Graduate Student Projects - UT Austin

Howdy Y'all,

For once I am posting about a job that I know about! I am looking for several new graduate students to join my lab and work on two different geobiological projects. The first is a study of Early Jurassic exceptional fossil deposits from black shales. The student would start with the taphonomy of the Ya Ha Tinda Lagerstätte, but then would be encouraged to expand that work to similar environments or similar time intervals. The second is a project in Morocco looking at the Early Jurassic Oceanic Anoxic Event and its effect on marine communities, specifically the reefs. This 4-D study of community collapse will have a number of facets that a student could explore during their thesis. See more detailed project descriptions below, interested students should contact me directly at Martindale<at>jsg.utexas<dot>edu.

I am hoping to find students who could start in the fall of 2018, although there is the possibility of starting sooner as a research assistant. I do have a strong preference for PhD students with a background in research (either a job/internship, undergraduate research experience, or preferably an MSc), but will look at all applications.

2017 International Workshop on Konservat-Lagerstätten; July 15-16, 2017 in Cork (Ireland)

Join us at the 2017 International Workshop on Konservat-Lagerstatten from July 15-16 2017 in Cork (Ireland). This workshop will explore frontier research on fossil deposits preserving soft tissues of animals and plants and includes an exciting line-up of invited speakers. We welcome contributions on any aspect of the palaeobiology, taphonomy, and sedimentological context of Konservat-Lagerstatten. For more information see http://lagerstaetten.ucc.ie/. 

 

Abstract submission closes on 31st May 2017.

For More information contact: Dr Maria McNamara

Curator of Invertebrate Paleontology & Paleobotany, and Assistant Professor in Geological Sciences

The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History and Department of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder invite applications for a tenure-track appointment as Curator of Invertebrate Paleontology & Paleobotany and Assistant Professor of Geological Sciences. We seek a scientist who will conduct field and collection-based research in one or more of the following areas: evolutionary studies, systematics, organismal paleobiology, paleoecology, taphonomy, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. The Museum's Invertebrate Paleontology and Paleobotany collections house approximately 200,000 catalogued specimens, with strengths in Cenozoic terrestrial arthropods (and associated plants), as well as marine invertebrates and foraminiferans from the Western Interior Seaway. Most holdings are from the Rocky Mountain region, but the collection includes other US and international materials. 
Primary responsibilities will be to develop a research program at the forefront of paleontology; to curate, develop and increase the visibility of the Museum's Invertebrate Paleontology and Paleobotany collections, including their digital assets; and to teach in the Museum and Field Studies Graduate Program and the Department of Geological Sciences.

Applicants must have a doctoral degree in geology, biology, paleontology, or a related field, and express a commitment to research, curation, teaching, and mentoring. The successful candidate should complement existing expertise in paleontology and related fields in the Department of Geological Sciences. Application materials must be submitted electronically at https://www.cu.edu/cu-careers, job posting 07197. To apply, please collate the following into a single PDF file: cover letter, curriculum vita, proof of degree, names and addresses of four references, a statement of research that clearly outlines to non-specialists how the applicant's research contributes to the most important scientific problems in his/her discipline; a statement of teaching experience and philosophy; a statement of curatorial experience and vision; and representative publications. 

For full consideration, please apply by November 30, 2016. The search is open until filled. Direct questions to Paleosearch@colorado.edu. The University of Colorado is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Field Course- Taphonomic and Ecological Processes in Tropical Environments

Taphonomic and Ecological Processes in Tropical Environments
Summer Field Course in Graduate Research
Gerace Research Centre, San Salvador, Bahamas
June 19 - July 21, 2017

Course Information: http://geraceresearchcentre.com/fieldcourse.html

Instructors:
Michal Kowalewski, University of Florida (kowalewski@ufl.edu<mailto:kowalewski@ufl.edu>)
Troy A. Dexter, Gerace Research Centre (researchgrc@gmail.com<mailto:researchgrc@gmail.com>)

Overview: This 5-week course will focus on graduate-level research in taphonomy and ecology of late Quaternary to Recent environments of San Salvador Island (the Bahamas), including both marine and terrestrial settings. Each student participant will lead an independent project based on field, experimental, or laboratory data. The instructors will assist students, both logistically and intellectually, in developing projects that can generate publishable quality data. San Salvador field sites and laboratory facilities offer opportunities for conducting topically diverse projects from experimental ecology and taphonomy to Quaternary paleoecology and biosedimentary processes.

Where: Gerace Research Centre, located on San Salvador Island, one of the outermost of a chain of some 700 islands that comprise The Bahamas

Who: Students interested in taphonomy, paleoecology, marine ecology, carbonate deposystems, reef paleoecology, coastal environments (both marine and terrestrial), and Quaternary paleoenvironments are particularly encouraged to apply. The course is aimed at graduate students who aspire to develop strong research portfolios. Advanced undergraduate students interested in research-oriented careers are also encouraged to apply. Students from all countries are eligible for admission.

Application Process: Please submit (1) one completed application form and (2) your most up-to-date Curriculum Vitae to kowalewski@ufl.edu<mailto:kowalewski@ufl.edu>. One reference letter should be emailed separately by the academic advisor. The application is due on Feb 1, 2017. Maximum enrollment: 16. The application form can be downloaded at the course website or directly at the following address: http://geraceresearchcentre.com/pdfs/TaphonomyApplicationForm.doc. Please contact instructors if you have any questions regarding the course or the application process.

Fees and Anticipated Expenses: The course fee is anticipated to be $2500 per student and will cover (1) lodging and all meals, (2) access to all facilities at the research centre, (3) transportation to and from field sites around the island, and (4) instructional and advising activities. The fee also includes health insurance for the duration of the course. The fee does not include transportation to San Salvador ($800 to $1000 from the mainland USA). The total anticipated cost per student is expected to be around $3300-$3500 per student.

Given more expensive airfare for non-US flights, the total cost is likely to be higher for international students. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aids/scholarships at their home institutions.

NOTE: Additional financial aid may be available from the course organizers. For details see the application form.