Position Details
School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £32,296 to £34,866 with potential progression once in post to £39,105
Grade: 6
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to April 2028
Closing date: 2nd February 2025
UK travel may be required for this role
Background
This is a three-year Research Associate position to assist in palaeobiological research conducted as part of the project “New Insights Into Early Mammal Evolution From Exceptional Scottish Fossils” funded by the Leverhulme Trust.
Role Summary
* Work within the project “New Insights Into Early Mammal Evolution From Exceptional Scottish Fossils”.
* Support the project team through contributing to fieldwork, lab processing of fossil specimens, and the collection and analysis (segmentation) of computed tomographic (CT) data.
* Contribute to publications.
Main Duties
* Participate in semi-remote coastal fieldwork in Scotland with the wider team to collect fossils using appropriate tools.
* Undertake field first aid training as required.
* Organisation and documentation of collected fossil specimens.
* Lab-based preparation of fossil specimens, potentially including occasional off-site working.
* Operate CT scanner to collect computed tomographic data for fossil specimens.
* Analyse (segment) CT data as directed using specialist software.
* Present research outputs, including drafting figures for academic publications, for example at seminars and as posters.
* Contribute to data management and archiving.
* Provide guidance and training as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research.
* Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
* Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research.
* Promote equality and value diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
Person Specification
* Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area: e.g. geology, palaeontology, biology.
* Extensive practical experience of segmentation of CT data (ideally from fossil data) using standard software packages.
* Willingness to conduct fieldwork as part of a team in semi-remote areas.
* Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively.
* Ability to access and organise resources successfully.
* Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.
Informal enquiries to Richard Butler, email: r.butler.1@bham.ac.uk
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