We seeking a research assistant to work at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama between January 2012 and January 2013. Our research focusses on speciation in Heliconius butterflies. The assistant will be responsible for breeding butterflies, crossing experiments and behavioural assays to investigate the genetic basis of divergent mate preferences between two sympatric Heliconius species. Applicants must be able to work independently and be prepared to commit to spending considerable time at the project site. A knowledge of Spanish would be useful but not essential.

A stipend of US$800/month will be provided to cover accommodation and living costs at the field station in Panama .

Please send applications, or further questions, to Richard Merrill (r.merrill@zoo.cam.ac.uk) with a CV and the names and contact details of two referees. Please use the subject header: “PANAMA RESEARCH ASSISTANT” before 21st November 2011.