Research Assistant in Collection of Plant Traits and Data Analysis

TN United Kingdom; Oxford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking two Research Assistants to join a pioneering research project focused on mosquito behavior and control strategies. These part-time roles will involve fieldwork in rural sites in Africa, collecting vital data to enhance understanding of mosquito sugar-feeding dynamics. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful research while gaining valuable field experience. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in biology and the ability to work independently in challenging environments. Join a team dedicated to advancing ecological knowledge and making a difference in mosquito control strategies.

Qualifications

• Experience in field data collection in Africa is essential.
• Sufficient specialist knowledge to contribute to established research programmes.

Responsibilities

• Collect floral trait data from abundant plant species.
• Support analysis of field data related to mosquito behavior.

Skills

Field Data Collection

Biology Knowledge

Independent Work

Education

Degree in Biology

Job description

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Research Assistant in Collection of Plant Traits and Data Analysis, Oxford

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Client:

University of Oxford

Location:

Oxford, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

dc1d1e476190

Job Views:

4

Posted:

02.05.2025

Expiry Date:

16.06.2025

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Job Description:

We are seeking

two Research Assistants to join the Oxford Long-Term Ecology Lab (OxLEL) in the Department of Biology. These positions are part-time (20 hours per week) and fixed term for eight months, from May to December 2025. Nectar feeding is a vital source of nutrition for adult mosquitoes of both sexes. This behaviour has been harnessed as a promising mosquito control strategy through the development of Attractive Targeted Sugar Baits (ATSBs), which combine plant-based sugars with insecticides. However, the efficacy of ATSBs may be influenced by the presence and abundance of local vegetation around the baits. This project investigates whether local vegetation affects ATSB performance at study sites in Benin and Kenya. The selected candidates will collect floral trait data from the most abundant plant species in these areas and support the analysis of the field data. This research aims to improve our understanding of mosquito sugar-feeding dynamics and how environmental factors influence mosquito behaviour and ATSB effectiveness. These roles will involve travel to rural sites in Benin and Kenya between June and September 2025. Applicants should hold a degree in Biology prior to starting and possess sufficient specialist knowledge to contribute to established research programmes. Experience in field data collection in Africa and the ability to work independently in the field are essential. The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria. This post is fixed term part time and will be available immediately.

We are seeking

two Research Assistants to join the Oxford Long-Term Ecology Lab (OxLEL) in the Department of Biology. These positions are part-time (20 hours per week) and fixed term for eight months, from May to December 2025. Nectar feeding is a vital source of nutrition for adult mosquitoes of both sexes. This behaviour has been harnessed as a promising mosquito control strategy through the development of Attractive Targeted Sugar Baits (ATSBs), which combine plant-based sugars with insecticides. However, the efficacy of ATSBs may be influenced by the presence and abundance of local vegetation around the baits. This project investigates whether local vegetation affects ATSB performance at study sites in Benin and Kenya. The selected candidates will collect floral trait data from the most abundant plant species in these areas and support the analysis of the field data. This research aims to improve our understanding of mosquito sugar-feeding dynamics and how environmental factors influence mosquito behaviour and ATSB effectiveness. These roles will involve travel to rural sites in Benin and Kenya between June and September 2025. Applicants should hold a degree in Biology prior to starting and possess sufficient specialist knowledge to contribute to established research programmes. Experience in field data collection in Africa and the ability to work independently in the field are essential. The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria. This post is fixed term part time and will be available immediately.