Research Associate in Early Vertebrate Palaeontology - Park, United Kingdom - Imperial College London

Imperial College London

Verified Company

Park, United Kingdom

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

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.

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 collectionsbased 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.

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