To begin January 2023 (or as soon as possible thereafter)

2.5 years (with an initial probationary period); starting salary $55,000/year

Requirements:

• PhD or equivalent in entomology, biology, or physiology
• Valid driver’s licence
• Fluent written and spoken English
• First-author publication(s) in peer-reviewed journals

The Sinclair Lab, in partnership with Aspire Food Group is seeking a postdoc to work on the thermal biology of crickets farmed for food and feed. This project will be based in the Department of Biology at Western University, and the successful candidate will spend time at Aspire’s London Facility.

The project will involve unravelling the effects of temperature on the growth, development, energy allocation, and stress responses of the house cricket, Acheta domesticus. The candidate will apply their knowledge (or rapidly develop skills in) insect physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, metabolic rate measurements, data analysis and modeling to intellectually important questions that will have direct and lasting impact on commercial insect production. This position includes extensive coordination and communication with Aspire staff, and opportunities to contribute to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. There will be capacity for research on self-initiated side projects relevant to cricket biology. Together, this work will leave the successful candidate well-placed to continue academic study or to work in industry.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated critical thinking, written and oral communication, time management, and organisational skills.  They will have demonstrated skills in analysing and interpreting data, presenting their work to a professional audience, and a demonstrated record of seeing projects through to completion. They will understand the scientific publishing process, and have demonstrated expertise in conceiving and designing experiments. They will be driven to succeed, excited about science, willing to give and receive critical, constructive feedback, and be committed to equity, diversity, and inclusiveness. The ideal candidate will have insect physiology, biochemistry and/or molecular biology experience, or a background in physiology, entomology, or functional ecology and a strong desire to develop these skills. Ideally, they will have modeling or programming experience.

The successful candidate will take a leadership role in the Sinclair lab, contributing to, and benefitting from, the lab’s exceptional training environment. The Sinclair lab maintains high intellectual standards and provides outstanding intellectual and practical support. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to present their data at international conferences and be expected to lead scientific publication.

The Department of Biology is a large, general biology department with a large group of insect scientists and a small but high-performing group of comparative physiologists. There is excellent access to a range of core facilities across campus, and the life scientists at Western have a culture of sharing equipment and expertise. Western University is a large public institution located in London, Ontario. Western is one of Canada’s leading research Universities, and has excellent infrastructure and a beautiful campus. London is a medium-sized city with dining, arts, and sporting scenes, and quality outdoor spaces.

Read more about the Sinclair lab: https://publish.uwo.ca/~bsincla7/

Read more about Aspire Food Group: https://aspirefg.com/

Read more about postdoctoral studies at Western: https://grad.uwo.ca/postdoctoral_services/

Please direct informal enquiries by email to Dr. Brent Sinclair bsincla7@uwo.ca. Applications should include 1) a cover letter outlining your experience and the reasons you are interested in the position, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) the names and contact details of two referees who can speak to your research and leadership skills. Please email applications to bsincla7@uwo.ca. Review of applications will begin on November 21, 2022.