Spain Volunteer Field Assistant with the Institute of Science and Technology

Nick Barton’s group at the Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria is recruiting volunteers to assist with fieldwork on plant adaptation in the Pyrenees (Spain) this coming summer (June-July). 

The project: We are studying the evolutionary processes underlying population divergence in wild Antirrhinum majus (snapdragons). We focus on natural hybrid zones between two subspecies with different flower colours. Most of the field work is contributing to a long-term pedigree project aimed at establishing a direct link from genotype to phenotype to fitness. With tens of thousands of samples collected over ten years so far, this provides an exciting and powerful system to examine many outstanding questions about adaptation and quantitative genetics in wild populations. 

The work: We are seeking volunteers to assist with the field research, which involves mapping the location of individual plants (GPS), tagging and sampling them for leaves and flowers, measuring quantitative traits, and processing samples back at the field station. There may also be opportunities to be involved in other projects on plant-insect interactions. The work is highly team-orientated, typically in groups of 2-3. This is a great opportunity for anybody looking to obtain experience in fieldwork relating to evolutionary biology and plant ecology. 

The field site is located near Ripoll in a beautiful part of the Pyrenees of North Eastern Spain (Catalonia). We stay in comfortable apartments overlooking a picturesque valley, with close access to hiking trails and small villages. All food, accommodation and travel (WITHIN EUROPE) are covered. However, we cannot offer any further stipend. 

For these positions we are looking for hard working and enthusiastic biology students/graduates with a strong interest in working outdoors with plants. You must be meticulous with recording data and also be comfortable working as part of a team. Experience with field-based projects and plants is preferred but not essential. 

We require a minimum stay of 3 weeks between May 28 and July 30. To apply, send your CV or resume by March 15. Include a few sentences about your background and why you are interested, and include the approximate date range you are available. Send any questions and your application to carina.baskett@ist.ac.at.