Fieldwork volunteers wanted:Help us study plant evolution in the Spanish Pyrenees!Nick Barton’s group at the Institute of Science and Technology (IST)Austria (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbartongroup.pages.ist.ac.at%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cdf6822d9da8043140c1308d9f76d20e0%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637812870361853324%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=Oxzx8Qgn4tWrctGpaMqCXuYoTSlKIHmpPiX6uAslvkc%3D&reserved=0)is looking for volunteersto assist with fieldwork on plant speciation in the Spanish Pyrenees thiscoming summer (late May – early August). This is a great opportunity foranyone looking to obtain experience in fieldwork related to evolutionarybiology, speciation and plant ecology.The project: We study evolutionary dynamics and speciation insnapdragons. The study, which has been running since 2009, involvesfieldwork in natural hybrid zones between two subspecies with flowercolour differences. The goal is to understand how different evolutionaryforces—like natural selection—have shaped this diversity.The fieldwork: We are seeking volunteers to assist with the fieldwork,which involves working in teams to map locations of individual plants(GPS) (the plants are primarily found on the roadsides), tag and samplethem for leaves and flowers, measure traits, and process material forlater DNA extraction. There may also be opportunities to be involvedin other projects focusing on pollinator behaviour and plant-insectinteractions. The work is outdoors as well as indoors – about one-thirdof the of time will be spent indoors curating leaf samples and organizingand preparing sampling equipment. The work is highly team orientated,typically in groups of 2-3 in the field and larger groups processingsamples back at the research station. Since we aim to sample all livingindividuals in the hybrid zone during the flowering season, the dailyworkload can vary significantly. At peak season, we are often very busyand our daily routines change accordingly.The location: The field site is near Planoles in a beautiful part ofthe Pyrenees in North Eastern Spain (Catalonia). We stay in comfortableapartments overlooking a picturesque valley, with close access to hikingtrails and small villages.The ideal applicant: is an enthusiastic, hardworking biology student withstrong interest in working outdoors. You must be meticulous with recordingdata and also be comfortable working as part of a team. Experience withfield-based projects and plants is helpful but not essential. Climbingexperience is useful as a small amount work is conducted on ropes. Weare looking for volunteers between the 29th May and the 1st of August. Weask people to commit to stay for 3 weeks. Applicants must be located inEurope or the UK.What we cover: All food, lodgings, Covid testing and travel withinEurope/UK are covered.How to apply? By the closing date of March 20th pleasesend (i) your CV, (ii) a short explanation about why you areinterested, and (iii) your availability between the above dates tofieldvolunteer2022@gmail.com. Please send any questions to the sameaddress.For fieldwork photos and more information, please visit the Barton Groupfield work page: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbartongroup.pages.ist.ac.at%2Ffieldwork-2022%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cdf6822d9da8043140c1308d9f76d20e0%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637812870361853324%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=G3IyBDA3G84dOER7uDsfUYVmf2PFNR5Qpzrrv%2FFbwdE%3D&reserved=0