Postdoctoral Research Associate

We are seeking an ambitious scientist to join a vibrant team examining the evolution of locomotion in birds. The overall aim of the project is to deliver an exhaustive anatomical and functional data set on modern bird locomotion (with a focus on substrate-related variation) and use this data set to reconstruct locomotor anatomy and biomechanics in the extinct ancestors of modern birds. The research will involve processing medical image data sets, taking experimental measurements of movement patterns in living birds and conducting dynamic physics simulations of locomotion in both living birds and fossil dinosaurs. This project is a collaboration between Professor Karl Bates at the University of Liverpool and Professor Jonathan Codd, Professor Wiliam Sellers and Dr Robert Nudds at the University of Manchester. You will be based primarily in Professor Bates' Lab (the Evolutionary Morphology & Biomechanics Group) in the Institute of Life Course & Medical Science at the University of Liverpool, but with some time spent in the Manchester lab. You will have the ambition to develop your expertise in the fields of avian anatomy, biomechanics and physiology, and the ability to develop independence in research. The post is funded for four years as part of a four-year project grant from The Leverhulme Trust.

You will have a PhD (awarded or soon to be awarded) in comparative vertebrate anatomy and/or biomechanics.

This post is full time and fixed term until 30 June 2028.

If you are still awaiting your PhD to be awarded you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30.  Upon written confirmation that you have been awarded your PhD, your salary will be increased to Grade 7, spine point 31.

If you require a visa to work in the UK, the University of Liverpool may be able to support your application for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route.  Or there maybe the option to support your application under the Global Talent Visa, Depending on your circumstances you may find you can apply for one independently without University support.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Liverpool is committed to enhancing workforce diversity. We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain colleagues with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all genders/gender identities, Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, individuals living with a disability, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.