A postdoctoral fellowship is available in the group of Professor David Evans for up to eighteen months to study the molecular epidemiology and control of virulent strains of deformed wing virus of honeybees.

Deformed wing virus (DWV) is the most important viral pathogen of honeybees (Apis mellifera) and is responsible – when transmitted by the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor – for the majority of overwintering colony losses experienced by amateur and commercial beekeepers. These losses are of direct economic importance and significantly reduce colony numbers available for pollinating crops, so reducing agricultural productivity.
 
Our recent research (Ryabov et al., 2014) has identified a virulent strain of DWV (designated DWVV) that is specifically amplified when transmitted by Varroa and is associated with characteristic symptoms – wing deformities, abdominal stunting, incomplete pupal development. When transmitted by Varroa, or when directly injected to pupae in vitro, this strain replicates to very high levels (~1,000-10,000 times higher than when acquired by feeding) and exhibits very low genetic diversity. Other research (Martin et al., 2012) has demonstrated a similar reduction in DWV genetic diversity after Varroa transmission.

We have BBSRC funding to investigate the global distribution of DWVV and have recruited collaborators across both hemispheres to supply samples for analysis. We additionally want to investigate strategies to combat replication of DWVV using RNAi-based approaches. Finally, we want to investigate viral diversity with or without Varroa control methods.

You will be highly motivated, with good written, oral and interpersonal skills, have a PhD. in molecular virology, ideally with practical experience in studying the biology of RNA viruses. Experience or interest in beekeeping would be particularly useful, but is not essential.

This is a fixed term post for 18 months.

The University of St Andrews is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all, which is further demonstrated through its working on the Gender and Race Equality Charters and being awarded the Athena SWAN award for women in science, HR Excellence in Research Award and the LGBT Charter;  http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/diversityawards/.

Please quote ref:  AR1685SB

Closing Date:  26 August 2015
 
Further Particulars:  AR1685SB FPs.pdf 

School of Biology
Biomedical Sciences Research Complex
Salary: £31,342 per annum
Start: As soon as possible
Fixed term for 18 months