Project description
 
Global food loss and waste has been identified by the Food and Agriculture Organization of
the United Nations (FAO) as an issue of major public concern. Around 1/3 of the world’s food goes to waste every year, and even a small country such as Singapore has had an increase of nearly 35% in food waste over the past decade. However, there is actually immense potential to upcycle this high-value food resource via insect bioconversion: Using fast-growing insects to consume food waste and produce high-value commodities.
 
Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae are able to voraciously feed on and process food waste quickly. Mature larvae and the leftover frass are also nutrient-rich, and can be processed into animal feed as well as nutrient-rich soil supplements suitable for farming. Thus, BSFs are an attractive solution for efficient organic waste management via bioconversion. BSFs could present a sustainable solution to Singapore’s crisis of food waste and security, yet there is a paucity of essential information on how we can optimize.
 
The PhD student will quantify and test bioconversion efficiency using various waste streams at NUS BSF facility. In addition, he/she/they will investigate the feasibility of industrializing BSFs in collaboration with a local industrial food waste company.
 
Requirements

• Minimum Degree in biology, environmental science or a related field
• Keen on working with and maintaining insects for research purposes. Fieldwork experience is desirable but absence is not a preclusion.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and communicate with people with and without a science background.
• Statistical background as well as proficiency in R programming and Python are preferred.
• Written and verbal competency in English

 
Application details
 
Apply via http://www.dbs.nus.edu.sg/education/prospective-graduate-students.html

• Deadline for application is 30th June 2020
• Applicants should be ready to start by January 2021

 
The Reproductive Evolution Lab at NUS is led by Assistant Professor Nalini Puniamoorthy.

​Lab Attendant (Part-time) for Reproductive Evolution Lab, Department of Biological Sciences,  NUS
Our insect lab is currently seeking an experienced Lab Assistant. The successful candidate will perform various tasks to support the Research Assistant, mainly in the maintenance of our lab and insectary. The individual will work collaboratively with students of the lab.

Responsibilities
·         Maintenance of live insect stock cultures
·         Cleaning of used stock cultures and work area
·         Preparation of microscopy slides for research purposes
·         Restocking of lab supplies and reagents
 
Requirements
·         Prior experience in working with insects and in the molecular lab
·         Ability to work independently
·         Good communication and organization skills
·         Conscientious and responsible
·         4 – 8 working hours per week (flexible)
·         Able to commit at least 6 months
·         Pay is dependent on candidate experience ($6-7/hr)
 
Application Details 

• Submit your CV in electronic form (MS Word or PDF file) to Nicole Lee (dbsllyn@nus.edu.sg) by 20 Oct 2019. Include the following in the subject head: LA Application_YourName.
• Please address the above requirements in a simple cover letter.
• Shortlisted candidates will be notified for interview by November

 
The Reproductive Evolution Lab at NUS is led by Assistant Professor Nalini Puniamoorthy.