The weed evolutionary ecology group at Rothamsted Research (Harpenden, UK) has a paid casual position available from mid-June to mid-July (5 weeks) this summer.

The main duty will be to assist with fieldwork to map blackgrass populations across a network of 65 farms in England, and collect seed samples for eco-evolutionary analyses. The role will involve travelling (vehicles provided) to fields from Hertfordshire to Yorkshire, and using rapid ecological surveying methods to monitor blackgrass and the presence of other dominant weed species.

This year marks a decade of sampling across this field-network, providing an unparalleled insight into the spread and adaptation of an agricultural weed.

Other duties will include helping with sample processing and experimentation in glasshouses and labs at Rothamsted. The successful applicant will be trained in using in-field GIS software, and a rapid approach for weed surveillance.

Short-term accommodation is available for rental on the Rothamsted site in Harpenden, Hertfordshire.

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact richard.hull@rothamsted.ac.uk