Vacant job

Do you want to work with molecular paleontology, supported by competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Do you want an employer that invests in sustainable employment and offers secure, advantageous working conditions? You are welcome to apply for the position of Researcher in Molecular Vertebrate Paleontology at the Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University.

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

The Evolution and Developmental Biology programme studies the evolution and developmental biology of vertebrates, both separately and as interdisciplinary research with the aim of understanding how the fundamental body plan of vertebrates was created by evolution and developed over time. We focus particularly on the deepest part of the vertebrate evolutionary tree, from the emergence of vertebrates to the step from water to land, as well as the development of terrestrial ecosystems during the Mesozoic – the geological era when dinosaurs ruled the earth.

Responsibilities

The main responsibilities will involve the development and application of paleomolecular methods to identify endogenous biomolecules in fossil bones from vertebrates. The project aims to investigate how biomolecules have been preserved in Mesozoic fossils and to clarify the interaction between fossil material and the surrounding environment. In the long term, the work will use exceptionally well-preserved tissues and biomolecules to provide new insights into the evolution and development of early dinosaurs.

The primary focus will be on exceptionally well-preserved dinosaur fossils from Triassic and Jurassic deposits in Sweden, although other fossil material may also be included. In this role, you will contribute to the development of new paleomolecular methods, including the establishment of a research platform for paleoproteomics.

The project is linked to the ERC-funded project "Unravelling early dinosaur success through fossil digestive contents and trophic dynamics (DINO-DIGEST)", led by Martin Qvarnström.

You will work closely with other members of the research group. There will also be opportunities to apply similar methods to additional fossil material, participate in sampling campaigns, and present research results at international conferences.

Project Description

Significant progress is being made in molecular archaeology and paleontology, and increasing evidence shows that labile biomolecules can be preserved in increasingly ancient fossil material. However, the mechanisms behind this preservation, and the conditions that enable it, remain complex and poorly understood. Fossil samples from extensive fieldwork in Scania, conducted by Martin Qvarnström and Grzegorz Niedźwiedzki, have been pre-selected based on extensive previous taphonomic studies.

The project will investigate paleontological material that has been found to contain exceptionally well-preserved tissues at the subcellular level, including soft-tissue-like structures with yet unknown composition, which the project aims to characterize.

Qualifications

A PhD in molecular biology or equivalent, or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a PhD in molecular biology or equivalent as judged by the employer, is required for the position of Researcher. Previous experience in paleomolecular research and taphonomy is required. Furthermore, you must have very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written.

The research will be conducted independently but also integrated into a team working on a larger research project under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI). Therefore, great importance will be placed on personal qualities such as independence, teamwork skills, and the ability to be goal- and result-oriented.

Desirable/Additional Merits

Previous work in taphonomy is desirable. Experience with environmental DNA (eDNA), DNA and/or peptide sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis of sequencing data is desirable.

About the Position

The position is fixed-term for 12 months. The scope is 100%. Start date: September 1 or as agreed. Location: Uppsala.

Information about the position can be obtained from: Martin Qvarnström, email: [email protected]

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

Please submit your application by July 2, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2154.

Note that this is a shortened version of the advertisement. To view the full advertisement, please click "Apply here" or visit Uppsala University's homepage Vacancies: https://www.uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/lediga-jobb (https://www.uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/lediga-jobb)

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 7,500 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and engagement, make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces.

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

The position may be subject to a security clearance. A prerequisite for employment in the event of a 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], Seko - [email protected], ST (OFR/S) - [email protected]