The Swedish Natural History Museum has a postdoctoral position available in palaeobotany. Please forward this on to anyone who may be interested.
Please note the deadline for application materials is Jan 18th:
The Paleobotany Department conducts research on plant development through Earth´s geological history, with special emphasis on seed plant development and diversification. The research contributes to the museum´s research themes “Ecosystems and Species History” and “Diversity of Life”. The department is also responsible for one of Europe´s largest collections of plant fossils.
You will work within the project “Permian and Mesozoic permineralized floras”, specifically investigating the anatomy, diversity and biotic interactions of plants, fungi and invertebrates preserved three-dimensionally within siliceous permineralized peats and fossil wood from various parts of the world. You will be expected to undertake substantial laboratory processing and analysis of samples (including rock-cutting, thin-sectioning, acid bulk-maceration, palynological preparation, transmitted light and fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and macrophotography) and to compile the results and interpretations into manuscripts for publication. You will be required to order, label and register the studied fossil specimens in the department´s database. You will also be expected to participate in the department´s day-to-day planning and operation.
You have a PhD in palaeobotany/palaeontology, geology or biology and an interest in continuing palaeobotanical studies. The work requires a high standard of English writing and a solid knowledge of plant anatomy, palaeobotanical nomenclature, good computer skills and an ability to work efficiently and independently in analytical laboratories. An ability to maintain strict health and safety standards (especially in relation to the use of strong acids) in the laboratory is required. Experience with macrophotography, fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and image processing will be strongly advantageous. The work requires good interpersonal skills, accuracy and flexibility.
The preferred starting date is March 4, 2013, but this is negotiable. The position is available for 12 months in the first instance (with the possibility of extension).
For more information about the position, contact Dr Stephen McLoughlin (steve.mcloughlin@nrm.se). Union representatives are Ove Johansson, SACO-S and Yvonne Arremo, ST. All can be reached at telephone number 08-519 540 00.
Please send your application with cover letter and CV, marked with dnr 33-734/2012, to rekrytering@nrm.se or to Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, SE 104 05, Stockholm, Sweden, no later than January 18, 2013.
viernes, diciembre 21, 2012
Solidaridad con los colegas del Field Museum
Nos ha llegado un mensaje de nuestro colega Peter J. Makovicky invitandonos a solidarizarnos con la situación de nuestros colegas del Field Museum of Natural History. Os lo adjuntamos, con los enlaces para poder firmar el apoyo.
Dear all,
as many of you have already heard, the Field Museum is going through another round of budget cuts. This time, however, we are facing a very drastic level of cuts - $5M to our operating budget of ~$70M (>$25M of which are tied up in depreciation, debt service, and service contracts). The bulk of these cuts will fall on the two scientific divisions, Collections and Research, which encompasses our 25 million specimens and the staff who curate and manage them, and ECCo, a smaller unit dedicated to conservation efforts. The $3M cut represents roughly a halving of our operating salary budget and will entail lay-offs of a quarter to one-third of our staff, which has already been experiencing hiring freezes since 2005 and two rounds of cuts in 2008 and 2010. There can be no doubt in anyone's mind that this will severely affect our research capabilities and impact upon our ability to maintain our world-class collections. Our Board and administration have essentially admitted that cuts are to be targeted at scientific staff and faculty to the press:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-field-museum-to-cut-staff-overhaul-operations-and-limit-research-scope-20121218,0,6939773.story?track=rss
An exigency committee has been convened and begun meeting as part of mandated procedure to look at the potential to dismiss tenured faculty. As a colleague and someone who has worked with our collections, I urge you to take a few minutes and sing our on-line petition, which you can find at:
https://www.change.org/petitions/protect-research-at-field-museum-of-natural-history-chicago
Please distribute this to your colleagues around the world. We hope that the combined voices of a global community of researchers will have a positive impact and have our board and administration reconsider the distribution of cuts.
Dear all,
as many of you have already heard, the Field Museum is going through another round of budget cuts. This time, however, we are facing a very drastic level of cuts - $5M to our operating budget of ~$70M (>$25M of which are tied up in depreciation, debt service, and service contracts). The bulk of these cuts will fall on the two scientific divisions, Collections and Research, which encompasses our 25 million specimens and the staff who curate and manage them, and ECCo, a smaller unit dedicated to conservation efforts. The $3M cut represents roughly a halving of our operating salary budget and will entail lay-offs of a quarter to one-third of our staff, which has already been experiencing hiring freezes since 2005 and two rounds of cuts in 2008 and 2010. There can be no doubt in anyone's mind that this will severely affect our research capabilities and impact upon our ability to maintain our world-class collections. Our Board and administration have essentially admitted that cuts are to be targeted at scientific staff and faculty to the press:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-field-museum-to-cut-staff-overhaul-operations-and-limit-research-scope-20121218,0,6939773.story?track=rss
An exigency committee has been convened and begun meeting as part of mandated procedure to look at the potential to dismiss tenured faculty. As a colleague and someone who has worked with our collections, I urge you to take a few minutes and sing our on-line petition, which you can find at:
https://www.change.org/petitions/protect-research-at-field-museum-of-natural-history-chicago
Please distribute this to your colleagues around the world. We hope that the combined voices of a global community of researchers will have a positive impact and have our board and administration reconsider the distribution of cuts.
Samuel nos felicita y se nos va
Samuel Zamora, un buen amigo de los aragosaureros nos ha mandado su felicitación. Samuel se nos va a la Smithsonian Institution de Washington a seguir investigación en equinodermos del Cámbrico.
Ánimo Samuel que estamos contigo en esta parte del charco
Vinosaurio nos felicita
Animo chaval que falta poco... y gracias por la felicitación
Puesto de trabajo en la University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
VISITING ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Department of Geosciences
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
The Department of Geosciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee seeks to fill a Visiting Assistant Professor position beginning in August 2013. The position is for 2013-14, but may be renewed for up to three more years. Applicants will be expected to complement our existing strengths in hard rock geology, hydrogeology, geophysics, sedimentary geology, or paleoecology. The successful candidate is expected to develop a vigorous, externally funded research program, teach two courses per year at multiple levels within our curriculum, and supervise research by graduate and undergraduate students. Minimum qualifications for the position are a PhD in Geosciences or related field by August 2013 and research experience in geosciences. Postdoctoral experience, strong publication record, funding experience, and teaching experience, though not required, are viewed as assets. Employment will require a criminal background check.
Application deadline is February 28, 2013. To apply, please go to http://jobs.uwm.edu/postings/11260. Candidates should upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, and research interests with the online application. Published works may be uploaded with the application as an 'Other Document 1'. After a review of applications, selected candidates will be asked to provide confidential letters of recommendation.
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is a large, research-oriented institution located on the northeast side of Milwaukee, five blocks from Lake Michigan. The Department of Geosciences offers B.S./B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. degree programs and is staffed by 13 full-time faculty. For more information about the Department of Geosciences, visit http://www4.uwm.edu/letsci/geosciences/.
For UWM’s Campus Security Report, which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see www.cleryact.uwm.edu, or call the Office of Student Life at (414) 229-4632 to request a paper copy. UWM is an AA/EEO employer.
Department of Geosciences
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
The Department of Geosciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee seeks to fill a Visiting Assistant Professor position beginning in August 2013. The position is for 2013-14, but may be renewed for up to three more years. Applicants will be expected to complement our existing strengths in hard rock geology, hydrogeology, geophysics, sedimentary geology, or paleoecology. The successful candidate is expected to develop a vigorous, externally funded research program, teach two courses per year at multiple levels within our curriculum, and supervise research by graduate and undergraduate students. Minimum qualifications for the position are a PhD in Geosciences or related field by August 2013 and research experience in geosciences. Postdoctoral experience, strong publication record, funding experience, and teaching experience, though not required, are viewed as assets. Employment will require a criminal background check.
Application deadline is February 28, 2013. To apply, please go to http://jobs.uwm.edu/postings/11260. Candidates should upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, and research interests with the online application. Published works may be uploaded with the application as an 'Other Document 1'. After a review of applications, selected candidates will be asked to provide confidential letters of recommendation.
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is a large, research-oriented institution located on the northeast side of Milwaukee, five blocks from Lake Michigan. The Department of Geosciences offers B.S./B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. degree programs and is staffed by 13 full-time faculty. For more information about the Department of Geosciences, visit http://www4.uwm.edu/letsci/geosciences/.
For UWM’s Campus Security Report, which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see www.cleryact.uwm.edu, or call the Office of Student Life at (414) 229-4632 to request a paper copy. UWM is an AA/EEO employer.
miércoles, diciembre 19, 2012
Felicitación de la Sampuz
El dibujo es bien divertido...
Puesto de trabajo en Biología evolutiva en la Cornell University
Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Cornell University
Lab Technician III – Job # 19196
Job Description
Research position in evolutionary biology/herpetology lab. Provide tech support for molecular systematics and comparative population genetics/genomics research. Specific responsibilities include DNA isolation, PCR, library construction, sample preparation, editing sequence data, using genomic database and searching tools, running phylogenetic and population genetic software, and data interpretation. General responsibilities include maintaining and purchasing laboratory supplies, assisting with grant proposal and manuscript preparation, and assisting with student training. This is a one-year appointment, renewable for a second year upon satisfactory performance. Endowed college employee benefits apply.
Qualifications
BS in biology-related field strongly preferred with at least one year of experience in a molecular biology or molecular systematics environment. Working knowledge of standard molecular lab protocols and basic field biology techniques. Neatness, attention to detail, good organizational skills and ability to manage people and be a team leader. Some weekend/evening hours will be necessary for field collecting trips, and time-sensitive lab procedures.
Applications will be accepted through January 30, 2013
Inquiries can be directed to Dr. Kelly Zamudio at krz2@cornell.edu.
Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer.
To apply please visit:
https://cornellu.taleo.net/careersection/10164/jobsearch.ftl
Cornell University
Lab Technician III – Job # 19196
Job Description
Research position in evolutionary biology/herpetology lab. Provide tech support for molecular systematics and comparative population genetics/genomics research. Specific responsibilities include DNA isolation, PCR, library construction, sample preparation, editing sequence data, using genomic database and searching tools, running phylogenetic and population genetic software, and data interpretation. General responsibilities include maintaining and purchasing laboratory supplies, assisting with grant proposal and manuscript preparation, and assisting with student training. This is a one-year appointment, renewable for a second year upon satisfactory performance. Endowed college employee benefits apply.
Qualifications
BS in biology-related field strongly preferred with at least one year of experience in a molecular biology or molecular systematics environment. Working knowledge of standard molecular lab protocols and basic field biology techniques. Neatness, attention to detail, good organizational skills and ability to manage people and be a team leader. Some weekend/evening hours will be necessary for field collecting trips, and time-sensitive lab procedures.
Applications will be accepted through January 30, 2013
Inquiries can be directed to Dr. Kelly Zamudio at krz2@cornell.edu.
Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer.
To apply please visit:
https://cornellu.taleo.net/careersection/10164/jobsearch.ftl
Reconstrucción paleoambiental del yacimiento de Peña Larga (Álava) con micromamíferos
El abrigo rocoso de Peña Larga posee una larga secuencia arqueológica con siete unidades estratigráficas, seis de ellas culturales, que comprenden el Neolítico temprano y medio, el Calcolítico temprano y tardío, y la Edad del Bronce temprana y media (Cronozonas Atlántica a Subboreal). Cerca de 28000 restos de microvertebrados fueron recuperados en el yacimiento, de los cuales 2553 se identificaron a nivel genérico y/o específico. La muestra de microvertebrados, compuesta por mamíferos, pájaros, reptiles y anfibios, se acumuló de forma natural, principalmente por rapaces nocturnas, pero también, en algunos casos, por pequeños carnívoros.
En Peña Larga, solo los pequeños mamíferos cumplen las condiciones para ser utilizados en reconstrucción paleoambiental: son muy sensibles a las condiciones climáticas y sus distribuciones a lo largo de la secuencia estratigráfica, medidas en términos de la abundancia relativa de las distintas especies, sirven como indicio aproximado de los cambios de clima y hábitat. La mayor parte de los restos de pequeños vertebrados identificados (77%) proceden del Nivel III, lo que probablemente se deba a que coincide con un período más prolongado de desocupación de la cueva (en relación con el resto de niveles), y al consiguiente incremento de la actividad de las aves rapaces.
La estrecha relación entre medioambiente y dinámica de ocupación se hace particularmente evidente también en el Nivel III, cuando el abrigo fue usado como sepulcro colectivo en lugar de como vivienda. Durante este período, la gente habría preferido construir sus residencias al aire libre, animados tanto por las buenas condiciones climáticas como por la proliferación de espacios abiertos.
La reconstrucción paleoambiental de Peña Larga basada en los micromamíferos coincide, en líneas generales, con otros indicadores de clima y hábitat, tales como el polen y el registro de anfibios y reptiles en la escala local, y con un sondeo de hielo de Groenlandia central en la escala global. Las condiciones más frescas detectadas en el Nivel II corresponden aproximadamente con la corta “Edad Glacial” registrada durante la transición Calcolítico/Edad del Bronce. Todos estos factores convierten el registro paleoambiental de Peña Larga en una herramienta muy útil con fines comparativos tanto a nivel regional como continental.
La referencia completa del artículo es: Rofes, J., Zuluaga, M.C., Murelaga, X., Fernández-Eraso, J., Bailon, S., Iriarte, M.J., Ortega, L.A., Alonso-Olazabal, A. Paleoenvironmetal reconstruction of the early Neolithic to middle Bronze Age Peña Larga rock shelter (Álava, Spain) from the small mammal record. Quaternary International (2012), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.yqres.2012.11.002.
martes, diciembre 18, 2012
El camuflaje de un insecto de hace 110 millones de años
El fósil, de unos cuatro milímetros de longitud, es una larva depredadora del grupo de los neurópteros que aparece recubierta por una maraña de pequeños filamentos de origen vegetal que recolectó con sus mandíbulas para formar un escudo protector y confundirse con el entorno. Este tipo de comportamiento, el trash-carrying o transporte de basura, es una estrategia de supervivencia que se da también en formas actuales para camuflarse ante las presas o los depredadores y defenderse de estos últimos. La especie fósil, afín a las actuales crisopas verdes, representa un nuevo género y ha sido denominada Hallucinochrysa diogenesi, o crisopa alucinante de Diógenes, en alusión a su apariencia alucinante y al síndrome de Diógenes, una patología que afecta a personas que acumulan basura de forma compulsiva.
Según el estudio, la «basura» que recubre el fósil son tricomas, pelos vegetales de formas y funciones diversas que crecen en la superficie de las plantas. Mediante el estudio de la morfología, la microestructura y la composición de esos tricomas, los investigadores han podido confirmar que pertenecían a helechos. Las larvas actuales de crisopas verdes acumulan restos vegetales o animales de todo tipo y los retienen mediante unos pequeños muñones con pelos que tienen en el dorso. Por el contrario, Hallucinochrysa diogenesi, de aspecto único y diferente al de las actuales crisopas verdes, mostraba largos túbulos con abundantes pelos terminados en forma de trompeta, que actuaban a modo de ancla. Toda esta estructura, formaba una cestilla dorsal que retenía la «basura» e impedía que se desprendiera con el movimiento de la larva.
En opinión de los autores, «la Hallucinochrysa diogenesi muestra como el comportamiento del camuflaje y sus adaptaciones morfológicas relacionadas aparecieron de forma muy temprana en los insectos, ya en la época de los dinosaurios. En el caso de las crisopas verdes, se puede decir que este sofisticado comportamiento ha permanecido sin cambio durante al menos 110 millones de años, hecho que aporta una información relevante para los estudios evolutivos sobre el comportamiento animal y las estrategias de adaptación al medio de los organismos a lo largo de la historia de la Tierra». Otro dato excepcional del estudio es que refleja una estrecha relación planta-insecto de carácter ancestral –posiblemente, un ejemplo de mutualismo– ya que la larva depredadora libraría de plagas al helecho mientras que éste constituiría su hábitat y aportaría la «basura» protectora: es decir, ambos organismos habrían obtenido un beneficio mutuo. En un escenario cretácico en el que los bosques resiníferos de la antigua península Ibérica –entonces una isla– eran asolados por grandes incendios forestales, esta larva recolectó su «basura» a partir de un tipo de helecho que crecía abundantemente tras el paso del fuego.
Participan en el estudio los investigadores Ricardo Pérez de la Fuente y Xavier Delclòs (Dept. Estratigrafía, Paleontología y Geociencias Marinas, UB), Enrique Peñalver (Museo Geominero, Instituto Geológico y Minero de España), Mariela Speranza, Carmen Ascaso y Jacek Wierzchos (Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC) y Michael S. Engel (Universidad de Kansas, Estados Unidos). La reconstrucción es de José Antonio Peñas.
Curso para monitorizar reptiles actuales
Species Monitoring and Conservation: Reptiles
13-24 May 2013
Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation
At the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, USA Visit http://SMconservation.gmu.edu or contact SCBItraining@si.edu for more information.
Reptiles is an introduction for graduate students and professionals in wildlife management and conservation to the essential aspects of reptile conservation (both in -situ and ex-situ). The course focuses on the use of field, laboratory, computational, and captive techniques to measure, monitor, and conserve reptile populations. Participants will gain first-hand experience by working with professionals in a variety of settings designed to address current and developing issues in the conservation of reptile diversity.
During the 12-day intensive residential session, participants will learn the principles of study design, develop and carry out field assessments, and use the latest techniques to analyze their data. Practical training in hands-on field techniques, including distance sampling, modern surveillance, trapping, handling and marking methods, sample collection for disease monitoring, and radio-telemetry will be provided by scientists who use these methods as part of their research programs. Participants will also be introduced to use of relevant analytic software, such as DISTANCE, PRESENCE, and MARK, for the application of field-monitoring data to population management and decision making.
Course instructors include experts from the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park (Curator Jim Murphy and Biologist Matt Evans) and National Museum of Natural History, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, the University of Massachusetts, and national and international NGO’s. While most instruction takes place on the 3200- acre campus in Front Royal at the newly opened facilities of the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, the course also includes trips to field sites around the region and visits to the National Zoo’s Reptile Discovery Center and the National Museum of Natural History’s Division of Amphibians and Reptiles, which houses the world’s largest curated reptile collection.
The total course fee, which includes instruction and course materials, food, shared lodging, and transport to/from Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD) is $3,478. All other travel costs and incidental expenses are the participant’s responsibility. Partial scholarships are available on a competitive basis. Participants earn Continuing Education Units; graduate course credit (3) is available for qualified applicants through George Mason University at an additional fee. Participants should have previously completed a college- level basic ecology/evolution course. For first consideration, apply before March 4, 2013. Courses such as this have been full during previous offerings, so you are encouraged to apply early.
13-24 May 2013
Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation
At the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, USA Visit http://SMconservation.gmu.edu or contact SCBItraining@si.edu for more information.
Reptiles is an introduction for graduate students and professionals in wildlife management and conservation to the essential aspects of reptile conservation (both in -situ and ex-situ). The course focuses on the use of field, laboratory, computational, and captive techniques to measure, monitor, and conserve reptile populations. Participants will gain first-hand experience by working with professionals in a variety of settings designed to address current and developing issues in the conservation of reptile diversity.
During the 12-day intensive residential session, participants will learn the principles of study design, develop and carry out field assessments, and use the latest techniques to analyze their data. Practical training in hands-on field techniques, including distance sampling, modern surveillance, trapping, handling and marking methods, sample collection for disease monitoring, and radio-telemetry will be provided by scientists who use these methods as part of their research programs. Participants will also be introduced to use of relevant analytic software, such as DISTANCE, PRESENCE, and MARK, for the application of field-monitoring data to population management and decision making.
Course instructors include experts from the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park (Curator Jim Murphy and Biologist Matt Evans) and National Museum of Natural History, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, the University of Massachusetts, and national and international NGO’s. While most instruction takes place on the 3200- acre campus in Front Royal at the newly opened facilities of the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, the course also includes trips to field sites around the region and visits to the National Zoo’s Reptile Discovery Center and the National Museum of Natural History’s Division of Amphibians and Reptiles, which houses the world’s largest curated reptile collection.
The total course fee, which includes instruction and course materials, food, shared lodging, and transport to/from Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD) is $3,478. All other travel costs and incidental expenses are the participant’s responsibility. Partial scholarships are available on a competitive basis. Participants earn Continuing Education Units; graduate course credit (3) is available for qualified applicants through George Mason University at an additional fee. Participants should have previously completed a college- level basic ecology/evolution course. For first consideration, apply before March 4, 2013. Courses such as this have been full during previous offerings, so you are encouraged to apply early.
lunes, diciembre 17, 2012
El dinosaurio rescatado por un helicoptero
Compleja y muy espectacular ha sido la operación de rescate efectuada la mañana de este lunes de una roca de arenisca de dos toneladas y medio de peso, donde está incrustado, desde hace unos 152 millones de años, el esqueleto más completo de dinosaurio encontrado hasta ahora en Asturias.
Para sacarlo del acantilado, en una zona de difícil acceso entre Villaviciosa y Gijón, ha sido necesaria la ayuda de un helicóptero del Ejército de Tierra, un Chinook con base en Madrid y con capacidad para cargar hasta 14 toneladas. Esta misión era especial. Primero hubo que separar el bloque de arenisca del resto de sedimentos y colocarle cinchas para poder elevarla. Tarea compleja, sobre todo por el fuerte oleaje que azotó la zona en los últimos días. Finalmente, y a pesar del viento, la operación fue posible.
Tras elevarla, el helicóptero depositó la roca en una finca cercana donde tendrá que ser cortada para dejar solo la parte donde están varias vértebras, costillas, tendones osificados y lo que parece ser un fémur. Esa es la única forma de poder trasladarlo luego al Museo Jurásico de Asturias, situado en Colunga, donde su equipo científico se encargará de separar los restos óseos de la arenisca, para su estudio y exposición luego al público.
El rescate además de espectacular era muy esperado, tanto por los especialistas, como por la vecina de Quintueles, que un día de pesca descubrió la roca hace ya 14 años. Le pareció que aquello que sobresalía de la piedra de 1,35 metros de largo y 1,06 de ancho parecían huesos y se lo contó al equipo del museo. Pero los años pasaban y los restos del dinosaurio seguían allí batidos por el oleaje y confiando que nadie se acercara a ellos con la intención de dañarlos. Se pidió colaboración al Ministerio de Defensa pero la operación tenía un coste y alguien tenía que hacerse cargo. El Principado ponía intenciones pero dadas las actuales circunstancias, tampoco fondos. Finalmente, este año una empresa privada de electricidad puso el dinero del rescate.
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