Title: Using eDNA to study the impact of parasitic bees on a key tropical pollinator community Application deadline: 23 February 2025 We are offering a 3-year Postdoctoral Research Associate position at the University of Bristol funded by the Leverhulme Trust to investigate the impacts of parasitic bees on a tropical pollinator community. Bees are key pollinators in the tropics, yet they also face multiple threats. One major threat is the parasitic robber bee Lestrimelitta, which damages and often kills bee colonies. However, how robber bees impact tropical bee communities (especially stingless bees) and their pollination services is not well understood. This project will use an emerging molecular tool, DNA metabarcoding of environmental DNA (eDNA), in combination with behavioural and ecological surveys to investigate how parasitic robber bees select and exploit host colonies, and how they affect vital pollinator communities in tropical ecosystems. Beneficial skills & experience - Ecological fieldwork in tropical habitats - DNA barcoding or metabarcoding of eDNA, molecular tools to assess colony densities and foraging ranges (microsatellites, SNPs) - Expertise in behaviour and ecology of bees or social insects Team and research environment The team includes Dr. Christoph Gr�ter and Dr. Emily Bell at the University of Bristol and collaborators Prof. Klaus Hartfelder, Prof. Eduardo Almeida and Prof. Fabio Nascimento at the University of S�o Paulo, Brazil. The successful applicant will join an international and interactive scientific environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities at the University of Bristol. Bristol is a vibrant city known for its thriving academic community and rich cultural scene. Bristol University has a strong commitment to sustainability and diversity and offers excellent opportunities for professional and personal growth in an engaging and supportive environment. Starting salary: �37,999-�42,632, depending on experience & qualifications Preferred starting date: 1 May 2025 How to apply: Apply via the University of Bristol Jobs Portal, Reference Number: ACAD107912 Link:https://tinyurl.com/568zbz9u For informal enquiries, please contact Dr. Christoph Grueter (c.grueter@bristol.ac.uk). Dr. Christoph Gr�ter (he/him) Associate Professor in Animal Behaviour & Ecology School of Biological Sciences University of Bristol 24 Tyndall Avenue |BS8 1TQ | UK Tel: 0117 455 6234 Office: 302 Virtual Office: https://tinyurl.com/55a2zdhy Web: www.socialinsect-research.com Christoph Grueter (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)