You can now donate to the GBGM Division!

Hey Geo(micro)biologists,

We have some great news!

The GSA Geobiology and Geomicrobiology division officers are pleased to announce that our division now has an account with the GSA Foundation. This means that anyone can now donate money to the GBGM through the Foundation website or when they renew their GSA membership! Every penny you donate will be put right back into the GBGM division for things like the annual GBGM lunch, awards for student presenters, and supporting the Geobiology community more broadly (did you know we are sponsoring part of the Geobiology meeting in Banff this summer?).

So if you have some extra cash and want to support the GSA Geobiology & Geomicrobiology division, please go here and Donate: https://gsa-foundation.org/donate/

All the best,
The GBGM Division Officers

GSA Webinar: Exploring a Career in the Paleontology Field

UPDATE: If you didn't get a chance to attend the Exploring a Careers in the Paleontology Field webinar, the recording is now posted on the GSA website or can be accessed directly on the GSA YouTube channel, please feel free to share with others.

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The Geological Society of America (GSA), American Geosciences Institute (AGI), American Geophysical Union (AGU), GSA Geobiology and Geomicrobiology Division, and the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) will be hosting a webinar entitled “Exploring a Career in the Paleontology Field.” The webinar will be on Wednesday, 24 April 2019, at 11:00 a.m. MDT. 

This webinar will feature two presenters representing mitigation and federal paleontology careers. Speakers will provide information on the typical daily activities, how to prepare for a career in this field (including curriculum, resume, and interview tips), common career trajectories of the profession, and where to find these career opportunities. 

Speakers:

ReBecca Hunt-Foster is the Monument Paleontologist and Museum Curator at Dinosaur National Monument

Mathew Carson is a Senior Paleontologist at Paleo Solutions, Inc.

Webinar title: Exploring a Career in the Paleontology Field

Date and Time: 24 April 2019 at 11:00 a.m. MDT

Cost: FREE

Duration: 1 hour

Registration Link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4295173302424052483  

Please contact Tahlia Bear, tbear@geosociety.org with questions about this webinar.

Short Course at 2019 GSA Annual Meeting - Quantitative Methods in Phylogenetic Paleobiology

We are pleased to announce the 2019 Paleontological Society Short Course, “Quantitative Methods in Phylogenetic Paleobiology,” organized by David Bapst, Sandy Carlson, Laura Soul, Peter Wagner, Rachel Warnock, April Wright & Davey Wright. Following the example set in the 2018 “Pedagogy and Technology in the Modern Paleontology Classroom” short course, the 2019 session will be a workshop in which presentations about phylogenetic methods will be interspersed with hands-on exercises for the attendees to perform. 

The short course will encompass three broad (albeit connected) topics:

1. tactics for recognizing and coding anatomical characters and character state;
2. models of morphological evolution; and,
3. estimation of divergence times among fossil taxa given morphology, and rates of change, diversification, and sampling.

Our intent is to make connections between the important parameters for phylogenetic analysis and macroevolutionary theory of the sort that paleontologists study, as these commonalities often are overlooked. Another intent is to communicate how we deal with uncertainties in relevant rate parameters and even phylogenetic topologies themselves when making tree-based macroevolutionary inferences. Our goal is to work to embrace these uncertainties rather than to either ignore them or dismiss important questions as unanswerable because of uncertainties. 

For much of the short course, we will use a single dataset for our examples, with that dataset and appropriate computer programs distributed prior to the short course. This will allow each participant to work through steps from loading files to conducting basic analyses. 

We are aiming the short course at a wide audience. We will introduce current methods and tools to young researchers interested in pursuing phylogenetic analyses. However, this will also be a “refresher” course for more veteran workers who have done phylogenetics in the past, but who might not have kept up with recent developments. The course contents will also be be useful for individuals who themselves do little or no phylogenetic work, but who might mentor interns or students interested in phylogenetics and/or who might collaborate with phylogeneticists. 

In order to estimate the audience size and pre-existing levels of expertise, we ask the interested attendees fill out a short-registration form at:
https://docs.google.com/form//1AsPgZNraGV6htmveMK5Yebx3q1_Eew_BaML6MLYdHQU/viewform?ts=5c989fd5. (Note that this is an informal registration; registrants are not committed to attending and non-registrants are free to attend.)

Post-doctoral Fellowship in Paleobiology and Outreach Education, Stanford University

The Paleobiology Laboratory at Stanford University seeks a post-doctoral scholar with interest in the evolution of organism size as well as a commitment to scientific education and outreach.  Applicants with experience in quantitative paleobiology, evolutionary biology, and scientific education are particularly encouraged.  The post-doctoral fellow will coordinate and manage approximately 20 high school interns in collecting body size data from the fossil record in collaboration with the Director of Outreach Education and will analyze and write-up the data in collaboration with Prof. Jonathan Payne.  Program information is available at https://historyoflife.stanford.edu/. Funding will be provided for two years.

A starting date of September 1, 2019 is preferred but later starting dates are possible. Review of applications will commence on May 1, 2019 and the position will remain open until filled.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Please email a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information for three references to jlpayne@stanford.edu.

Post Doc at Swedish Museum of Natural History

The Department of Palaeobiology of the Swedish Museum of Natural History conducts research on animal, plant, and microbe evolution throughout Earth's geological history. This research contributes to all four of the museum's research themes as outlined in the web site: http://www.nrm.se/english/researchandcollections/research.260_en.html. The department is also responsible for one of Europe’s largest collections of fossil animals and plants.

Tasks
You will work within an international research group investigating the Cambrian palaeontology of the Zavkhan and Khubsugul Basins in Mongolia, focusing on the taxonomic composition, evolution and distribution of shelly fossil faunas from the early Cambrian (Cambrian Stages 1 to 4). You will be expected to participate in field work to supplement existing collections.

Qualifications
You have a PhD in palaeontology and an interest in continuing paleozoological studies. The PhD degree should have been received no more than six years before the deadline for applications. The work requires a high standard of English understanding and writing and a solid knowledge of taxonomy and systematics of Cambrian shelly fossils, good general computer skills, and an ability to work efficiently and independently. Experience with methods for morphological and evolutionary analysis in palaeontology is strongly advantageous.

Duration
The position is available for 18 months in the first instance (with the possibility of extension). The preferred starting date is July, 2019, but this is negotiable. The employment will either be as Postdoc or Researcher, depending on whether the applicant was awarded his/her PhD degree less or more than three years before the application deadline.

Further information and application
For more information please contact Dr Christian B. Skovsted (christian.skovsted@nrm.se). Union representatives are Ove Johansson, SACO-S and Anna Sandberg, ST. All can be reached at telephone number + 46 8 519 540 00.
Please send your application with cover letter and CV, marked with dnr 2.3.1-237-2019, to rekrytering@nrm.se or to the Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, SE 104 05 Stockholm, Sweden, no later than April 30, 2019.

Collection Manager, Vertebrate Paleontology- Yale Peabody Museum

Yale University offers exciting opportunities for achievement and growth in New Haven, Connecticut. Conveniently located between Boston and New York, New Haven is the creative capital of Connecticut with cultural resources that include three major museums, a critically-acclaimed repertory theater, state-of-the-art concert hall, and world-renowned schools of Architecture, Art, Drama, and Music.

General Purpose:  Reporting to the Curator-in-Charge of the Division, under the direction of Vertebrate Paleontology (VP) Curators, and in conjunction with the Director of Collections and Research, the VP Collection Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the VP Division, with the primary goal of promoting the use, maintenance, and growth of Vertebrate Paleontology collections at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History (YPM).

• Manages all aspects of specimen loans, including consultation with Preparation Lab to ensure safe packing and shipping, and tracks internal and external usage statistics, including frequency of taxon/specimen use.
• Manages the housing of specimens and the arrangement of collections for long-term preservation and usefulness; oversees collections facilities, access requests, and security.
• Oversees cataloging and digitization efforts for incoming collections, backlogs, loans, and research or teaching requests; promotes dissemination of specimen information through on-line collections portals including image databases and 3-D libraries.
• Provides taxonomic identifications of specimens and assesses their associated data for accuracy and historical context, including promoting continuous upgrades to specimen identifications and nomenclature.
• Oversees efforts to improve specimen organization, preservation, and conservation, in consultation with the Chief Preparator.
• Manages specimen acquisition, accessioning, permitting and reporting processes associated with acquisitions, incoming collections; manages international, federal and state compliance issues related to collecting, import/export, and transportation of collections for acquisitions and loans.
• Coordinates with Development staff on fund-raising opportunities; writes collections-improvement grants to improve curation, accessibility, and preservation of VP collections.
• Plans and develops exhibits, including writing interpretive labels, and assists with selecting specimens for display; consults with Chief Preparator on specimen preparation, mount making, exhibit maintenance (e.g., cleaning, repair) and installation.
• Leads field expeditions, where 3-5 mile hikes over rough terrain are common.
• Uses various industrial equipment to conduct duties. Operates gas-powered and pneumatic saws, jack hammers, and tools for removal of rock matrix in the field and laboratory.
• Represents VP Division on YPM committees.

The Peabody Museum is preparing to embark on a four-year expansion project, that will allow the Peabody to add 50% more gallery space and will enhance the experience of museum-goers, students and researchers alike.  For more information on the expansion project, please visit http://peabodyevolved.yale.edu/.

Required Education and Experience:  Master's degree in a related field and three years of museum related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Qualifications:

• Administrative, management, and supervisory skills.
• Knowledge of vertebrate anatomy, systematics, and fossil record.
• Knowledge of conservation principles, procedures, methods, and materials.
• Knowledge of collection databasing, imaging, and workflows. Knowledge of fieldwork techniques.
• Oral and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently.
• Preferred Education and Experience: Advanced degree preferred, preferably in a field related to vertebrate paleontology. At least three years’ experience in a museum environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, in a field related to vertebrate paleontology. Valid motor vehicle license.

Application: For more information and immediate consideration, please apply online at http://bit.ly/2HA1yiz.  Please be sure to reference this website when applying for this position.

We invite you to discover the excitement, diversity, rewards and excellence of a career at Yale University. One of the country's great workplaces, Yale University offers exciting opportunities for meaningful accomplishment and true growth. Our benefits package is among the best anywhere, with a wide variety of insurance choices, liberal paid time off, fantastic family and educational benefits, a variety of retirement benefits, extensive recreational facilities, and much more.

Yale University considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does Yale discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

Tenure-track researcher on dinosaur paleobiology - Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont

The Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont (ICP) aims to recruit a motivated researcher with an excellent publication background and expertise in dinosaur paleobiology to join the Mesozoic Faunas Research Group. A certain degree of independence and leadership with regard to research, fundraising and fieldwork is required, while at the same time good team-working abilities are indispensable to collaborate with other members of the group under the guidance of the group leader (Àngel Galobart). The position is mostly devoted to research (including publications and contributions to meetings), with a minimal teaching burden but including other associated academic duties such as supervision, fundraising, fieldwork and dissemination/outreach activities.

BASIC INFORMATION:
Type of contract: Access to the Spanish System of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Duration: Fixed-term with duration of 5 years (tenure-track)
Career progression: Possible access to tenure after the 4th year evaluation
Research Group/Area: Mesozoic Faunas
Workplace: ICP Museum, c/ Escola Industrial 23, 08201 Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain
Working conditions:

• Full time job (37.5 h/week; 1786 h/year)
• Teleworking opportunities (up to 30% working time)
• Teaching burden: max 20 h/academic course

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Academic Degree: PhD in Biology, Geology, Sciences or equivalent
Languages: Good level of spoken and written English
Experience:

• 4 years of postdoctoral experience
• Direction of paleontological fieldwork

Expertise: Dinosaur paleobiology (publication record on dinosaur anatomy, taxonomy, phylogeny, evolution and/or ichnology)

Detailed job description, and information on applying can be found at: http://www.icp.cat/index.php/en/icp-2/work-with-us/open-positions
Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont (ICP)
http://www.icp.cat

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum invites funding applications for undergraduate and graduate students to visit and study their collections. 

The deadline for applications is TODAY (April 1st)!!!

Details about the collections study grants and links to application forms can be found here:https://nhm.org/site/research-collections/opportunities

We encourage prospective applicants to contact the relevant curator and collections manager of the collections they wish to visit before assembling proposal materials (see below). Applications should include information on the objectives and significance of the proposed research, the relevance of NHMLA collections to the project, any collaboration with NHMLA curators (if applicable), and the methods used in the research.Awards are made in either partial or full support of travel, lodging, and incidental costs while visiting the NHMLA collections. Individual award amounts can vary, but typically range from $500–$1000, with a maximum of $1500.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is home to four major paleontological collections:
 
The Invertebrate Paleontology collection is among the largest in North America, with particular strengths in Cretaceous and Cenozoic mollusks from the Eastern Pacific. For more information: https://research.nhm.org/ip/ Please contact Austin Hendy at ahendy@nhm.org for further information about the collection.

The Vertebrate Paleontology collection is the fifth largest in the country, with strengths in California, the southwestern portion of the United States, and the northwestern portion of Mexico, and in particular terrestrial mammals, whales, pinnipeds, fishes, sharks and other marine vertebrates from the Cenozoic. Please contact Sam McLeod (smcleod@nhm.org) regarding collection availability. For more information: https://nhm.org/site/research-collections/vertebrate-paleontology

The La Brea Tar Pits & Museum contains collections from one of the world’s most famous fossil localities, recognized for having the largest and most diverse assemblage of late Pleistocene plants and animals in the world. The collections document the Los Angeles biota over the last 50,000 years and include some 3.5 million specimens representing over 600 species of plants and animals. Please contact Aisling Farrell (afarrell@tarpits.org) regarding collection availability. For more information: https://nhm.org/site/research-collections/rancho-la-brea

The Dinosaur Institute houses a world-class collection of Mesozoic tetrapods, including dinosaurs, pterosaurs, crocodiles, turtles, mammals, skin impressions, and eggs. Please contact Maureen Walsh (mwalsh@nhm.org) regarding collection availability. For more information: https://nhm.org/site/research-collections/dinosaur-institute