We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join the research group of Prof Elli Leadbeater at UCL (University College London), working on the evolution of memory using fruit fly models. Full details of the position and how to apply can be found here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/search-ucl-jobs/details?jobId=28060&jobTitle=Research+Fellow About us Biosciences is one of the world's foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences and one of the largest Divisions within UCL, undertaking a significant amount of research and teaching. The Division has a diverse portfolio addressing all areas of biology from protein interactions to cell function, organism development, genetics, population studies and the environment. Computational modelling approaches are frequently used alongside experimental research programmes and much of our research crosses traditional boundaries, including the relationship of biodiversity to the health of the planet. Activity is underpinned by high calibre science technology platforms and state of the art equipment. Educational activity includes a range of undergraduate programmes, an expanding number of Masters Programmes and a substantial number of postgraduate research students. This is an exciting opportunity to join an international team of researchers on a successful ERC proposal that is funded under the UK Horizon Europe Guarantee, led by Professor Elli Leadbeater. The project focuses on the evolution of memory. The research fellow will primarily be based at UCL's Bloomsbury campus but will also be part of the People and Nature Lab on the new UCL East campus. The People and Nature Lab is a collaborative group of researchers addressing the intersection between biodiversity, technology, the built environment and society to create new ways for societies and nature to sustainably coexist. About the role The main purpose of this position is to lead an axis of the research project that involves experimental evolution of memory in Drosophila models. Your role will be to design, set up and run experimental evolution experiments involving behavioural assays and fitness assays. You will also perform pilot experiments with mutant lines. You will have responsibility for managing all aspects of the fly-based experimental work, working closely with a dedicated project technician, and reporting directly to the project's Principle Investigator Professor Elli Leadbeater. You will work closely with other researchers on the same grant who are working with bumblebee models, with other research groups working with Drosophila at UCL, and with our collaborator Dr Hrvoje Augustin at Royal Holloway University of London. This role is an open-ended contract funded for three years from the start date, in the first instance. Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis. This appointment is subject to UCL's Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information. Interviews will take place in late November 2024. The start date is flexible but should not be after June 2024. If you have any queries about the role, please contact Professor Elli Leadbeater: ellouise.leadbeater@ucl.ac.uk If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact Biosciences staffing at biosciences.staffing@ucl.ac.uk. About you The successful candidate must hold or be about to submit a PhD degree in a relevant area, and have significant experience in the field of evolutionary ecology, behavioural ecology or behavioural neuroscience. Experience of empirical lab-based work with captive insects is essential, and previous experience with Drosophila and/or with experimental evolution protocols would be a significant advantage. A good knowledge of the relevant literature on animal cognition is desirable, as is proficiency in the application of appropriate ecological statistics (e.g. in R). The project involves a small component of field-based sampling in the UK, and so a driving license is desirable, but we will consider applicants without. The successful candidate will have a strong publication record appropriate to their career stage, experience of supervising students, and be able to evidence excellent communication skills. They will be enthusiastic about working with a diverse range of researchers, willing to participate in outreach and communication-based events, and be a collegiate member of the project team. The ability to keep meticulous records of field work, lab work, and well-annotated computer code is crucial to the smooth running of this project. Strong project management skills will be essential to the punctual delivery and reporting of project milestones. What we offer As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below: - 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) - Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme - Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) - Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan - Immigration loan and expenses - Relocation scheme for certain posts - On-Site nursery - On-site gym - Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay - Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service - Discounted medical insurance Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more. Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our Division holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/ Department School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02) Location London Working Pattern Full time Salary 43,124-51,610 Contract Type Permanent Working Type On site Available for Secondment No Closing Date 30-Oct-2024 To apply: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/search-ucl-jobs/details?jobId=28060&jobTitle=Research+Fellow Elli Leadbeater Professor of Ecosystems and Biodiversity Research People and Nature Lab, UCL East University College London "Leadbeater, Ellouise" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)