Job description

A two-year position as a postdoctoral research fellow in macroevolution and phenotypic evolution using the fossil record is available at the Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, Norway.

The postdoctoral research fellow will be part of the project SELECT—Fossil temporal dynamics of phenotypic selection and life history evolution funded by the Research Council of Norway and led by Dr Emanuela Di Martino (PI). The main goal of this project is to apply quantitative genetics models to paleontological data using bryozoans as model system, thus significantly contributing to an integrated understanding of evolution across time-scales.

This two-year position should begin between January and February 2022.

More about the position

The position will be based at the Natural History Museum (NHM), University of Oslo. The appointed post-doctoral researcher will carry out research at the Natural History Museum at its location in the Botanical Garden at Tøyen with the BLEED group. The candidate will work closely with the PI and the project collaborators.

The main goal of the SELECT project is to develop fossilized cheilostome bryozoans as a novel model system to directly link quantitative genetic parameters, measurable fitness components and phenotypic evolution on geological time scales, contributing with unique data and insights to current hot debates on the macroevolutionary nature of phenotypic selection.

The post-doctoral research fellow will lead one of the project work packages devoted to assess if and how phenotypic traits contribute to diversification dynamics. Using a combination of temporal occurrences of extinct species, phenotypic traits of both extant and extinct species, and molecular data of extant species, the post-doctoral research fellow will develop a total-evidence, fossil-calibrated phylogeny for one of the most diverse genera of cheilostome bryozoans, Microporella. With this phylogenetic framework, it will be possible to estimate speciation and extinction rates, investigate which phenotypic traits have contributed to diversification dynamics within the genus, and assess the relationship between rates of phenotypic evolution and diversification dynamics among species. However, the candidate will be encouraged to develop their own research questions and also to develop their own complementary lines of research. For their work, the post-doctoral research fellow will be able to capitalize on the undergoing work of our research group including morphometric data, that is being collected both manually and using automated approaches, as well as the largest global molecular phylogeny of cheilostome bryozoans to date.

The main purpose of the fellowship is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

Qualification requirements

Applicants should hold a PhD degree (or other corresponding education equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree) in paleobiology or evolutionary biology. No experience with bryozoans is required, although familiarity with the marine fossil record is an added bonus. The ideal applicant is a motivated and enthusiastic scientist open to collaborative work in our group. They should have excellent writing and programming skills and experience with statistical modelling and total-evidence phylogenetic inference. Previous postdoctoral experience is desirable.

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.

We offer

• salary NOK 534 400 - 594 300 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)
• 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.

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period at the University of Oslo.

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.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. We also want to have employees with diverse expertise, combinations of subjects, life experience and perspectives. We will make adjustments for employees who require this.

If there are qualified applicants with special needs, gaps in their CVs or immigrant backgrounds, we will invite at least one applicant in each of these groups to an interview.

Contact information

• Dr Emanuela Di Martino: e.d.martino@nhm.uio.no
• Professor Hugo de Boer: h.de.boer@nhm.uio.no

For questions regarding the recruitment system: HR-adviser Anita Marie Hansen: a.m.hansen@nhm.uio.no.

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