(M/F) Postdoctoral researcher in imaging and evolution of the visual system of extant and fossil amphibians

Job Description

Missions

The European institute for photon-based non-destructive analysis of ancient materials (IPANEMA, SOLEIL synchrotron site, Université Paris-Saclay) is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to characterize and describe the visual system of the ancestors of modern amphibians through a combined morphological and chemical approach, with the goal of reconstructing its evolution in relation to metamorphosis and adaptation to terrestrial life. The 18‑month postdoctoral position is funded by the Île-de-France Region DIM PAMIR program (VISTA project) and involves collaboration with the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, the PUMA beamline at SOLEIL, and the MECADEV and PhyMA units of the Paris national museum of natural history.

Activity

The core activity will be the detailed characterization, using laboratory and synchrotron imaging and spectroscopy techniques, of all morphological and chemical information preserved in the visual systems of 300‑million‑year‑old amphibians (Carboniferous deposits of Montceau-les-Mines), as well as extant salamanders and frogs at different life stages.
The work will be structured around three complementary phases:
- the specimen selection and preparation, including reference materials;
- the multi-scale morphological and chemical characterization using electron microscopy, multispectral imaging, EDX and XRF mapping, and synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The postdoctoral researcher will play an active role in synchrotron measurement campaigns and will contribute to the preparation of beamtime proposals;
- the processing of the data and the integration of all observations in order to document the transformations of the visual system during the lifetime of extant amphibians and their ancestors, in connection with metamorphosis and with the transition from an aquatic mode of life to a terrestrial or neotenic/paedomorphic amphibian mode of life.
The postdoctoral researcher will promote and disseminate the results obtained through scientific publications and presentations at international conferences, and will participate in outreach activities as well as in events organized by DIM PAMIR.

Your Profil

Skills

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in Palaeontology or Natural Sciences and will demonstrate an interest in and experience with the use and processing of data derived from 2D imaging and X-ray spectroscopy techniques, as well as with the handling and study of extant specimens. The candidate will be able to work both independently and as part of a team in a highly multidisciplinary and international environment. A good knowledge of amphibian anatomy and experience with synchrotron techniques will be considered an asset.

Your Work Environment

The position is based at IPANEMA, a highly interdisciplinary European research platform exclusively dedicated to the study of ancient materials (archaeology, palaeontology, cultural heritage), located at a large-scale research facility. The project is part of a strong international partnership involving the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, as well as the MECADEV and PhyMA research units and the PUMA beamline at the SOLEIL synchrotron. The postdoctoral researcher will benefit from privileged access to exceptional collections and state-of-the-art instrumentation facilities (electron microscopy, XRF scanners, microtomography), as well as scientific support at the interface of palaeontology, biology, and physics and chemistry.

Constraints and risks

The position is embedded within an international and highly multidisciplinary environment involving leading academic partners, such as the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin and the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle. The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to undertake occasional travel for the study and loan of collections and for scientific collaborations, particularly in Germany (Berlin) and in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France (Muséum d'Autun), and to demonstrate a strong interest in scientific exchanges at the interfaces between palaeontology, biology, and physics and chemistry.
Participation in measurement campaigns at the SOLEIL synchrotron, as well as certain travel commitments and outreach activities, may occasionally require work outside normal working hours (including nights, weekends, and public holidays). The handling of rare and fragile heritage specimens (Montceau-les-Mines fossils and extant specimens from breeding facilities) requires the utmost rigour and strict adherence to conservation protocols.
Although part of the work will be carried out in an environment producing ionising radiation (the SOLEIL synchrotron), the radiation-protection protocols in place ensure zero exposure and the absence of any radiological risk to users. The operation of state-of-the-art equipment and the handling of specimens will be carried out in strict compliance with the safety and specimen-conservation protocols established and communicated by the responsible staff.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between €3131 and €4400 gross per month depending on experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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