Research Assistant II

Overall Purpose of the Job

The successful candidate will support implementation activities under workstream 1, the semiochemical sub-component, contributing towards the optimisation and validation of existing semiochemicals and traps, development of new semiochemicals for RPW management, and the mapping, monitoring and management of insecticide resistance.

Specific duties

The successful candidate is expected to:

• Support standard operating procedures (SOPs) and methods development in pesticide residue analysis, volatile and essential oil compound profiling, trace metal detection, and food safety testing for palms, their weevil pests and related substrates.
• Collect and analyse essential oils, volatile organic compounds and pesticide residues from palm species, palm weevils, and related substrates using GC, GC-MS, LC-MS-QTOF. 
• Assist in conducting experiments and collecting accurate, and reliable data to support research activities on palm pests, and advance project goals.
• Contribute to the drafting of manuscripts, reports and other technical publications.

Requirements/ qualifications

• Diploma in Agronomy, Natural Resources, Organic Chemistry or a related field from a recognised university.
• At least 6 months in experimental design, data collection, lab and field bioassay setup and conduction.
• At least 2 years in undertaking routine chemical analysis a relevant institution.