Starting 1 March 2013 (flexible), Naturalis has a position for a PhD Student Vertebrate palaeontology and systematics of early chondrichthyans
- Specifications - (explanation)
Location Leiden, The Netherlands Function types Technical, Laboratory positions, PhD positions, Research, Development, Innovation Scientific fields Natural Sciences, biology, geology, or palaeontology Hours 36.0 hours per week Education University Graduate Job number AT PhD Student Vertebrate Translations en
Job description
We
seek to attract a PhD student who will be working on the project
described below. You are a highly motivated candidate, ideally with a
background in either the life or earth sciences, particularly in
palaeontology, systematics, and/or anatomy. You are eager to join our
new institute and to study the Naturalis natural history collections.
PhD project: Vertebrate palaeontology and systematics of early chondrichthyans
Chondrichthyans feature prominently in debates on the origin of jawed vertebrates, but remarkably little is known about the acquisition of their distinctive anatomical traits. The early fossil record of chondrichthyans is comprised mainly of isolated scales, teeth, and spines, while articulated skeletons are comparatively rare. The current project examines the morphology and phylogenetic relationships of three articulated chondrichthyan and chondrichthyan-like fossil fishes from the Devonian and Carboniferous periods.
The candidate will address several key questions regarding the characters of early chondrichthyans, how chondrichthyans are identified in the fossil record, and the implications for the timing and morphological evolution of both chondrichthyans and early jawed vertebrate fossils.
This project will provide training in phylogenetic techniques, as well as comparative morphological expertise, microscopic and histologic techniques, as well as potential for learning computed tomography techniques and possible fieldwork. Applications from candidates who submit their own project ideas in a related area are encouraged and will be considered.
PhD project: Vertebrate palaeontology and systematics of early chondrichthyans
Chondrichthyans feature prominently in debates on the origin of jawed vertebrates, but remarkably little is known about the acquisition of their distinctive anatomical traits. The early fossil record of chondrichthyans is comprised mainly of isolated scales, teeth, and spines, while articulated skeletons are comparatively rare. The current project examines the morphology and phylogenetic relationships of three articulated chondrichthyan and chondrichthyan-like fossil fishes from the Devonian and Carboniferous periods.
The candidate will address several key questions regarding the characters of early chondrichthyans, how chondrichthyans are identified in the fossil record, and the implications for the timing and morphological evolution of both chondrichthyans and early jawed vertebrate fossils.
This project will provide training in phylogenetic techniques, as well as comparative morphological expertise, microscopic and histologic techniques, as well as potential for learning computed tomography techniques and possible fieldwork. Applications from candidates who submit their own project ideas in a related area are encouraged and will be considered.
Requirements
The
successful candidate should have a Master's or Honour's bachelorate (or
equivalent) degree in biology, geology, or palaeontology with
experience in systematics/phylogenetics and preferably knowledge of
anatomical or organismal biology. Previous experience in palaeontology
preferred but not necessary. Excellent command of the English language
(written and verbal) is required. He/she has a scientific and critical
attitude, excellent time management and organizational skills, and the
ability to work independently. The ideal candidate will be highly
motivated with a demonstrated capacity for multidisciplinary research.
Conditions of employment
A
contract (36 hours per week) for a period of one year, to be extended
with three years after succesful first year evaluation. A salary of
circa € 33.000 per year. The candidate will also be affiliated with
Leiden University.The appointment must lead to the completion of a PhD
thesis.
Contract type:
Temporary,
one year, to be extended with three years after succesful first year evaluation
Organisation
Naturalis
The
focus of Naturalis is biodiversity. Naturalis curates a collection of
37 million specimens; this is one of the world's largest natural history
collections. We present the history of our planet and the diversity of
life on Earth with permanent and temporary exhibitions, educational
programmes and websites. Our research and education are maintained at a
high academic level.
Naturalis is appealing to a wide audience, attracting over 250,000 visitors and 5 million hits to its website annually. Co-operation with international institutions, including three renowned Dutch universities, and the outstanding collections, are all factors that attract hundreds of visiting scientists every year.
Expectations and ambitions for the next few years are high. Naturalis will invest significantly in infrastructure for collections and research, including new buildings. In short, we are a developing, world-class institution, and present this exciting opportunity for you to help us achieve our ambitions and meet our challenges.
Naturalis is appealing to a wide audience, attracting over 250,000 visitors and 5 million hits to its website annually. Co-operation with international institutions, including three renowned Dutch universities, and the outstanding collections, are all factors that attract hundreds of visiting scientists every year.
Expectations and ambitions for the next few years are high. Naturalis will invest significantly in infrastructure for collections and research, including new buildings. In short, we are a developing, world-class institution, and present this exciting opportunity for you to help us achieve our ambitions and meet our challenges.
Additional information
During
your appointment you will be supervised Martin Brazeau. Feel free to
contact Dr. Martin Brazeau with questions about the position, martin.brazeau@naturalis.nl.
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