Research Associate (Leverhulme)

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £32,296 to £34,866 with potential progression once in post to £39,105

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to April 2028

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 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
• Promotes equality and values 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 can be made to Richard Butler, email: r.butler.1@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

Closes: 02/02/2025

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