Preservation and fossilisation of reptile skin. Lund University Thesis

En la Web de la Universidad de Lund hemos visto una oferta para hacer una tesis sobre la fosilización del tejido en reptiles. Os dejamos la información y el enlace

Preservation and fossilisation of reptile skin and other soft tissue in marine and lacustrine environments.

Introduction text:

Molecular palaeontology is an emerging geobiological discipline directed to the study of multimillion-year-old pigments (biochromes) and other life molecules that provide information on the evolutionary history, biology and ecology of both modern and ancient organisms. Applications are invited for a four year PhD studentship investigating the chemical and ultrastructural content of fossilised reptile skin. The position is within the ‘Molecular palaeontology’ group at the Department of Geology, Lund University, which works in close collaboration with the MAX IV laboratory and SP Swedish Technical Research Institute.

Work description:

The successful candidate will undertake research on the morphology, histology and taphonomy of reptile skin, with particular focus on melanocytes and other chromatophores. These studies will be complemented by examination of fossil soft tissue structures. Main tasks will include microscopic analysis and documentation of semi- to ultrathin sections of integumental tissue samples, but also implementation of degradation experiments with the intention of simulating taphonomic pathways contributing to the preservation of integumentary remains in the fossil record. The successful applicant will primarily use tissue histology, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), immunostaining, infrared microspectroscopy, and mass spectrometry (time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, ToF-SIMS).

The four year studentship is sub-divided into three years of research and one year of PhD courses.

The PhD student is expected to take an active part in the institution’s teaching program and help out with basic educational tasks.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate is a skilled and dedicated life-science student who is committed to state-of-the-art research. He or she is expected to hold a university degree (MSc. or equivalent) in biology and/or geology. Documented experience in laboratory activities with focus on histology, SEM and/or TEM is desirable. Knowledge of reptilian biology and physiology is a merit. Documented experience in scientific writing, such as publications, essays or equivalent, in English is essential. We are looking for an independent and creative person who thrives in a dynamic research environment. The project requires close collaboration with international scientists, and accordingly, the applicant should be able to work both independently and collaboratively. Moreover, the applicant should be able to take responsibility for parts of the research project.

The candidate will be called for an interview before appointment.

Eligibility:
Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who- have completed a second-cycle degree- have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or- have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.

The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.

Reference number    PA2016/3568
Contact Johan Lindgren, Lecturer, +46-222 46 35, johan.lindgren@geol.lu.se