Post Doctoral Research Associate in Palynology

About the Role

Dr Luke Mander in the School of Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences has been awarded a Natural Environment Research Council grant (Mind the Gap: Tackling the Molecule–Fossil Divide in Angiosperm Evolution Using Fossil Pollen, Super-resolution Microscopy, and Deep Learning). The overall goal of the project is to provide a new window into the tempo and timing of early angiosperm evolution. The project is focussed on Early Cretaceous fossil pollen and the Chloranthaceae, a key group of primitive angiosperms. There are two Post-doctoral researchers associated with the project. One is to be based at the Open University and is focussed on pollen morphology, microscopy and systematics. The other is to be based at the University of Illinois and is focussed on deep learning and phylogenetic reconstruction. Collaboration between the two postdoctoral researchers and the wider research team is a key aspect of the project.

Key Responsibilities

This advert and job description relates to the postdoctoral researcher who is to be based at the Open University. The person appointed to the post will undertake duties to include:

• Generating a super-resolution image dataset of pollen grains of extant species within Chloranthaceae, and of fossil angiosperm pollen from the Early Cretaceous. This will require a research visit to the United States lasting approximately six months.
• Undertaking taxonomic work on computationally derived pollen morphotypes using descriptive terminology. This will allow us to test how computational characterisation of pollen morphology maps onto descriptions generated using traditional taxonomic practice.
• Producing a taxonomically robust record of Early Cretaceous plant diversity and composition. This will involve counting fossil pollen and spores in microscope slides and analysing the count data statistically.

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• PhD in palynology, micropalaeontology, botany or a related discipline.
• Experience of using terminology to describe specimen morphology in a taxonomic and/or morphometric and/or phylogenetic setting.
• Experience of using R and/or Python or similar computational environment to analyse datasets in an evolutionary and/or ecological/palaeoecological setting.
• A developing track record of peer-reviewed publications in international journals.
• Time management and project planning skills.
• The ability to present your research effectively both orally and in scientific writing.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse team.
• Ability to travel to the United States for the purpose of research.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of pollen and/or spore morphology.
• Experience of using fossil pollen and/or spores to reconstruct vegetation history.
• Experience of using pollen and/or spores in a phylogenetic context.
• Experience of interdisciplinary working.

Essential Requirements

To apply for this role please submit the following:

• CV that includes details of academic qualifications and research experience, grants received and publications.
• Supporting Statement that outlines how you meet the essential / desirable criteria listed above.

Next Steps

Interview date: Likely to be 21st July via MS Teams. Candidates will be notified as soon as possible after the closing date whether they have been shortlisted for interview.

Work location

This post requires laboratory-based work and is based on campus in Milton Keynes. Additionally, there will be a requirement to travel to the United States of America for an extended period of time (approximately 6 months) to undertake imaging work.

Flexible working

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what may work for you and the role.

For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Luke Mander at luke.mander@open.ac.uk.