Research Assistant/Associate in Sedimentary Geology and/or Palaeoecology (Fixed Term)
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Research topic: Reconciling the Ediacaran and Cambrian fossil records of early animal evolution. Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in sedimentary geology/palaeoecology, to join a new NERC funded project. This project aims to gather fossil and geological data from spectacular new Ediacaran-age localities in southern Namibia to illuminate the early stages of animal evolution and diversification, and to ascertain the extent to which animals both drove, and responded to, major environmental shifts at the dawn of animal life. By constraining the depositional environments and palaeoecology of bedding plane assemblages at the new sites, we seek to fundamentally reshape knowledge of Ediacaran early animal ecosystems and their role in setting the stage for the 'Cambrian explosion'.
The project involves an international team of palaeontologists, geologists and geochemists from the University of Cambridge (A. Liu, B. O'Connell), University of Namibia (C. Uahengo) and the Namibian Earth Science Museum at the Geological Survey of Namibia (H. Mocke).
Responsibilities
* Conduct sedimentary facies analysis, petrological research, and stratigraphic logging to constrain the physical depositional environments of in-situ early animal ecosystems and component organisms.
* Gather and interpret ichnological and palaeoecological data to reconstruct the ecosystem structure of these terminal Ediacaran fossil communities.
* Possibly carry out targeted geochemical analyses to reconstruct aspects of the ocean chemical conditions experienced by the organisms, depending on diagenetic alteration.
* Participate in fieldwork in southern Namibia for data collection.
* Communicate results through presentations at international conferences and involvement in outreach activities.
Qualifications
* Must have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in sedimentary geology or palaeoecology.
* Previous experience in geological fieldwork and either sedimentological facies analysis or palaeoecological research.
* Knowledge of geochemical techniques, sedimentary petrology and/or ichnology is desirable.
* Strong publication record commensurate with career stage is desirable.
* Highly motivated with good communication skills.
Funding and Salary
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance, based on an anticipated start date of 01 April 2026.
Salary ranges: Research Associate: £37,694-£46,049 (Grade 7). Appointment at the Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be under-appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38: £34,610), moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of their PhD award.
Application Process
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online. Enquiries concerning this research post can be sent to the Principal Investigator Alex Liu (agscl2@cam.ac.uk). Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter explaining your motivation and experience for the role, and publication list in the upload section. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested they will not be considered as part of your application. Please quote reference LB47884 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Equality and Diversity
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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