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ESCO occupation

palaeontologist

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Palaeontologists research and analyse forms of life that existed in ancient eras of the planet Earth. They strive to define the evolutionary path and the interaction with different geological areas of all kinds of once organisms and such plants, pollen and spores, invertebrate and vertebrate animals, humans, traces such as footprints, and ecology and climate.

2114.1.9 ISCO 2114 ESCO source
Competences
66
Groups
4
Essential
38
Optional
28

Competences and skills

66 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 7 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
geographic information systems

The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).

digital
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Cross-sector

6 competences
geological time scale

System of chronological measurement dividing geologic history into several temporal divisions and subdivisions that take ancient life, geography, and climates into account.

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geology

Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.

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paleontology

The field of science that studies fossils' ecologies, their evolution and interaction with other organisms, and the environment during period beginning approximately 11,700 years ago up to the present.

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scientific literature

The medium of informing the scientific community, including academic researchers, about the results of scientific research. It constitutes a permanent and cumulative collection of all the findings of scientific research in various fields and at any point in time.

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scientific modelling

Scientific activity consisting in selecting the relevant aspects of a situation and aiming to represent physical processes, empirical objects and phenomena to allow a better understanding, visualisation or quantification, and to enable simulation that shows how this particular subject would behave under given circumstances.

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scientific research methodology

The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

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Essential skills and competences 31 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

3 competences
manage intellectual property rights

Deal with the private legal rights that protect the products of the intellect from unlawful infringement.

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operate open source software

Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.

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use geographic information systems

Work with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

digital
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Cross-sector

28 competences
apply for research funding

Identify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.

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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities

Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.

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apply scientific methods

Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

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communicate with a non-scientific audience

Communicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of methods for different target groups, including visual presentations.

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conduct research across disciplines

Work and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.

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demonstrate disciplinary expertise

Demonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, related to research activities within a specific discipline.

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develop professional network with researchers and scientists

Develop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovations. Develop your personal profile or brand and make yourself visible and available in face-to-face and online networking environments.

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disseminate results to the scientific community

Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.

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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation

Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.

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evaluate research activities

Review proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.

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increase the impact of science on policy and society

Influence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.

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integrate gender dimension in research

Take into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).

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interact professionally in research and professional environments

Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.

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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data

Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.

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manage open publications

Be familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and institutional repositories. Provide licensing and copyright advice, use bibliometric indicators, and measure and report research impact.

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manage personal professional development

Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders. Pursue a cycle of self-improvement and develop credible career plans.

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manage research data

Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.

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mentor individuals

Mentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific needs of the individual and heeding their requests and expectations.

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perform project management

Manage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific goal within a set time and budget.

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perform scientific research

Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

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promote open innovation in research

Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.

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promote the participation of citizens in scientific and research activities

Engage citizens in scientific and research activities and promote their contribution in terms of knowledge, time or resources invested.

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promote the transfer of knowledge

Deploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry or the public sector.

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publish academic research

Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.

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speak different languages

Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.

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synthesise information

Critically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.

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think abstractly

Demonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.

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write scientific publications

Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.

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Optional knowledge 7 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

3 competences
botany

The taxonomy or classification of plant life, phylogeny and evolution, anatomy and morphology, and physiology.

green
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habitat restoration

The process of repairing and rehabilitating areas that suffered habitat destruction, alteration of seafloor or the threat of extinction of some animal and plant species. Habitat restoration also involves the mitigation of pollution, erosion, and deforestation. The restoration procedure to recreate biodiversity and an operating ecosystem requires knowledge on protection, management and re-establishment of species by returning biotic and abiotic factors to historical levels.

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paleography

The study of handwriting and its processes and forms to decipher, interpret and transcribe ancient manuscripts and handwriting styles from different historical periods

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Cross-sector

4 competences
biology

Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.

green
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chemistry

The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.

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geography

The scientific discipline that studies the land, phenomena, characteristics and inhabitants of Earth. This field seeks to understand the natural and man-made complexities of Earth. It explores the social, political, and economic characteristics of human societies as well as the morphological properties of the Earth.

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geophysics

The scientific field that deals with the physical processes and properties of, and spatial environment surrounding Earth. Geophysics also deals with the quantitative analysis of phenomena such as magnetic fields, the internal structure of Earth, and its hydrological cycle.

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Optional skills and competences 21 competences

Occupation specific

5 competences
assemble fossils

Reassemble the skeletal structure of dinosaurs, prehistoric mammals, and other fossils by comparing them to existing fossils.

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conduct geochemical research

Conduct both theoretical and applied geochemical and geological research.

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excavate fossils

Dig up prehistoric remains of animals and plants using specialised tools such as hand picks, brushes, and shovels.

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identify fossils

Classify fossils by examining their age through radiometric dating and compare them to identified fossils in order to discover their environment, diet, and skeletal structure.

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locate fossils

Determine the location of fossils using radar scanners and other equipment.

digital
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Sector-specific

4 competences
analyse experimental laboratory data

Analyse experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings

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develop scientific theories

Formulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.

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examine geochemical samples

Analyse laboratory samples using equipment such as spectrometers, gas chromatographs, microscopes, microprobes and carbon analysers. Determine the age and characteristics of environmental samples such as minerals, rock or soil.

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interpret geophysical data

Interpret data of a geophysical nature: Earth's shape, its gravitational and magnetic fields, its structure and composition, and geophysical dynamics and their surface expression in plate tectonics.

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Cross-sector

12 competences
apply blended learning

Be familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.

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apply statistical analysis techniques

Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.

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collect samples for analysis

Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.

Scope note
Follow the procedures required for the collection of materials and products for laboratory analysis.
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conduct field work

Conducts field work or research which is the collection of information outside of a laboratory or workplace setting. Visit places in order to collect specific information about the field.

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gather experimental data

Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.

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operate scientific measuring equipment

Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.

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oversee excavation

Oversee the excavation of fossils and other archaeological evidence at dig sites, ensuring conformity with standards and regulations.

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perform laboratory tests

Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.

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record test data

Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptional or unusual input.

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teach in academic or vocational contexts

Instruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.

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work ergonomically

Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

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write research proposals

Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant subject and field of study.

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