Senior Research Associate in Mammal Vertebral Evolution

The role

This is a full time Postdoctoral Research Associate position based in the Mammal Morphology Lab in the School of Earth Sciences working with PI Dr. Katrina Jones. The role is funded through a Royal Society University Research Fellowship. The aim of the project is to examine the developmental, evolutionary, and functional drivers of variation in the mammalian vertebral column. The project objectives are to: 1. Examine the morphological variation in the mammal vertebral column in the context for variability and constraint 2. Elucidate the developmental underpinnings of mammalian vertebral variation using comparative genomics; and 3. Link morphological and functional variation with computational functional modelling. The project is in collaboration with Prof. Mary O’Connell at University of Nottingham. I am seeking to recruit a postdoctoral researcher who will act as the principal researcher responsible for achieving these objectives. The work is primarily computational and may involve international travel to USA for data collection and to attend scientific conferences.

What will you be doing?

The PDRA will act as the principal researcher for this project. The work involves primarily office-based computational research, with some museum collections work. The successful candidate will be expected to prepare and deliver in-house and conference presentations and manuscripts as appropriate. There will be opportunity for gaining some teaching and mentoring experience co-supervising masters projects and delivering some undergraduate and M-level teaching.

You should apply if

Essential

• Knowledge of mammalian vertebral morphology and evolution
• Experience with collection and analysis of datasets of mammalian vertebral morphology
• Experience with vertebral biomechanics and/or functional morphology
• Excellent computational skills demonstrating ability to implement a range of methods in various software and/or coding languages
• Academic research publication track record compatible with career stage

Desirable

• Experience in comparative genomics
• Working knowledge of mammal evolution, anatomy, or ecology
• Experience working with tomographic datasets of fossils and/or extant taxa

 Essential qualifications:

• PhD in related field e.g., Palaeontology, Comparative Anatomy, Functional Morphology, Biomechanics or equivalent professional experience in the research area required.

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding until 01/11/2026

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 15/10/2025

For informal queries, please contact: Katrina Jones, Katrina.jones@bristol.ac.uk

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

Advert information