athena SWAN/Race Charters; Carer Positive; LGBT Charter; and Stonewall).  More details can be found at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/diversityawards/.

Please quote ref: AR2011ML

Closing Date:  11 December 2017

Further Particulars: AR2011ML FPs.doc

School of Biology
Salary: £32,548 - £38,833 per annum
Start Date:  1 March 2018, or as soon as possible thereafter
Fixed Term:  3 years