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- Tasks: Join a dynamic research team studying whale migration and ecological niches.
- Company: Be part of the prestigious University of Oxford's Earth Sciences department.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Contribute to impactful research while enhancing your skills in a supportive setting.
- Qualifications: PhD/DPhil in a relevant field and experience in research and publications required.
- Other info: Opportunity to guide and mentor students and junior researchers.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford seeks to appoint a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Macroecology, Paleobiology & Niche Modelling reporting to Prof Erin Saupe. The post holder will be a member of a research group with responsibility for carrying out research for the NERC grant 'Cruising the whale superhighway: The evolution, biomechanics, and ecological drivers of migration in cetaceans'.
The post holder will provide guidance to less experienced members of the research group, including research assistants, technicians, and PhD and project students. They will develop an analytical framework to achieve the grant objectives, model ecological niches of feeding and breeding grounds in extant whale migratory species, and establish the degree of geographic separation between these two ecological niches for each species to understand the environmental drivers of migration.
Using cutting-edge paleoclimatic modelling that incorporates nutrient cycling and carbon chemistry (HadOCC), the post holder will infer the distribution of potential feeding and breeding grounds for whales in the past. They will examine the evolutionary history of ecological niches broadly across the clade and reconstruct geographic distributions of key nodes and fossil taxa.
About you
You will hold or be close to completion of a relevant PhD/DPhil, together with relevant experience. You will possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established research programmes as well as the ability to manage your own academic research and associated activities. You will have experience of contributing to publications/presentations and the ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation.
You will have excellent communication skills including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings. Experience of independently managing a discrete area of a research project and actively collaborating in the development of research articles for publication is desirable but not essential.
Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Macroecology, Paleobiology, & Niche Modelling employer: University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Macroecology, Paleobiology, & Niche Modelling
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the field of macroecology and paleobiology. Attend relevant conferences or seminars where you can meet researchers from the University of Oxford and discuss your interests and expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific research projects currently being undertaken by Prof Erin Saupe and her team. This will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate how your skills align with their ongoing work.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the latest publications in macroecology and niche modelling. Being well-versed in recent findings will not only enhance your knowledge but also provide you with talking points during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to current or former members of the research group for insights about the role and the team dynamics. This can give you a better understanding of what they value in a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Macroecology, Paleobiology, & Niche Modelling
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in macroecology, paleobiology, and niche modelling. Include specific projects or research that align with the objectives of the grant mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the research project. Discuss how your background and skills make you a suitable candidate, and mention any relevant publications or presentations you've contributed to.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are essential for this position, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated research findings, whether through publications, presentations, or collaborative projects.
Showcase Research Independence: Demonstrate your ability to manage your own research by detailing any previous experiences where you led a project or contributed significantly to research outcomes. This will show your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you are well-versed in the specifics of macroecology, paleobiology, and niche modelling. Familiarise yourself with the research group's current projects, especially the NERC grant on cetacean migration, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of their work.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about your analytical skills and experience with ecological modelling. Brush up on relevant software and methodologies that you might use in the role, and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in your previous research.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves guiding less experienced members and presenting research findings, be prepared to demonstrate your communication abilities. You might want to share examples of past presentations or publications to highlight your proficiency in conveying complex ideas clearly.
✨Discuss Future Research Ideas
Think about potential research projects you could propose that align with the department's goals. This shows initiative and a forward-thinking mindset, which is crucial for a postdoctoral position. Be ready to discuss how your ideas could contribute to the research group's objectives.
