Post-Doctoral Research Post In Palaeoecology

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Adrian King

University of Westminster, Department of Biological and Health Sciences

Post-Doctoral Research post in Palaeoecology

Applications are invited from the EU for a post-doctoral research assistantship (3 year post) to work on an NERC-funded project involving laboratory studies using living dinoflagellate cysts with subsequent application to the palaeoenvironmental interpretation of the fossil record.

Applicants are sought with a PhD in an appropriate palaeobiological subject.

To discuss the post informally, please contact Dr. Jane Lewis on +44 (0)171 911 5000 extension 3580.

Salary #15,996 (inc. London Weighting)

For an application form and further details, please contact Fehmeeda Riaz in the Personnel Department, University of Westminster, 15-18, Clipstone Street, London, W1M 8JS. Please submit a full curriculum vitae with your application.

Closing date: Thursday 6th January 1997

The University of Westminster is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Specification

A Post-Doctoral Research Assistant is required to work within a group, headed by Dr. J. Lewis, specialising in marine phytoplankton research with particular regard to the role of resting stages in phytoplankton ecology. This group forms part of the Applied Ecology Research Group, one of three established research areas within the School of Biological and Health Sciences.

One element of the current research within the phytoplankton group has focused on the effect of environmental changes on the morphology of Lingulodinium polyedrum cysts and the applicability of cyst morphology in determination of palaeoenvironments. Dr. Lewis in conjunction with Dr. Harding (Southampton University) has recently been awarded an NERC grant entitled "Neontological investigation of the dinoflagellate cyst group Spiniferites and the implications for their palaeoecological utility" The PDRA will be working full time on this project which has the following specific objectives:

1. To establish cyst-theca relationships between the extant species of the cyst genera Spiniferites, Bitectatodinium, Nematosphaeropsis, Ataxodinium, Pentadinium, Tectadodinium and Impagidinium and the thecate G. spinifera group.

2. To establish clonal cultures of motile cells arising from the Spiniferites group of cysts.

3. To determine the genetic control of morphological variation of cysts produced in cultures subject to constant physical and chemical conditions.

4. To investigate the physicochemical controls (particularly salinity) acting on the morphological development of cysts of the Spiniferites group in cultures.

5. To quantify any variation in morphology against known environmental conditions in order to provide models for investigation in 6.

6. To examine the morphological variation of Spiniferites cysts in carefully selected vertical sequences in the geological record to determine the interpretational capabilities of 5.

7. To provide well characterised cultures for use in future molecular studies.

The PDRA will work principally at the University of Westminster but will maintain close links with the University of Southampton. The PDRA will be trained in algal culture techniques and at least half the project will be taken up with cyst hatching experiments and encystment trials. There will be a small amount of field collecting associated with this element of the work. Geological collections will be made about half way through the project and detailed analysis of this material and comparison with the living material will be made in the final part of the project.

Person Specification for the post of Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Palaeoecology:

The candidate for this post will be expected to:

- possess a PhD degree in an appropriate field

- have experience of publishing scientific papers

- be able to undertake self-motivated research

- have familiarity with common computer software packages

- have carried out research in dinoflagellate palynology

- have knowledge of palaeoenvironmental analysis

- have experience in geological field techniques

in addition preference will be given to candidates who have familiarity with the following:

- Spiniferites taxonomy

- image analysis software

- algal culturing techniques

- SEM techniques

Suggested wording for advertisement (can be cut down as you wish):

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research assistant to work on an NERC funded project entitled "Neontological investigation of the dinoflagellate cyst group Spiniferites and the implications for their palaeoecological utility". Research will involve laboratory studies using living dinoflagellate cysts with subsequent application to the palaeoenvironmental interpretation of the fossil record. The position will be for three years. Applicants are sought with a PhD in an appropriate palaeobiological subject.
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*************************************************************Adrian King,
Department of Geology ,
University of Southampton ,
Southampton Oceanography Centre ,
Empress Dock ,
European Way ,
Southampton ,
Hampshire ,
SO14 3ZH
United Kingdom	

Tel: +44 (0) 1703 596130
e-mail: Adrian.King@soc.soton.ac.uk	

*************************************************************