Evolution of the hominin midface

The Centre for Anatomical and Human Sciences (CAHS) of the Department of Archaeology and Hull York Medical School at the University of York is seeking a Graduate Teaching Assistant who will undertake studies leading to the award of PhD.
CAHS undertakes research into musculoskeletal form and function in the context of mammalian, and particularly human, evolution. It has an internationally strong reputation in the fields of virtual anthropology, morphometrics, and functional simulation. Both the departments to which the centre belongs achieved high national rankings in the REF 2014: Archaeology was in the top 5 and HYMS, in the top 10. Beyond this, CAHS is a leading Centre within the University of York’s Centre for Human Palaeoecology and Evolutionary Origins (PALAEO) which brings together some 40 staff with interests in human origins and their postgraduate students from across the University.
PhD topics in the centre are aligned to our key research themes in relation to studies of primates and hominin fossils that inform our understanding of human palaeoecology and evolution. The successful student will principally work with Prof Paul O’Higgins, with specific focus on the evolution of the hominin midface, with emphasis on the origins of modernity. This will involve the application of methods from virtual anthropology, morphometrics, materials testing and functional simulation (finite elements analysis and/or multibody dynamics) to skeletal material. For this reason the successful candidate will likely have experience of two or more of these areas.
The successful candidate will be expected to contribute 250 hours per annum of teaching support in relation to both postgraduate and undergraduate teaching undertaken by CAHS. This will include the supervision of laboratory classes (in gross anatomy, physiology, virtual anthropology and evolutionary anatomy), day to day support for MSc students in relation to research projects, and general support to MBBS and MSc teaching and assessment as required. The principal base for the successful candidate’s research and teaching will be at the HYMS building on the University of York campus. However, teaching duties may occasionally involve physical presence at the HYMS University of Hull campus.
While we do not expect the successful candidate to each be able to cover all areas of teaching and research in the first instance, we will look to make an appointment that covers these areas collectively and to train the appointee in areas in which they are unfamiliar. Additionally, training will be provided in relation to University teaching methods, management and delivery.
You are encouraged to contact Professor Paul O’Higgins ([Email Address Removed]) directly to discuss this position prior to submitting your application. Details of their work and interests can be found here:
http://research.hyms.ac.uk/researchcentres/cahs/home

Start Date 1st October 2016

The successful candidate will be expected to hold a first class honours degree or an upper second in a relevant subject area and, ideally, a Master’s degree in a relevant topic with honours or distinction. As part of your application you will need to submit a CV, and a personal statement. Some experience in the delivery of academic or practical content to small groups would be preferred.

All applications MUST BE submitted to the HYMS Postgraduate Centre via the online application method: http://www.hyms.ac.uk/postgraduate/how-to-apply/applying-for-postgraduate-study

Please select ‘PhD in Human Sciences’ with a start date of ‘2016 October, full-time’.
The deadline for applications is the 20th June 2016.

Please quote HYMS with the scholarship title when applying. In order for the Panel to get a sense of your academic background, commitment and interest, you are required to complete the application form in full and provide a research proposal/outline of academic interest. Research proposals and personal statements may be used in selecting applicants for interview. If you have any queries on how to apply please email [Email Address Removed].
Please note that this is a student scholarship. If you will be employed by HYMS (e.g. on a fixed or short term contract) for the duration of your study, you will not be eligible to receive the student scholarship as a member of HYMS staff.

Applicants who are shortlisted for interview will be sent details of the date, time and venue via email within a week of the deadline. If you are not invited for the interview, it means that your application has not been successful. Please note that we do not offer feedback to applicants who are not invited to the interview.