At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on trilobite eye evolution and guide junior researchers.
- Company: Department of Earth Sciences at Oxford, a hub for innovative palaeobiology research.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract with opportunities for professional development and collaboration.
- Other info: Encouraging applications from women and ethnic minorities to promote diversity in research.
- Why this job: Join an international team and explore the fascinating evolution of vision in ancient creatures.
- Qualifications: PhD/DPhil in relevant field and experience in visual system research preferred.
The predicted salary is between 28350 - 34650 £ per year.
Fixed term for 1 year from start date, starting as soon as possible. The post holder will be a member of a research group with responsibility for carrying out research on the visual properties and evolution of eyes in trilobites as part of a project titled “Windows to the past: functional evolution of vision in trilobites” funded by the Human Frontiers Science Program. The researcher will work under the direction of Associate Professor Luke Parry as part of a wider international team including Dr. Lauren Sumner-Rooney (University of Bristol) and Gil Ju Lee (Pusan National University).
The post holder provides guidance to less experienced members of the research group, including research assistants, technicians, and PhD and project students. The researcher will develop landmarking approaches to capture key morphological parameters of trilobite eyes, such as area, shape, curvature, and predicted field of view. These data will be used to interrogate how investment in vision and eye morphology varied across the diversity of fossil trilobites through time and how this variation is related to mode of life, ecology, environmental preferences, and speciation/extinction rates. For species where eyes are preserved in individuals of different ages, the researcher will investigate functional trade-offs in eyes (i.e. allometry) throughout ontogeny.
The post holder will hold, or be close to completion of, a relevant PhD/DPhil, together with relevant experience and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established research programmes. Experience of researching the morphology and/or evolution of visual systems and arthropod eyes is desirable.
The deadline for applications is midday on Friday 11 September 2026. Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, who are under-represented in research posts in the Department.
Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Invertebrate Palaeobiology in Oxford employer: Corehr
Sheffield Hallam University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Smart Interactive Technologies Lab. As a Research Fellow, you will have access to cutting-edge research infrastructure and the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects aimed at improving maternal health outcomes, all while benefiting from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth and development. Join us in making a meaningful difference in healthcare through responsible and human-centred digital innovation.
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We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Invertebrate Palaeobiology in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
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