Postdoctoral in Palaeobiology at Oxford | Apply by Sept 11 |HigherJobz

About the Position

The Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Palaeobiology with a research focus on extinction selectivity. Working under the supervision of Associate Professor Erin Saupe, the postholder will contribute to the NERC-funded project “Determining extinction correlates on geological timescales”. This exciting role involves analysing extinction risk patterns among marine organisms across 465 million years, exploring both biological and environmental drivers. The successful candidate will help build analytical frameworks, publish cutting-edge research, and collaborate with a dynamic research group. The project emphasises the significance of external stressors—such as temperature and dissolved oxygen—in shaping extinction patterns, offering a unique opportunity to advance understanding of biodiversity crises on geological timescales.

Position/Job Details

Position: Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Palaeobiology (Extinction Selectivity)
Institution: University of Oxford
Department: Department of Earth Sciences
Research Field: Palaeobiology, Extinction Selectivity, Marine Evolutionary History
Location: South Parks Road, Oxford, UK
Number of Posts: 1
Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Assistant
Start Date (Anticipated): Autumn 2025
Working Hours: Full-time
Salary Range: £38,674 – £40,855 (Research Grade 7)
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD

Research Area

Extinction selectivity
Palaeobiology and evolutionary history
Marine biodiversity and extinction risk
Environmental stressors (temperature, oxygen)
Abiotic and biotic drivers of extinction

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD/DPhil (or near completion) in Earth Sciences, Palaeobiology, or a related field
Knowledge and expertise to work within established research programmes
Demonstrated experience contributing to academic publications and presentations
Ability to generate innovative research ideas

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in independent project management
Proven collaboration in writing research articles for publication
Strong communication skills for presenting results and representing research groups

Key Responsibilities

Develop analytical frameworks for extinction selectivity studies
Carry out independent and collaborative palaeobiological research
Publish high-quality papers in peer-reviewed journals
Provide guidance to junior researchers, including PhD and project students
Contribute to the wider research goals of the Saupe Lab and Department of Earth Sciences