Job announcement
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Universität Zürich Paläontologisches Institut und Museum
Application deadline: 16.10.2009
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[printable version: .pdf]
For the Swiss National Science Foundation project “Phylogenetic relationships of placodont reptiles (Diapsida, Sauropterygia) as evidenced by 3D imaging, bone histology, and developmental data”, we invite applications for a PhD position (3 years funding).
In a comparative approach, the successful candidate will re-examine previously described placodont taxa in the light of novel morphological / osteological data (CT scanning and 3D reconstruction of crania), which will then be integrated with histological (microanatomy and bone microstructure) and developmental data. The PhD position includes museum visits world wide, cooperation with leading scientists in the field, as well as extensive lab work. Details about the PhD project will be discussed upon interviews with the bestqualified applicants.
The ideal candidate will be a palaeontologist or zoologist with a strong motivation to contribute to the success of our research project. Previous participation in research activities and excellent writing skills in English are required. Knowledge of German is desirable. The selected candidate will be expected to help in teaching (3 to 5 hours weekly average, 3-4 months per year), writing scientific articles and proposals to raise additional research funds. Experience in vertebrate osteology and 3D modelling of CT scan data will be considered as valuable assets.
The successful candidate will work in the research group ‘Vertebrate Comparative Ontogeny and Palaeobiology’ at the Palaeontological Institute and Museum of the University of Zurich (PIMUZ), under the supervision of Dr. Torsten Scheyer. For information on the research group, current research projects and lab publications, please visit our website: (http://www.pim.uzh.ch/en/Institut/Mitarbeitende/index.php?show=37).
The field of Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology at the University of Zurich and the neighbouring Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) offers an exceptional academic environment for research and study. The Institute of Palaeontology of the University of Zürich offers state-of-the-art research facilities in an international and stimulating academic environment.
Candidates are invited to send their letter of motivation (1-2 pages), CV, a copy of their Master’s thesis, and two reference letters to Dr. Torsten Scheyer (e-mail: tscheyer@pim.uzh.ch), Paläontologisches Institut und Museum, Universität Zürich, Karl Schmid-Strasse 4, CH-8006 Zurich, Switzerland.
Dead line for application: October 16th, 2009.
Intended start of project: December 1st, 2009 or January 1st 2010.
