PhD: The evolution, taphonomy and colour of fossil feathers

Why fossil colour?
Colour underpins visual signalling in extant animals and also has diverse physiological functions. Fossilised evidence of colour can therefore provide insights into the behaviour and physiology of ancient animals and is a major focus of interdisciplinary research worldwide.

The project
The successful candidate will undertake taphonomic experiments on feathers and hair from diverse extant taxa using in-house facilities for laboratory decay and high pressure-high temperature maturation. These experiments will complement analysis of the morphology and chemistry of fossil feathers and hair from diverse fossil taxa and localities. The successful applicant will gain skills in several laboratory analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, synchrotron-X-ray fluorescence, spectrophotometry, time of flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In addition to research, the successful candidate will also have opportunities to undertake training in scientific communication, research skills, fieldwork on related projects and to participate in public outreach events.

The School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES)
The School of BEES at University College Cork (UCC) is one of the most successful Schools in UCC in terms of grant capture and PhD completion, and includes three new ERC-funded research groups. It is located in three interconnected buildings on extensive grounds and comprises 30 academic staff, 20 postdoctoral researchers and >100 postgraduate students supported by 14 administrative and technical staff. New in-house laboratory facilities include tissue histology, palaeontology, environmental scanning electron microscopy, and a high-pressure experimental maturation facilities (under construction). Researchers in the palaeobiology group have access to additional analytical facilities elsewhere in the university, including field emission scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The successful candidate will join a vibrant team of researchers working on the evolution and taphonomy of colour in animals, and will benefit from an extensive global network of collaborators.

Applications
Applicants should have a 2:1 or 1:1 degree in Geology or Zoology (or related fields) and should demonstrate excellent communication, organising, problem solving and computing skills. The application deadline is 30th November 2016.

To apply:
Please submit a short cover letter and C.V. to Dr Maria McNamara (maria.mcnamara@ucc.ie) on or before the closing date of Wednesday 30th November 2016. Interviews will take place on 12th December. For further information, please contact Dr Maria McNamara (maria.mcnamara@ucc.ie).

Project start date: 1/1/2017
Project duration: 48 months
Supervisor: Dr Maria McNamara
Salary: €18,000 - €19,669
Application deadline: 30th November 2016