Research Associate in Early Vertebrate Palaeontology

Location: Silwood Park Campus

Job Summary

We seek a vertebrate palaeontologist or evolutionary biologist to collaborate on a NERC-funded project investigating the origin of vertebrate fins and girdles for up to 36 months. The origin of paired appendages is one of the ‘holy grails’ of vertebrate evolution but is a persistent evolutionary mystery. This project will use high-resolution tomography and 3D imaging to test theories about the anatomical origins of the pectoral girdle. The project will use comparative analyses of exceptionally preserved jawless and jawed fishes that demonstrate the earliest stages in the evolution of paired appendages.

The project is a NERC-funded collaboration between Dr Martin Brazeau (Imperial College), Dr Zerina Johanson (The Natural History Museum, UK), and Prof Matt Friedman (University of Michigan). A large body of tomographic data has already been generated to support this project and the candidate will form the basis for a series of detailed anatomical investigations, comparative specimen-based analyses, and phylogenetic studies.

This project represents an exciting opportunity to unify disparate strands of evidence from palaeontology, comparative anatomy, and comparative development, and will appeal to candidates with experience in any of these areas. The position will offer opportunities for research travel, support for conference attendance, and international collaboration, as well as career development.

Duties and responsibilities

You will be responsible for undertaking novel comparative anatomical and palaeontological study of exceptionally preserved early vertebrate fossils. You will be processing, visualising, and archiving these data and preparing imagery, figures, and interpretations which will result in collaborative development of new scientific publications and conference presentations. You will collaborate with the PI in the operation of the lab and will have opportunity to supervise students who are directly supporting your research objectives.

Essential requirements

• Hold, or be near completion of, a PhD (or equivalent) in vertebrate palaeontology or related field or a closely related discipline.
• Prior work with computed tomography and segmentation software (e.g., Mimics, Avizo, VG Studio)
• Have undertaken comparative morphological investigation
• Have conducted prior work with collections-based material
• Understanding of phylogenetic methods and their practical implementation

Desirable skills

• Expertise in early (Palaeozoic) vertebrates
• Ability to use graphical software (e.g., Adobe CC)
• Specimen illustration and/or digital modelling

Further Information

The post is funded by NERC.

The position is full-time and fixed term for up to 35 months. You will be based at Silwood Park Campus.

Applicants should submit a brief cover letter, CV, and application statement. The cover letter should include their current career stage, expected completion date for their degree (if not already completed) and may optionally detail any information that the applicant wishes to communicate about their career stage (e.g. career breaks or interruptions). The application statement (maximum 2 pages) should provide details of research experience and how this addresses the main requirements for the position.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £38,194 - £41,388 per annum.

Should you require any further details on the role please contact: Martin Brazeau - m.brazeau@imperial.ac.uk.

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