PhD: Coral growth and reef function on ancient and modern reefs from turbid water settings in the Coral Triangle

The Natural History Museum, London is now advertising a PhD position (36 months) studying coral growth and reef function in the Coral Triangle. You will focus on so-called "marginal" turbid water ecosystems that might act as critical ecological refugia as reefs respond to anthropogenic change. You will study coral growth and bioerosion rates to document the ecosystem functioning of fossil and modern reefs in this biodiversity hotspot. This work will include analysis of large datasets from X-ray computed tomography to extract ecological information from fossil and modern corals. To develop the high throughput data and analysis pipeline required for this project, you will apply innovative new methods of computer vision and artificial intelligence
You will have a Bachelors or Masters degree in Earth or Life Sciences (palaeontology, marine biology, or related fields), with previous experience of working with fossil and modern biological samples. Your ability to design and implement quantitative analysis of large scientific datasets, will compliment your experience with writing and presenting research results.

The position is embedded in an EU Marie Curie training network "4D-REEF", with a consortium of 11 partner institutes across the world. The aim of this trans-disciplinary research network is to document the past, present, and potential future of coral reef ecosystems in the Coral Triangle region of Southeast Asia. The network will implement a complete training programme including theoretical and practical courses, guided by international experts, which will allow ESRs to become successful interdisciplinary scientists, expected to lead the field of coral reef palaeoecology in the next decades.

Eligible candidates from any country are welcome to apply.