Postdoctoral position in Evolution and Development

Postdoctoral position in the Program of Evolution and Development

The Department of Organismal Biology teaches and explores the evolution, development and function on the organismal level. For more information see www.iob.uu.se. The Program of Evolution and Development studies the evolution and developmental biology of vertebrates, both separately and as an interdisciplinary research domain that aims to illuminate the assembly of the vertebrate body plan. There is particular focus on the deep part of the vertebrate family tree and correspondingly the early fossil history of the group, from the origin of vertebrates up to the fish-tetrapod transition, but we also study the development of Mesozoic terrestrial ecosystems. We are now seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work on fossil material of Devonian lobe-finned fishes from Svalbard.

Duties
To investigate the anatomy of fossil lobe-finned fishes, some of them probably coelacanths, from the Middle Devonian (about 385 million years old) from Svalbard. The research will be based entirely on synchrotron microtomography scans of specimens still enclosed in rock. Specific duties will include reconstructing and interpreting the anatomy from microtomographic data; analysing the phylogenetic relationships of these fishes; and presenting the conclusions in scientific papers targeted to peer-reviewed journals.  

Requirements
PhD degree in Palaeontology, Zoology or equivalent. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree within a three-year period prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier; the three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc. The candidate must have research experience in vertebrate palaeontology and must have fluent command of English. 

Additional qualifications
Experience of reconstructing morphologies from tomographic scan data. Research experience with fossil lobe-finned fishes, especially coelacanths.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. Full time position. Starting date 1 September 2025 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala, Program of Evolution and Development.

For further information about the position, please contact: Per Ahlberg, tel. 0046 18 4712641, email per.ahlberg@ebc.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 7 May 2025 UFV-PA 2025/1051.

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