The University of Oxford is recruiting a fixed-term (2 years, and possibly to 3 years) postdoctoral research assistant for the ERC-funded research project TEMPO (project no. 639791), aiming to quantify patterns of phenotypic evolution in tetrapods over 300 million years testing hypotheses of how rates and constraints on phenotypic evolution have changed on long timescales. The PDRA will digitise skeletons of fossil synapsids and archosauromorphs (e.g. therapsids, dinosaurs, pseudosuchians) to study patterns of their evolution using 3D geometric morphometrics and phylogenetic comparative methods. This will address the goals of the project in collaboration with other members of the project team.
The responsibilities of the PDRA are to use structured light surface scanning and CT scanning to capture the 3D osteology of fossil synapsids and archosauromorphs in museum collections worldwide, planning, booking and conducting travel to UK and global museum collections for data collection, attending scientific conference to report the findings of the project and operating equipment such as high performance computer workstations for 3D visualisation and data capture, cameras, and structured light scanner
The successful applicant will require a PhD relating to palaeontology, macroevolution, comparative anatomy (at the time of starting the post) or a cognate discipline and track record of research publication in international, peer-reviewed journals, expertise in quantitative statistical analysis of paleontological or biological datasets and the ability to plan and manage travel commitments and conduct data collection in museum collections in the UK and internationally.
Apply to the University of Oxford
here: https://www.recruit.ox.ac.uk
Only applications received before 12.00 midday on 28 February 2018 will be considered. Interviews are due to take place on 29 March 2018. Applications from women and minorities are particularly encouraged. All candidates will be evaluated for employment without regard to gender, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability. The department holds a Bronze Athena SWAN award.
