Workfoster
Website:
workfoster.com
Job details:
Job Title: Freelance Researcher – Morphotaxonomy & Digitization of Algal Flora
Engagement Type
- Freelance / Project-Based
- Remote Opportunity
Job Purpose:
- To conduct systematic morphotaxonomic investigation of algal flora from District Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh.
- To explore, collect, identify, and document algal species from diverse freshwater habitats.
- To develop a digitized taxonomic database of algal flora using modern digital tools and software.
- To contribute to biodiversity documentation, taxonomy, and ecological assessment of freshwater ecosystems.
Required Qualification:
- Master’s or Ph.D. in Botany, Phycology, Plant Taxonomy, Environmental Biology, or related biological sciences.
- Strong academic background in algal taxonomy, freshwater ecology, or plant systematics.
- Knowledge of phytoplankton diversity, classification, and morphotaxonomy.
Tools to be Familiar:
- Field Sampling & Collection: Plankton nets, GPS for geo-tagging locations, Field microscopes, Sample preservation techniques (formalin fixation)
- Laboratory & Microscopy: Compound microscopes, Slide preparation techniques, Photomicrography
- Digitization & Data Management: DELTA (Descriptive Language for Taxonomy), Digital imaging tools, Database management software
- Taxonomic References: Standard taxonomic monographs and identification keys for algae.
Required Experience
- Minimum 2+ years’ experience in phycology, taxonomy, or freshwater biodiversity studies.
- Prior experience in: Algal collection and identification, microscopic examination and morphological characterization, Preparation of permanent and temporary slides
- Experience in biodiversity documentation or digital herbarium/database development is preferred.
Required Knowledge/Skills
- Strong understanding of algal morphology, classification, and taxonomy.
- Ability to identify algal taxa from major groups such as: Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Euglenophyceae and Xanthophyceae
- Knowledge of freshwater ecosystem ecology and phytoplankton dynamics.
- Experience with digital taxonomy tools and taxonomic database preparation.
- Strong scientific writing and documentation skills.
Job Description
- Conduct literature review of algal flora of Himachal Pradesh and related regions.
- Perform microscopic examination and morphotaxonomic identification of algal species.
- Prepare temporary and permanent slides, especially for diatoms.
- Record morphological characteristics including shape, size, structure, and pigmentation.
- Capture photomicrographs for taxonomic documentation.
- Develop digital taxonomic descriptions and identification keys using DELTA software.
- Document: Habitat, Locality and Distribution in India and Himachal Pradesh
- Organize and structure findings into a digital database of algal species.
- Prepare a scientifically structured research report suitable for academic publication.
Contact Info: hr@workfoster.com / +91 95661 33822
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