PhD Candidate in Vertebrate Paleontology

Do you want to work with vertebrate paleontology, supported by competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Do you want an employer that invests in sustainable employee relations and offers secure, favorable working conditions? Welcome to apply for a position as a PhD candidate in vertebrate paleontology at the Department of Organism Biology, Uppsala University.

At the Department of Organism Biology, we conduct teaching and research on evolution, development, and function at the organism level. For more information, see www.iob.uu.se (http://www.iob.uu.se).

Job Responsibilities

The main tasks will consist of developing and applying macroecological modeling of terrestrial ecosystems from the Triassic and Jurassic across the supercontinent Pangea to investigate the development of food web stability and changes in different parts of Pangea during the emergence and early development of dinosaurs. In your role as a postdoctoral researcher, you will participate in the supervision of PhD students within a larger project on early dinosaur ecosystems. The project is part of the ERC-funded project “Unravelling early dinosaur success through fossil digestive contents and trophic dynamics (DINO-DIGEST)”, awarded to Martin Qvarnström. The researcher will work closely with the principal investigator and other members of the research group. Opportunities will also be provided to participate in fieldwork, travel to study museum collections, and present work at international conferences.

Project Description

The first 30 million years of dinosaur evolution – from their emergence to dominance of terrestrial ecosystems – is still an evolutionary event about which we know very little. Previous research has mainly focused on analyzing dinosaur relationships (phylogeny), while the ecological dynamics that drove their success are practically unknown. This project aims to fill this knowledge gap by analyzing a key series of terrestrial ecosystems spanning the Triassic and early Jurassic.

Methodology

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will supervise or independently carry out all primary objectives of the project, including: (1) Further develop and implement the project plan in consultation with the group leader; (2) Plan, collect, and process data; (3) Interpret results in relation to central research questions; (4) Write and publish scientific articles.

Other fossil material will also be studied to create an integrated picture of ecosystem development and paleoecological changes in the Triassic ecosystems of northern Pangea. Additionally, some fieldwork will be conducted to collect new data, and the postdoctoral researcher will also participate in non-destructive computed tomography (CT) work on some of the key fossils.

Qualifications

Eligible is someone who has a PhD in paleontology or equivalent or a foreign degree assessed to correspond to a PhD in paleontology or equivalent. The degree must be completed by the time the employment decision is made. Primarily, candidates who have completed their degree within the last three years will be considered. When calculating the three-year time frame, the last application date is the starting point. If there are special reasons, such a degree may have been obtained earlier. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, trust assignments within trade unions, etc.

Experience in paleoecological research and macroevolutionary modeling is a requirement. We expect that you, as an applicant, have excellent proficiency in English, both spoken and written. As an applicant, you should be able to conduct research independently, have good collaborative skills, and be accustomed to working in a group led by a responsible researcher.

Desirable/meritorious qualifications

Practical experience working with tomographic data, very good knowledge of the composition of Triassic ecosystems, and research on early dinosaur ecosystems are meritorious.

About the Position

The position is temporary for two years according to the central collective agreement. The extent is full-time. Start date 2026-03-01 or by agreement. Location: Uppsala

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Martin Qvarnström, email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

In this recruitment, we have replaced the personal letter with questions that you will answer in connection with your application. The answers will be used as part of the selection process.

Welcome with your application by February 17, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/342.

Please note that this is a shortened version of the advertisement. To see the full advertisement, please click on “Apply here” or visit Uppsala University's website: Job openings – Uppsala University.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international standing. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the most exciting workplaces in the country.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University here (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/).

The position may be subject to security clearance. A condition for employment during security clearance is that the applicant is approved.

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Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Union representatives: Saco-S - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), Seko - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), ST (OFR/S) - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])