Oferta compartida por Cristina
Research Fellow
Ref Number B02-04218
Professional Expertise Research and Research Support Department School of Life & Medical Sciences (B02) Location London Working Pattern Full time Salary £38,308- £46,155 Contract Type Fixed-term Working Type Hybrid (20% - 80% on site) Available for Secondment No Closing Date 16-Jan-2023
About us
Biosciences is one of the world’s foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences and one of the largest Divisions within UCL, undertaking a significant amount of research and teaching. The Division has a diverse portfolio addressing all areas of biology from protein interactions to cell function, organism development, genetics, population studies and the environment. Computational modelling approaches are frequently used alongside experimental research programmes and much of our research crosses traditional boundaries, including the relationship of biodiversity to the health of the planet. Activity is underpinned by high calibre science technology platforms and state of the art equipment. Educational activity includes a range of undergraduate programmes, an expanding number of Masters Programmes and a substantial number of postgraduate research students.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Felice Lab within the Centre for Integrative Anatomy (CIA). The CIA was established in 2019 to foster research on the evolutionary drivers of anatomical change in vertebrate (back-boned) animals. Its focus is on form- function relationships in the vertebrate skeleton and associated organs (including the brain), working at macro- and microscales, and in both developmental and deep time. CIA research is interdisciplinary, exploiting advances in new computational and imaging approaches.
About the role
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work on the evolution and diversification of birds, more specifically on diversification dynamics in fossil and modern birds.
The main purpose will be to incorporate extinct bird species into composite phylogenetic trees and apply Bayesian tip-dating methods to estimate divergence times on these phylogenies. As part of this role, you will travel for 1-2 weeks to University of California, Berkeley to receive training in the RevBayes statistical programming language. Upon returning to UCL, you will transfer this training to CIA members by running local workshops.
This is a fixed-term role, starting from 01/03/2023 until 30/09/2023. The start date can be postponed to 01/06/2023 if necessary, but no later.
Please note that appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (salary £34,502 - £36,348 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis.
A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
If you have any queries about the role, please contact Dr Ryan Felice at ryan.felice@ucl.ac.uk.
If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact Biosciences staffing at biosciences.staffing@ucl.ac.uk.
About you
You must have a strong background in phylogenetic comparative methods and/or systematics, demonstrable experience using R and a familiarity with modelling trait evolution and/or speciation/extinction rates.
You will be expected to contribute to the project in the area of modelling of trait-dependent diversification dynamics using Bayesian modelling and fossilized birth-death processes. In addition to developing and conducting the research, you will communicate results as scientific papers.
You will have a PhD (or be studying towards it) in biology, ecology, or paleontology. Experience with Bayesian statistics (MrBayes, RevBayes) or diversification modelling is desirable.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce.
These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.
You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/
