A post-doctoral fellowship is available from 1 January 2005, for a two-year period, in the Spatial, Physiological and Conservation Ecology Group and the Centre for Invasion Biology.

The topic of the research is interactions between gas exchange, metabolic rate and thermal tolerance in insects. The successful candidate will be responsible for examining the oxygen limits to thermal tolerance hypothesis, first proposed by H.O. Poertner, in a variety of insect and other terrestrial arthropod models, for examining insect gas exchange patterns under modified atmospheres, and will collaborate with the group in investigating metabolic scaling in insects.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. with specialization in respiratory or other aspects of animal physiology, or with specialization in the application of enzyme assays to animal models (e.g. Na/K ATPase; superoxide dismutase; LDH), and a willingness to learn gas exchange techniques. A proven publication record and a good statistical background will both be an advantage.

The SPACE Group is well equipped to undertake the kinds of work being proposed and has considerable experience in doing so. The research will involve collaborations with several laboratories both in South Africa and abroad, and will include mostly laboratory, but also some field components. Full research support is available for the work for the period and this includes negotiated travel to conferences.

Post-doctoral awards are for ZAR 100 000 per year and are exempt from taxation.

Applicants should supply a copy of their cv and transcripts and the names and contact addresses (including current e-mail addresses) of at least two academic referees by 15th October 2004. This material should reach Steven L. Chown by e-mail at first (hard copies of degree certificates and transcripts will be requested following the initial announcement of award, and final award will be dependent on their receipt).

Enquiries can also be addressed to Steven Chown.Contact: slchown@sun.ac.za and see: www.sun.ac.za/zoology/space