Position Details
School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608, with potential progression once in post to £39,906
Grade 6
Full Time, Fixed Term Contract up to August 2028
Closing date: 26 July 2026
Background
This is a Research Associate position to assist in palaeobiological research conducted as part of the project “New Insights Into Early Mammal Evolution From Exceptional Scottish Fossils” funded by the Leverhulme Trust.
Role Summary
Work within the project “New Insights Into Early Mammal Evolution From Exceptional Scottish Fossils”.
Support the project team through contributing to fieldwork, lab processing of fossil specimens, and the collection and analysis (segmentation) of computed tomographic (CT) data.
Contribute to publications.
Main Duties
Participate annually in semi-remote coastal fieldwork in Scotland with wider team to collect fossils using appropriate tools.
Undertake field first aid and field equipment training as required.
Organisation and documentation of collected fossil specimens.
Lab-based preparation of fossil specimens, potentially including occasional off-site working.
Operate CT scanner to collect computed tomographic data for fossil specimens.
Analyse (manually segment) and interpret CT data independently using specialist software.
Present research outputs, including drafting figures for academic publications, for example at seminars and as posters.
Contribute to data management and archiving.
Provide guidance and training as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture
Person Specification or Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area: e.g. geology, palaeontology, biology
Extensive practical experience of manual segmentation and interpretation of CT and/or synchrotron data (ideally from fossil vertebrates) using standard software packages
Willingness and ability to conduct fieldwork as part of a team in semi-remote areas
Experience of effectively organising and managing CT data
Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
Ability to access and organise resources successfully
Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
Informal enquiries to Professor Richard J. Butler, email: [email protected]
Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website .
