Puesto de Micropaleontólogo en Basilea, Suiza

Por Paleonet nos ha llegado la oferta de un puesto de trabajo de Micropaleontólogo para el Museo de Basilea ( Suiza ). Os adjuntamos la información


PhD project in micropaleontology Geosciences Department Natural History Museum Basel, Switzerland. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: 25 November 2008. In the framework of the research project Evolutionary prospection in Neogene planktonic foraminiferaa PhD position is available at the Natural History Museum in Basel, Switzerland. In this project we investigate the
morphological evolution of selected planktonic foraminifera in a Late Pliocene time- slice and in selected deep-sea cores from the Late Miocene through Quaternary. Methods include geometric morphometry using automated digital imaging systems, stable isotope analysis, and the study of shell-ontogeny. The goal is obtain quantitative models about the patterns and process of speciation in these marine protists. The project is funded by the Swiss National Foundation for Scientific. Research for 36 months, beginning on 1 January 2009.

Your specific tasks: 1.) Morphometry of planktonic foraminiferal shells from globally distributed Late Pliocene deep-sea samples, and quantitative analysis of shell variability. 2.) Ontogenetic studies of foraminiferal shells. 3.) Geochemical (stable isotope) analysis of foraminiferal shells. 4.) Application and further development of our AMOR system (Automated Measurement system for the morphology of microfossils) in collaboration with engineering students from FHNW. 5.) Publication of the results.

Your profile: 1.) A prerequisite for this position is a recent master's degree or equivalent qualification in earth sciences or biology. 2.) You are curious and highly motivated in solving questions about microevolutionary patterns and processes of marine microfossils, and you like testing scientific theories. 3.) You are especially interested in application and development of automated digital image based morphometry. 4.) You are familiar with oceanic micropaleontology. 5.) You have a good ability for quantitative analysis. Knowledge in computer programming is a plus, willingness to acquire such abilities for digital image processing is expected.
6.) You like interdisciplinary working in a mixed Museum-University environment. 7.) You have good knowledge of English (written and spoken).

Please send your application including a CV, a proof of your successful completion of your masters/diploma degree, a short statement about your research interests, and references to: Dr. Michael Knappertsbusch, Natural History Museum Basel, Augustinergasse 2, 4001-Basel, Switzerland. Homepage: http://pages.unibas.ch/museum/microfossils/index.html