MSc Bursary Opportunity in 2022:
“The impact of artificial light on mosquito activity and physiology”
Preamble:
The Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, is inviting 1 excellent MSc candidate to apply for a 2 year research project measuring the impact of artificial light on aspects of mosquito biology. This lab-based project is part of a larger initiative entitled “Reducing vector borne disease risk by optimizing artificial light expansion across Africa” funded by the Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer Research Grant, with Principal Investigator and Senior Lecturer Dr. Bernard W.T. Coetzee, and collaborators, which for this call are Prof. Lizette Koekemoer (WRIM/ WITS / NICD) and Dr Megan Riddin (UP ISMC). A competitive stipend and project running costs are included.
Background to the Project:
The use of artificial light at night (ALAN) has increased steadily in recent decades, and African nations are set to significantly increase their citizen’s access to electrical grid infrastructure. However, there is a concomitant realisation that ALAN may impact both human and environmental health. Because light is such a fundamental environmental cue, many organisms, including humans, have evolved such that their chronobiology is fundamentally entrained by light. In consequence, the impact of changing light regimes on aspects of the biology of a host of organisms is not well known, especially so for vectors of medical concern. Some mosquito species are repelled by certain lights in certain intensities and wave lengths, but others may be attracted to and increase their biting activity under artificial light.
In this project, you will conduct a series of well-designed lab-based experiments to test how the alteration of light, in terms of its timing, spectra and intensity, alters fundamental biological parameters on mosquitoes of medical concern (especially Anopheles), and particularly their feeding activities. In addition to making new contributions of our understanding of ALAN on insects, the project will contribute vital parameterization data to ongoing field and modelling studies, to assess how ALAN interacts with other drivers of mosquito biology.
Requirements:
Interested candidates should have a deep passion for science and advancing our understanding of the natural world. Ideal qualities are:
• A critical thinker with attention to detail and a willingness to learn.
• Lab experience with insects, experimental design experience, writing and statistical experience are distinct advantages.
• A penchant for scientific exploration, co-learning and strong work ethic is indispensable.
• This is an outcomes focused project and so an emphasis on delivering them is
essential.
Minimum requirements:
• BSc Honours degree or equivalent with an excellent academic record. Given the multidisciplinary nature of the larger project and a broad range of focal areas, not necessarily restricted to a specific field.
• Typical fields include, but are not limited to, Ecology, Zoology, Entomology,
Genetics, Remote Sensing, Environmental Science or Medical Sciences.
• Female and previously disadvantaged applicants are encouraged to apply.
• This is a full-time appointment only.
Location and start date:
The candidate will be registered at the Department of Zoology and Entomology of the University of Pretoria, with extensive laboratory work at the UP Institute for Malaria Control’s insectary and laboratory, with an option to be physically based there. The project can commence as soon as a suitable candidate is appointed.
Application procedure and submission:
The following is required (in this order, attached in a single email).
i. Cover letter,
ii. Up to date CV,
iii. A 1 – 2-page motivation and statement of interest in the research, and
iv. Copies of all academic transcripts.
All required documents to please be combined in a single PDF file. The CV must include at least 2 contactable references.
Interested applicants to submit their applications to Dr Bernard W.T. Coetzee (bernard.coetzee@up.ac.za) with the email subject line “Vectors & Light MSc application”.
No applications will be accepted after the closing date. Please note that feedback will only be given to shortlisted candidates.
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The University of Pretoria retains the right not to make an appointment / re-advertise and to verify all information provided by candidates.
Required reading for applicants:
1. Wilson et al. 2021 Parasites and Vectors 14:28. 2. Gaston et al. 2013 Biological Reviews 88: 912-927. 3. Sanders et al. 2021 Nature Ecology and Evolution 5: 74-81. 4. Sheppard et al. 2017 Parasites and Vectors 10:255. 5. Rund et al. 2016 Insects 7. 6. Van der Kooi et al. 2021 Annual Review of Entomology 66:435 7. See also www.bernardcoetzee.com and PI’s Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=sRFFlPAAAAAJ&hl=en
For enquiries contact: Dr. Bernard W.T. Coetzee ( bernard.coetzee@up.ac.za )
Closing Date for applications: 14 January 2022
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