Project Associates - IndiaBioscience

: Project How Quickly Can Species Adapt to Climate Change? Evolution of Climatic Tolerance in Tropical Insects

Profile

Azim Premji University (Bhopal) invites applications from students with a MSc degree in Biology (preferably with ecology, zoology, or wildlife background) to apply for the post of Project Associates under the ANRF funded interdisciplinary project How Quickly Can Species Adapt to Climate Change? Evolution of Climatic Tolerance in Tropical Insects.Climate change is driving dramatic shifts in biodiversity, impacting ecosystems and human livelihoods. Certain species may be less vulnerable to extinction if they can rapidly evolve their climatic niches, i.e., the range of environmental conditions in which they can survive and reproduce. This project investigates the rate at which species can adapt to climate change, i.e., climatic niche evolution, with a special focus on the role of morphological traits in shaping species climatic tolerances. Focusing on hyper diverse moths (Lepidoptera) in the Eastern Himalayas, it combines intensive field sampling in Arunachal Pradesh, a time-calibrated phylogeny, and deep learning techniques to answer these questions.

Essential Requirements

Both the posts will involve some component of laboratory work, and some fieldwork in the challenging terrain of Arunachal Pradesh. Candidates should have a high level of adaptability, and a strong commitment to rigorous data collection in challenging environments.

Funding agency:

ANRF Prime Ministers Early Career Research Grant

Age:

35 years with 35 years relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/Women and Physically disabled as per government norms.

Duration

Both positions are available initially for one year and are extendable to 3 years based on performance.

Money

• 37,000 20 PERCENT HRA (NET or GATE qualified)
• 30,000 20 PERCENT HRA (For non-NET or GATE qualified candidates)
  

Qualification

Masters Degree with a minimum of 60 PERCENT aggregate marks in Natural Sciences (Wildlife Science/Zoology/Ecology) or other biological sciences from a recognized University.

Experience Desirable

Experience in Ecology (especially ecological field work), and a working knowledge of R is highly desirable.

To Apply

Completed applications should be sent by email to mansi.mungee@apu.edu.in with a subject line saying ANRF-PA position for ECRG project.The application should contain a single PDF file, named Firstname_Lastname.pdf containing:

• Detailed resume (Not more than 2 pages; please include contact details: phone number, email, postal address, and detailed educational qualifications)
• One-page statement of interest/motivation letter which clearly answers Why do you want to work in this project?
• Names and contact details of two professional referrals.
  

Please email your resume and a one-page write-up about why you are interested in this project to mansi.mungee@apu.edu.in before 20 July 2025. Other specifications are mentioned below. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email.