Natural History Museum

Job description

A TWO-YEAR POSITION AS A RESEARCH FELLOW in Bryozoology, Paleontology and Life History Evolution is available at the Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, Norway

More about the position

The research fellow will be part of the European Research Council Consolidator Grant project macroevolution.abc (Abiota, biota and constraints in macroevolutionary processes) lead by Professor Lee Hsiang Liow (PI). The main goal of this project is to develop a new model system using bryozoans to provide answers to previously intractable questions in evolutionary biology.

This two year position will begin 15 January 2021.

The position will be based at the Natural History Museum (NHM), University of Oslo (http://www.nhm.uio.no/). The appointed researcher will carry out research at the Natural History Museum at its location in the Botanical Garden at Tøyen.

The candidate will work in closely with the PI.

Project description

The main goal of the project is to develop a new model system using bryozoans to provide answers to previously intractable questions in evolutionary biology. These questions include whether ecological interactions that are important for individual survival matter for speciation and extinction patterns observed on very long time scales, and why we can expect to wait a million years for bursts of phenotypic change.

The research fellow has the designated tasks of i) collecting and analyzing phenotypic data on select bryozoan taxa, aided by machine-learning approaches; ii) collecting taxonomic and overgrowth data on cheilostome-cheilostome ecological interactions both preserved in the fossil record and in contemporary ecological samples and analyzing these data, iii) providing expertise in cheilostome systematics and taxonomy for the PI and her group members and hence contributing to understanding the paleontological diversification rates of these organisms; iv) describing any new (i.e. undescribed) bryozoan taxa uncovered during the course of the rest of the project and publishing these new descriptions, v) giving advice and contributing to the collection and curation of both fossil and contemporary cheilostome bryozoan material, vi) helping to write national grants pertaining to cheilostome bryozoan diversity.

The ideal candidate will make a major contribution to the planned research, but will also develop her/his own complementary lines of research that reflect the candidate's own expertise and interests, and that fit within the project's main goals, such as linking micro- and macroevolutionary time scales and processes.

Qualification requirements

• Applicants should hold a PhD-degree (or other corresponding education equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree) in paleontology, with bryozoology as a focus. Previous postdoctoral experience and continued research with bryozoans are also required.
• We are seeking a motivated, enthusiastic and hard-working researcher who is interested in fossil diversity, life history trait evolution, paleoecology and bryozoology. She/he should have excellent writing skills.
• Applicants must show good interpersonal skills and be willing to work in close collaboration with the project PI and other members of the project team, as well as have the ability to work independently. Applicants should have a good publication record for their career stage.
• A good command of English is required.

Please also refer to the regulations pertaining to the conditions of employment: https://www.uio.no/english/about/regulations/index.html

We offer

• salary NOK 563 700 – 605 500 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1109)
• a professionally stimulating working environment
• attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include:

• Application letter including a statement of interest, briefly summarizing your scientific work and interests and describing how you fit the description of the person we seek.
• CV (summarizing education, positions, and other qualifying activities). Copies of educational certificates.
• A complete list of publications and unpublished work, and up to 5 academic papers that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee.
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number).

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

Formal regulations

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact information

• Professor Lee Hsiang Liow, phone number: +47 22855078, e-mail: l.h.liow@nhm.uio.no

Apply for position