Postdoctoral Researcher in Microfossil Image Recognition and Machine Learning

The Swedish Museum of Natural History is Sweden's largest museum and a leading research institution where curiosity meets science. As a government agency, we increase knowledge and interest in nature and the world we live in through research, unique collections, and experiences such as Cosmonova, exhibitions, museum activities, and digital initiatives. Together, we create insight, engagement, and action for a thriving planet.

At the Department of Paleobiology (PAL) at the Swedish Museum of Natural History, we are a team of approximately 15 employees working on scientific questions concerning animal and plant fossils, evolution, and diversity. We manage the collections upon which our investigations are based and which result in new insights. We study which species exist in the geological archive, how they are related to each other, and how they have been affected by environmental changes throughout Earth's history. We are the ones who discover and describe new species and assign them their scientific names.

Responsibilities

• Postdoctoral research on image recognition of microfossils using machine learning.
• Primary focus on palynology, with opportunities to work with other groups of microfossils.
• Compilation of a database of microfossils.
• Preparation of images for machine learning.
• Preparation of manuscripts for publication.
• Fieldwork for collecting samples of new fossil material (as needed).
• Presenting research results at conferences.
• Curation of microfossil collections (20% of working time).

Qualifications

• PhD in Earth Sciences (e.g., paleontology, geology). It is an advantage if the PhD was awarded no more than three years before the application deadline.
• Knowledge of applications of AI and machine learning in micropaleontology.
• Knowledge of microfossils.
• Knowledge and experience in computer programming, e.g., Python and/or R.
• Knowledge and experience in image processing software, e.g., ImageJ.
• Experience with microscopy.
• Experience scanning microscope slides for microfossils.
• Strong communication skills.
• Good proficiency in English and Swedish, both spoken and written.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in processing and publishing material on microfossils.
• Experience in publishing on image recognition of microfossils using AI.
• Knowledge of how to prepare sedimentary rock samples to extract different types of microfossils.
• Experience with fieldwork/core drilling investigations in connection with the collection of microfossil samples.
• Knowledge of collection care and registration at a natural history museum.

We are looking for someone who is structured and has the ability to work independently as well as strong collaboration skills. You plan, organize, and prioritize work effectively and set and adhere to timeframes. You have the courage to act according to your own convictions. You collaborate well with others, relating to them in a sensitive and flexible manner, and listen, communicate, and resolve conflicts constructively.

Employment Terms

Type of Employment: Fixed-term position.
Duration: 6 months or longer (the appointment is fixed-term for two years).
Start Date: By agreement.

At the Swedish Museum of Natural History, we work for a sustainable and thriving planet, where every employee is an important part of a larger whole. Our mission is broad and our goals are high. To achieve them, we need everyone's experience and competencies.

We strive to be a workplace with a strong community, where we share our knowledge and celebrate our successes. Together, we want to create a safe, creative, and responsible work environment. We offer flexible working hours, wellness benefits, and competence development.

At our institution, individual, differentiated, and objective salary setting is applied in accordance with the collective agreements RALS/RALST-T.

At the Swedish Museum of Natural History, we work to ensure our operations reflect society and welcome all applicants regardless of gender, background, origin, or disability.

Regarding the recruitment process, we have taken a stance on recruitment channels and marketing. Therefore, we kindly decline contact from media sellers, recruitment agencies, and similar services.