Post: TCV Natural Talent Traineeship - Entomology
Bursary:
Location:
£12,510.60
Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA), Edinburgh, Scotland
Mentors:
Duration:
Fiona Highet & Jennifer Sjölund
12 months
Start date: 25th January 2016
Closing date for Applications: 23 rd October 2015
Thank you for your interest in the Natural Talent UK traineeship scheme. This scheme is funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
How to apply
Full details on how to apply and application forms can be found at http://www.tcv.org.uk/jobs/latest-job-vacancies
Please read through this traineeship description thoroughly, completing an application form
(available on request or on-line and to download) showing how you meet the criteria
outlined in the Skills & Experience section and any other information you feel is relevant.
Project background
Natural Talent UK aims to increase expertise across the whole of the UK to protect our less well known species and create awareness of the habitats that supports them. The programme responds to identified skills shortages in the conservation sector by providing trainees with the opportunity to develop an expertise in a specific taxonomic group, habitat or a mixture of both. Natural Talent UK will also increase the capacity of volunteers and communities to play an active role in surveying, mapping and taking an action to increase the biodiversity value of their local places.
SASA is a Division of the Scottish Governments Agriculture, Food and Rural Communities
Directorate helping to ensure the quality, safety and security of our food supply in Scotland and the quality of our environment. The trainee will be directly involved in ongoing research at SASA on aphid molecular biology to develop classical and contemporary species ID skills.
Aphids are a diverse group of insects that require accurate identification of both native and non-native species to monitor local populations and detect invasive species. SASA is currently working on entomology- and molecular-based projects in collaboration with several institutes which the trainee will work in partnership with. They will contribute to ongoing research into aphid populations through fieldwork and using an established

network of insect traps. The apprentice trainee will be involved in the development of a diagnostic real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for a variety of aphid species.
The trainee will develop both classical and molecular species identification skills, an exceptional combination of skills that greatly increase the accuracy of species identification and are increasingly required in zoology. Ecological surveying techniques for aphids and other insect communities will be developed. The trainee will also gain experience in the curation of insect collections and the use of historical data records, and have the opportunity to be involved in the writing of scientific publications from the work achieved.
The post also requires the trainee to be involved in public engagement with local groups that will inform the public on aphids, species ID, and biodiversity. This includes the creation of an aphid species ID guide, running a BioBlitz event and mini-beast school events.
Training
During the traineeship, you will learn and apply the following skills;
• Develop species identification skills specifically for aphids but also other common insect orders
• Classical and molecular taxonomy methods
• Molecular laboratory skills including DNA extraction, PCR and sequencing
• Learn how to manage data and record databases
• Trap collection and sorting, field surveying
• Recording and monitoring techniques
• Inventory work and specimen preservation
• Data analysis, report writing and IT skills
• Community engagement techniques
• Pest detection - learning about the networks in place and the methods used for invasive species and pest detection
Person specification
ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE
Qualifications:
No formal qualifications necessary although candidates will have to demonstrate knowledge of some aspect of the natural environment and their enthusiasm for the traineeship.
A passion and enthusiasm for entomology and protecting and conserving our natural environment.
Experience:
Some experience of working in a lab environment.
Applicants will have some knowledge, background and understanding of insect biology and molecular biology to deliver this traineeship to a high standard.
General field surveying techniques and molecular biological techniques.

Skills :
Applicants must have a good working knowledge of basic IT software packages and working with datasets.
Fieldwork experience and maintaining insect collections.
Molecular biology lab skills, such as PCR and
Be comfortable with the use of identification keys, using microscopes and identifying specimens to species level. sequencing.
Be comfortable with the use of standard laboratory equipment, such as pipettes and centrifuges.
Personal Qualities:
In order to develop the skills required in insect taxonomy applicants should be able to demonstrate
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Confidence in enthusing, encouraging good attention to detail and accuracy and must be able and supporting communities to engage in to develop and maintain high standards. scientific activities.
You will be able to work independently as well as in a team, planning and carrying out tasks, sharing
Experience in working with external collaborators. information, negotiating and communicating with colleagues.
Applicants must be able to articulate scientific terminology in a way that can be
You must also be able to demonstrate good oral and easily understood by members of the public written communications skills.
The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate a methodical approach to work and good organisational skills. of different ages.
Ability to manage and prioritise various tasks, such as fieldwork, species ID, and lab work.
Other:
Although some natural history and molecular biology knowledge is preferable, motivation, enthusiasm, excellent communication skills and drive are the most important qualities in a potential applicant.
A full, clean driving license.
Some experience of engaging others with nature.