Research Associate in Early Vertebrate Palaeontology
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 35 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 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
- Expertise in early (Palaeozoic) vertebrates
- Ability to use graphical software (e.g., Adobe CC)
- Specimen illustration and/or digital modelling
The post is funded by NERC.
The contract is full-time, up to 35 months.
Salary: £43,093-50,834
Location: Silwood Park
