VACANCY FOR AN
ENTOMOLOGIST
Formal Job
Title: Principal Entomologist
Overview:
The task is to
manage a new, purpose-built laboratory for captive breeding, release and
conservation of Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing Butterfly (Ornithoptera alexandrae)
in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The post offers a unique opportunity to help rescue
the world’s largest and most critically endangered butterfly from extinction.
The successful
candidate will finalise and fit out the laboratory, capture, introduce and
breed the butterflies on foodplants for subsequent release, and report on
progress. The work will also involve the development of captive rearing
protocols and a research component relating to the larval foodplant. The
incumbent will be required to be in residence by mid-2018, initially for a
period of three years, and will be employed by New Britain Palm Oil Ltd, with
funding from the Sime Darby Foundation.
Background:
Many birdwing
butterflies are known to be under threat from habitat loss and international
trade, and all are protected and monitored worldwide by CITES. The highest
priority for conservation action is Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing, which is
confined to diminishing habitats in Northern (Oro) Province, PNG.
New Britain Palm Oil
Ltd., in association with the Sime Darby Foundation (Malaysia) and the
Swallowtail & Birdwing Butterfly Trust (UK) will construct the new
laboratory at Higaturu Estate, near Popondetta on the north coast of PNG,
specifically to breed Queen Alexandra’s Birdwings in captivity for release back
into the wild.
The Position:
The successful
candidate is likely to be a post-doctoral entomologist, experienced in insect
rearing and management and preferably with knowledge and experience of
conservation biology and ecology. Tropical experience will be an advantage but
not essential.
The successful
candidate will need to work with smallholders in the area to devise and
implement measures that will enable the successful outcomes of the breeding
scheme to be leveraged for the benefit of the smallholders and other local
communities.
Good interpersonal
and management skills, and resilience in sometimes challenging conditions are
essential. Evidence of good written and oral communication skills is expected,
including a track record of published research.
The incumbent will
be responsible on a day-to-day basis to the Higaturu General Manager, will work
alongside an established team of PNG citizens and expatriates and will manage a
small technical staff.
An international
Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee will be in support, to include
professionals in tropical entomology, conservation legislation and practice,
and the construction and running of laboratories under tropical conditions.
There is a generous
remuneration and benefits package. Accommodation will be provided on a secured
company housing compound, which has good social and sporting facilities.
Candidates are
invited to send a full CV together with details of two referees and a maximum
two-page covering letter indicating why you think you are suited to this job to
henry@sbbt.org.uk, with copies to info@sbbt.org.uk and jobs@nbpol.com.sg by 15
December 2017. Interviews will be held in London and by Skype on Tuesday 16
January 2018.
For further
information see the website of the Swallowtail and Birdwing Butterfly Trust www.sbbt.org and the publication “Queen
Alexandra’s Birdwing” by DK Mitchell et al. (2016), which is available from
charles@sbbt.org.uk.
For further information please click HERE
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant        |
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