Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cognitive Evolution Across Deep Time
Join an interdisciplinary team to reconstruct brain evolution and cognition in extinct species using palaeontology, neurobiology, and Bayesian statistics.
Best for:Best for postdoctoral researchers with expertise in palaeontology, neurobiology, or evolutionary biology, strong statistical skills (especially Bayesian methods), and a passion for interdisciplinary cognitive science.
Overview
This postdoctoral position at the University of Edinburgh offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the Deep Time Cognition project, funded by the Swedish Research Council. The role involves synthesizing and analyzing brain anatomy data from tetrapods spanning over 350 million years of evolution. Working alongside Professor Stephen Brusatte and international collaborators, including Lawrence Witmer from Ohio University, the successful candidate will use Bayesian statistics to test evolutionary trends in brain size, correlate neuroanatomy with cognition, and predict neuron counts in extinct species like *Tyrannosaurus rex*. The project bridges palaeontology, cognitive zoology, and phylogenetics to uncover how cognition evolved over geological time.
What you'll do
- Synthesize and analyze anatomical, size, and shape data of brain endocasts from tetrapods spanning over 350 million years of evolution.
- Collaborate with Professor Stephen Brusatte and PhD students to gather and integrate data on extinct species, including dinosaurs like *Tyrannosaurus rex*.
- Apply Bayesian statistical methods to test for trends in brain size changes over time and phylogeny.
- Correlate brain size with neuron counts in extant species to make robust predictions for extinct species.
- Contribute to the creation of an atlas linking neuroanatomy to cognitive behavior across geological time.
- Publish findings in leading interdisciplinary journals and present results at international conferences.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in Palaeontology, Neurobiology, Evolutionary Biology, Cognitive Science, or a related field
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic research and collaboration
Instruction: English
- Proven expertise in palaeontology or neurobiology
- Strong background in evolutionary biology and phylogenetics
- Proficiency in Bayesian statistical methods and data analysis
- Experience with CT brain endocasts or fossil data analysis
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interdisciplinary collaboration
- Open to all eligible candidates; no specific nationality or residency restrictions mentioned
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-23
Applicants must submit their CV, a cover letter outlining their research experience and how it aligns with the project, and a writing sample or publication list through the University of Edinburgh’s online application portal. Three references must also be provided.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Writing sample or publication list
- Three reference letters
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