Senior Research Associate in Mammal Vertebral Evolution

University of Bristol Law School; Bristol; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed academic institution in Bristol is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to explore the evolutionary drivers of variation in the mammalian vertebral column. The role involves computational research, international collaboration, and potential teaching experience. Ideal candidates will have a PhD in a relevant field and substantial experience in vertebrate morphology.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of mammalian vertebral morphology and evolution.
• Experience with collection and analysis of datasets of mammalian vertebral morphology.
• Experience with vertebral biomechanics and/or functional morphology.
• Excellent computational skills demonstrating the ability to implement a range of methods in various software and/or coding languages.
• Academic research publication track record compatible with career stage.

Responsibilities

• Act as the principal researcher for the project.
• Prepare and deliver in-house and conference presentations and manuscripts.
• Opportunity for teaching and mentoring experience.

Skills

Knowledge of mammalian vertebral morphology and evolution

Experience with collection and analysis of datasets of mammalian vertebral morphology

Experience with vertebral biomechanics and/or functional morphology

Excellent computational skills

Academic research publication track record

Education

PhD in a related field

Job description

The role

This is a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate position based in the Mammal Morphology Lab in the School of Earth Sciences, working with PI Dr. Katrina Jones. The role is funded through a Royal Society University Research Fellowship. The aim of the project is to examine the developmental, evolutionary, and functional drivers of variation in the mammalian vertebral column.

The project objectives are to:

• Examine the morphological variation in the mammal vertebral column in the context of variability and constraint
• Elucidate the developmental underpinnings of mammalian vertebral variation using comparative genomics
• Link morphological and functional variation with computational functional modelling

The project is in collaboration with Prof. Mary O`Connell at the University of Nottingham. The successful candidate will act as the principal researcher responsible for achieving these objectives. The work is primarily computational and may involve international travel to the USA for data collection and to attend scientific conferences.

What will you be doing?

The PDRA will act as the principal researcher for this project. The work involves primarily office-based computational research, with some museum collections work. The successful candidate will be expected to prepare and deliver in-house and conference presentations and manuscripts as appropriate. There will be an opportunity for gaining some teaching and mentoring experience co-supervising master's projects and delivering some undergraduate and M-level teaching.

You should apply if

Essential

• Knowledge of mammalian vertebral morphology and evolution
• Experience with collection and analysis of datasets of mammalian vertebral morphology
• Experience with vertebral biomechanics and/or functional morphology
• Excellent computational skills demonstrating the ability to implement a range of methods in various software and/or coding languages
• Academic research publication track record compatible with career stage

Desirable

• Experience in comparative genomics
• Working knowledge of mammal evolution, anatomy, or ecology
• Experience working with tomographic datasets of fossils and/or extant taxa

Essential qualifications:

• PhD in a related field, e.g., Palaeontology, Comparative Anatomy, Functional Morphology, Biomechanics, or equivalent professional experience in the research area required

Additional information

Contract type: Open-ended with fixed funding until 01/11/2026

Work pattern: Full-time

Grade: Grade J/Pathway two

Salary: £43,482 - £50,253 per annum

School/Unit: School of Earth Sciences

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 15/10/2025

For informal queries, please contact: Katrina Jones, [e-mail]

Our strategy and mission

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The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives - particularly people of color, LGBT+, and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

The University of Bristol is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.