EL COLEGIO DE LA FRONTERA SUR
Southern Mexico and Central America is a particularly interesting
region for tropical bee research. This region has been invaded by
Africanized bees and possesses a great natural diversity of bees, in
particular stingless and bumble bees. Despite this high diversity, few
studies have been conducted to determine the existing genetic
diversity, the evolutionary pathways followed by bees and the
development of sociality. The conservation biology of endemic species
also remains poorly studied.
The present call is published with the aim of hiring a researcher with
a strong background in population genetics and social insect’s
biology, who will seek among other objectives, to:
* describe and explain the biodiversity of tropical bees, with
field based methodology as well as laboratory methods, in particular
based on population genetic approaches;
* conduct research on the phylogeny of bees, in particular of
groups like stingless and bumble bees;
* use such data to explain the evolution of sociality and behavior
such as communication;
* establish and participate in the implementation of protection
strategies for endemic species threatened with extinction, possibly
based on an agroecological approaches.
FUNCTION
The main functions of the researcher will be:
* Plan, elaborate and conduct research projects and publish
results in international journals
* Coordinate personnel, assign responsibilities and administrate
material and financial resources
* Participate in teaching at the postgraduate level and in the
direction of student research projects and thesis
* Develop a direct link with local producers, so that the results
of research respond to social needs
* Obtain external funding for their research projects
POSITION PROFILE
* PhD in ecology or biology
* Experience with molecular biology tools, quantitative analysis
in population genetics, and with social insects model.
* Full-time availability (40 hours per week).
* Knowledge of Spanish.
• Duration of the position: a minimum of six years. During this
period, the researcher will be evaluated each three years to determine
permanency and assess performance and eligibility for promotion.
REMUNERATION
Monthly salary of MXP 17,671.75 to MXP 25,000.50 (USD 1606 to
USD2272) depending of the initial evaluation. The salary is based on a
standard scale depending on the category assigned to the researcher,
according to a table common to the institutions of the CONACYT system.
It is important to note that researchers are eligible for salary bonus
payments based on academic productivity as well as participation in a
saving fund, payments for materials and an end-of-year bonus.
Post-doctoral researchers are expected to join the Mexican National
System of Researchers which also provides monthly financial support to
productive scientists. Altogether, these bonus payments may be as high
as the salary itself.
LOCATION
The position will be located in the Tapachula unit of ECOSUR,
positioned in Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto km 2.5, in the city of
Tapachula, Chiapas.
ABOUT ECOSUR AND THE BEE LINE
ECOSUR is a public research center in Mexico with 117 researchers in
32 research lines, each one integrated with scientific and technical
personnel, who develop specific topics of research, postgraduate
teaching and extension. One of these research lines is "Bees of
Chiapas". It was created in 1986 and consists of a principal
researcher, four technicians, seven post-graduate and undergraduate
students, and six persons working on external funding.
The “Bees of Chiapas” research line has two working axes: 1) research
in biology and ecology of tropical bees, and 2) extension services
with honey producers, by means of participative research and technical
teaching. Most of the present research studies are oriented towards
tropical bee eco-ethology. These studies should now be complemented by
studies in population genetics and molecular phylogeny.
REQUERIMENTS
Candidates should send exclusively via e-mail at
copies of relevant documents (title), and at least three recent
scientific papers, a proposal of scientific project, and three
references of established researchers who may recommend the candidate
(name, address and e-mail). Do not include letter of recommendation.
SELECTION PROCESS
Documents should be sent between 3rd December 2007 and 20th March
2008. For general information on the institution, please check
www.ecosur.mx and for specific information on the position, please
write at
The selection will follow two steps. First, the curriculum of the
candidates will be evaluated, and the best ones will be selected and
contacted between the 4th and 11th April 2008. Second, the selected
candidates will be invited to present one of their recent research
studies, and also a research proposal in a seminar in the Tapachula
Unit of ECOSUR or by videoconference, in the period between 14th and
21st April 2008. The interview will include the presentation of a
previous research (20 minutes) and of a project to develop in ECOSUR
(10 minutes). The final decision will be based on the academic value
of the candidate and on the match between personal and institutional
interests. The position can be occupied beginning May 2008.
Women and persons originating from southeastern Mexico and Latin
America are specially invited to participate in this call.
