Compulsory Internship – 6 months | Fulltime/40h | From July to September on | Belvaux
Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us
The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.
The Biodiversity Monitoring and Assessment (BIODIV) research group is a multi-talented team of researchers, engineers and technicians innovating the way data is collected in the field to produce time series documenting the spatial and temporal dynamics of living organisms in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. As a national hub at the interface between the scientific community and decision/policy makers in Luxembourg, the BIODIV group is sampling, collecting and analysing data on various types of organisms to assess their changing conservation status and dynamics. The group is also developing and making use of technology-based approaches for data collection and processing, thereby strengthening knowledge and competences on biodiversity monitoring and assessment across the country.
Background and Internship Opportunity
The BIODIV team at LIST focusses its activities on biodiversity monitoring using both traditional approaches and innovative image collection technologies (e.g. underwater camera trap for amphibian survey, non-lethal digital monitoring system for flying insects).
More recently, we have investigated the potential for monitoring grassland butterfly species using camera traps combined with different treatments of volatile and nutritional chemical attractants. Our preliminary results show that one attractant based on Buddleia davidii performed better at collecting pictures of butterflies, with an influence of nutritional components. Our preliminary study confirms the potential of using chemical attractants for camera-based butterfly monitoring and provides several avenues to enhance the collection of images for both specialist and generalist pollinator insects. As the body of knowledge in pollination ecology is increasing, there is a need for further lab testing and experiments for moving towards a field implementation of olfaction-based attractive camera trapping for butterflies in the field. With experts in ecology, technology, and organic chemistry, LIST has the infrastructure to produce and test different attractant solutions both in situ and ex situ, tailored for camera trapping applications.
How will you contribute?
With this 6-month internship, we are looking for a student to initiate further developments in chemical olfactory attractants for butterfly monitoring within the BIODIV group. The intern will study the antennal responses of butterflies to volatile chemicals using electroantennography (EAG) and support the BIODIV group in processing (using AI assistance tools) videos and images collected from preliminary camera trap experiments in the field.
To broaden their professional experience, the intern will also be invited to participate in other field and laboratory activities of the BIODIV group. The tasks of the intern will be carried out in close collaboration with the team involved in these activities and under the coordination of the internship supervisor.
Scientific questions and specific objectives will be defined together with the intern at the beginning of the internship. At the end of the internship, the intern will produce a scientific report describing the materials and methods used as well as the results of the analyses and tasks implemented
Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!
Education
Master or Bachelor student with skills related to terrestrial ecology and/or pollination ecology
Experience and skills
Field experience with biodiversity data collection in the field
Skills in butterfly and pollinator identification is a plus
Interest in lab experiments with butterflies for electroantennography
Interest in images and videos processing for pollinator identification
Sense of organization and ability to prioritize multiple tasks
Ability to work both independently and in a team setting
Good interpersonal skills, including communication, team spirit and collaboration mindset
Language skills
Fluency in English or French, both oral and written.
Your LIST benefits
An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects
Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society
Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square meters, including innovations in all that we do
An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas
Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce
Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfill their personal and professional ambitions
Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science
32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays
Apply online
https://www.list.lu/career/job-offers
Your application must include a motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience
Application procedure and conditions:
We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.
LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.
Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.