********************Other******************** Dear all, I am reaching out to the Evoldir community for opinions. We are building a molecular/structural botany lab, and as part of it are considering installing three fume hoods. One for DNA extraction, one for RNA extractions/insitu hybridization work, and a third one for anatomy purposes. We were asked by the architects if we would like duct fume hoods or ductless (recirculating) fume hoods. From the construction side ductless hoods are a cheaper alternative, but none of us (scientists) involved in the lab planning has ANY experience with ductless hoods. So we would like to ask people who have experience with those, three questions: 1. Do they really work? If they do, what kind of procedure you perform? 2. How noisy are them compared with a ductless fume hood? Can you or do you have to have them on at all times? 3. Are they really cheaper when you take into account the filters? How often do you have to change those? Please feel free to add any comments besides these three questions! We really appreciate your help and if anybody is interested in knowing the answers I get, I will be happy to share them with you. Best,Alejandra Alejandra Vasco, Ph.D.Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT)1700 University Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76107Phone: 817-332-4441 Ext. 262Email: avasco@brit.org Associate Editor: Systematic Botany, Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad Alejandra Vasco ********************Other******************** Volunteer Research Assistant position at the Kalahari mole-rat project We are looking for severalvolunteer research assistants to carry out exciting experiments with captive Damaraland mole-rats, Fukomys damarensis at the Kuruman River Reserve, in the South African Kalahari Desert. Broadly, our research investigates the influence of genes, hormones and social factors on individual developmental, growth and behaviours. Currently, we are particularly interested in characterizing the phenotypical differences between breeding and non-breeding individuals and to develop an integrated understanding of the causes and consequences of such differences. Applicants should be available for a period of 6 to 12 months starting as soon as possible. They should be hardworking, enthusiastic, physically fit, and prepared for long hours in the laboratory. Successful applicants will be responsible to run experiments and will be involved in data collection and management (behavioural observations, collection of blood and urine samples). Other general tasks related to animal handling (hormone injections and implants) and husbandry and data handling will also be expected. One of the two applicants should feel comfortable with being involved in experiments requiring the sacrifice of experimental subjects. Working weeks will not exceed 45 hours. This position is particularly suited, but not exclusively, for people aiming to carry on their academic education or a management position in a research project. Successful applicants can expect to gain invaluable experience in animal handling procedures and in conducting and managing experiments. They will also gain database skills (MySQL) and will be provided with the opportunity to work on a personal project using the data available in our existing database. Costs of food and accommodation while at the project will be covered. If you are interested in this position send your CV and cover letter stating your availability to Philippe Vullioud (philippe.vullioud@gmail.com). Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a Skype interview. Deadline: 30th April 2018 (the position will remain open until filled) philippe.vullioud@gmail.com ********************PostDocs******************** We are seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in computational population genetics, statistics and informatics to join an international research team working to uncover the molecular genetic basis of resistance to Bt-maize in the African maize stemborer moth. You will be based in Liverpool, working closely with Ilik Saccheri (PI) and Al Darby (Co-I). Responsibilities will include: de novo assembly of a reference genome; identifying resistance and tolerance loci; assessing genetic diversity at these loci in natural populations; and analysing resistance allele frequency changes in time. You should have a PhD in population/evolutionary biology, bioinformatics or statistics, and experience of genomic analysis. The post is available until 31 January 2021 (with likely extension to 3yrs from start of contract), ideally starting in October 2018. For additional details and to apply go to https://recruit.liverpool.ac.uk/ and search for Job Ref 009147 (closing date: 21 May 2018). Informal enquiries to saccheri@liv.ac.uk. "I.J.Saccheri@liverpool.ac.uk"