Research Zoologist (Curator of Vertebrates)
Research Zoologists (Curators of Birds, Fish, and Amphibians and Reptiles) The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History currently has openings for three early career Research Curators in Vertebrate Zoology, one each from the disciplines of ornithology, herpetology and ichthyology. The Department of Vertebrate Zoology seeks candidates with demonstrated expertise in, and a commitment to, collections-based research centered on systematics and evolution of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes. This includes the ability to pursue an original approach to systematics and comparative analyses using, for example, morphology, development, and/or molecular data, and showing evidence of broader impacts or applications in evolutionary biology and/or collections-based ecology, as demonstrated by a record of peer-reviewed publications.
Candidates must have demonstrated the ability to establish an externally funded research program and to contribute to the growth and curation of the collections. Research in the Department is supported by the Museum’s shared laboratories, including the Laboratory of Analytic Biology and the Scientific Imaging facility, among others. The Department’s scientific collections are the largest in the world for fishes, amphibians, and reptiles, and the third largest for birds. More about the Department and its collections is available on our website (https://naturalhistory.si.edu/research/vertebrate-zoology).
The position in ichthyology is separate and distinct from the one advertised in May. These federal positions will be filled at the GS-12 level, with a starting salary of $102,415 and excellent benefits. The positions are permanent and include a one-year probationary period. The Smithsonian is not able to accommodate spousal hires. These federal positions are open to US Citizens and US Nationals.
The official announcement is posted on USAJOBS and is open for applications through at least July 20th, where applications must be submitted.
https://www.usajobs.gov/job/873849000
Please be sure to read the announcement and instructions carefully, as the process of applying via USAJOBS is stringent and differs from applying for an academic position. This website offers helpful advice: https://serc.si.edu/careers/tips-applying-federal-jobs
Please contact the Search Committee Chair, Michael McGowen (mcgowenm@si.edu) or the Department Chair, Helen James (jamesh@si.edu) with any questions.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review the Smithsonian’s EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo.