We invite applications for a PhD in Entomology in the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of Pretoria. The position is available from January 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter and is a full-time position. A bursary is available for three years, depending on research progress. The competitive bursary will cover registration fees and will include a stipend. The details are as follows:

Project title: Spatio-temporal analysis of fruit fly trap captures and fruit infestation

Background and Objectives: Some fruit fly species occurring in South Africa are quarantine pests in fruit produced for export from South Africa. An important way to prevent fruit fly infestation is to establish areas of low pest prevalence. Maintenance of areas of low fruit fly prevalence depends on knowing where insects occur, why they are present, and which variables drive their movement into orchards. Such information is of value when designing targeted control strategies that minimise costs and their environmental impact. The PhD project forms part of the DISPEST-2 project: “Redefining DISpersal potential for adequate fruit fly PEST management (Diptera, Tephritidae) – Second Phase”. This is a collaborative project (2024- 2028) between four partners in East and Southern Africa including Citrus Research International and the Royal Museum for Central Africa (Belgium), financed through the Belgian Development Cooperation. The DISPEST-2 project aims at providing relevant information for the establishment of Pest Free Areas and Areas of Low Pest Prevalence in SouthEast Africa. The main objective of the PhD study will be to determine how abundance of pest fruit fly species varies over space and time in a mixed production landscape to permit targeted, pre-harvest fruit fly control measures. In this respect the PhD student will participate in the trapping campaign in a selected fruit production site in the northern region of South Africa. The candidate will be based at the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of Pretoria.

Requirements:

• MSc degree in Biology, Crop Protection, Entomology or similar with dissertation grade of at least 60%

• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practice of integrated pest management

• Willing and comfortable to work in the field for extended periods of time

• Demonstrated ability to use and interpret the results of data analyses using R

• Strong communication skills in oral and written English

• Based in or able to relocate to Pretoria

• Less than 45 years of age

• A valid driver’s license We particularly encourage female candidates to apply.

Please submit your application to Prof. Chris Weldon by email (cwweldon@zoology.up.ac.za), and include a two-page cover letter addressing the essential attributes and a curriculum vitae including the names, contact details and role of two academic referees.

Deadline: 31 December 2024.