Job announcement

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.

Upcoming Deadline for MDSG Job Opportunity

 

Upcoming Deadline!

Research, Proposal, and Reporting Coordinator Best Consideration Date: July 10, 2026

Maryland Sea Grant (MDSG) invites applications for a Research, Proposal, and Reporting Coordinator to join a dynamic team advancing coastal and marine science across the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays. This position is ideal for a highly organized, intellectually curious professional who is interested in shaping, supporting, and managing impactful research programs. Find the full position description here! We are interested in candidates: Who are looking to apply their research training in a broader programmatic or administrative context With experience in proposal development, grants management, or research coordination, but we welcome applicants from varied backgrounds who bring rigor, adaptability, and a service-oriented mindset Details: Position is expected to begin September 2026 One-year contractual position Salary range: $60,000-$70,000 Eligibility: A PhD is required; preferably in a field related to marine or coastal science. Strong analytical skills, attention to details, commitment to clear process-driven work, ability to learn quickly across diverse topic areas.

Apply Now!

MDOT SHA - Environmental Analyst I position (entry level) E

 

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION invites applications for the position of: Environmental Analyst I

SALARY:	$58,428.00 - $90,709.00 Annually
OPENING DATE:	06/17/2026
CLOSING DATE:	07/01/2026 11:59 PM
DESCRIPTION:
Interview & Hire Announcement State Highway Administration Baltimore City Environmental Analyst I Grade 14 (8433) SP#26-61.5-04   YOU MUST APPLY ONLINE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION http://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mdotmd    Recruitment: The State Highway Administration is currently recruiting for an Environmental Analyst I position located in Baltimore City. This is an Interview and Hire position that is open to anyone who meets the minimum qualifications listed below. This job announcement may be used for future vacancies throughout the state of Maryland. Nature of Work: This is a project management position in the Environmental Program Division (EPD) within the Office of Environmental Design (OED). The main purpose of this position is to support MDOT SHA’s capital and operating programs regarding environmental permitting, compensatory mitigation, and environmental regulatory compliance.  The primary responsibility of EPD is to obtain necessary wetland and waterway permits and approvals through coordination and negotiation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), and other State and Federal regulatory agencies.  EPD is the lead division responsible for the avoidance and minimization of impacts to regulated natural resources (wetlands & waterways/Critical Area) and for the management of all compensatory mitigation projects. This position involves supporting MDOT SHA design divisions with project delivery and coordination with internal and external customers.    MDOT offers a generous and competitive benefits package. You can learn about our amazing benefits here: MDOT Benefits Guide.    "The State Highway Administration (SHA) has been named Training Magazine’s Training APEX Awards for the seventh consecutive year."
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Qualifications: Education: Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in natural sciences, earth science, physical science, environmental science, chemistry, physics, biology, agronomy, forestry, horticulture or related sciences, geography, environmental planning, civil engineering, sociology, economics, planning, anthropology, architectural history or related fields such as ecology, landscape architecture, or environmental engineering. Experience: None Preferred Qualification:  The ideal candidate will possess the following: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) experience Knowledge of wetland, stream, and/or forest ecosystems
LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:
Candidates must possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the state of Maryland.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
TO APPLY: All applicants must submit an application online at http://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mdotmd (use of this option allows the application to be saved). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. To receive credit for your work history and credentials you must list the information in the online DTS-1 application form. You may refer to a resume only to expand on information offered in the body of the online DTS-1 application. The selected candidate may be subject to background and reference checks. A conviction is not an automatic disqualification from employment. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.   Consideration for employment may be based solely on the contents of your application; therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information.  Please include all relevant experience in your application.  This includes, but is not limited to, full or part-time, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other experience that is relevant to the position you are applying for.     If you have held more than one position at the same employer, please list each position that you held and the length of time that you held each position.    The state of Maryland offers excellent health and leave benefits, 401k benefits, a pension plan, a free transit program, and advanced education and training opportunities.     The incumbent in this position may be a member of a covered bargaining unit. Please Note: The State Highway Administration is not sponsoring new employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa at this time due to budgetary constraints.  All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.  Federal regulations prohibit H-1B Visa candidates from paying sponsorship fees, all sponsorship fees must be assumed by the potential employer. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. will be required to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/). Applications must be submitted online by the closing date.  If you have any questions, please contact the Recruitment and Examination Division at the number(s) listed below:  410-545-5554 Appropriate auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request. Please call at 410-545-5554. SHA is committed to complying with the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER SHA does not discriminate based on age, ancestry, color, creed, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religious affiliation, belief or opinion, sex, or sexual orientation.   Issue Date: 06/17/2026

MDSG Job Opportunity Now Accepting Applications

Job Opportunity!

Research, Proposal, and Reporting Coordinator Best Consideration Date: July 10, 2026

Maryland Sea Grant (MDSG) invites applications for a Research, Proposal, and Reporting Coordinator to join a dynamic team advancing coastal and marine science across the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays. This position is ideal for a highly organized, intellectually curious professional who is interested in shaping, supporting, and managing impactful research programs. Find the full position description here! We are interested in candidates: Who are looking to apply their research training in a broader programmatic or administrative context With experience in proposal development, grants management, or research coordination, but we welcome applicants from varied backgrounds who bring rigor, adaptability, and a service-oriented mindset Details: Position is expected to begin September 2026 One-year contractual position Salary range: $60,000-$70,000 Eligibility: A PhD is required; preferably in a field related to marine or coastal science. Strong analytical skills, attention to details, commitment to clear process-driven work, ability to learn quickly across diverse topic areas.

Apply Now!

NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy Fall 2026 Paid Research Opportunities

 Good morning,

 

NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy is offering 10-week, paid research opportunities this fall that are open to current students and recent graduates, as well as transitioning/early career professionals. The Developers Academy builds the next generation of science and technology leaders through an immersive, experiential model applying NASA Earth observations to real-world challenges.

 

For the fall 2026 term, EarthRISE Developers Academy will provide in-person opportunities at Ames Research Center (Moffett Field, CA), Goddard Space Flight Center (Greenbelt, MD), Jet Propulsion Laboratory (Pasadena, CA), Langley Research Center (Hampton, VA), and Marshall Space Flight Center (Huntsville, AL). Additionally, a limited number of projects are available for virtual participation. Through collaborative projects, professional development, and state, local, tribal, territorial, and private partnerships, the Academy equips participants with the skills to accelerate innovation and bridge Earth science with the future of space exploration.

 

The Developers Academy is an interdisciplinary activity, where we accept participants with experience in a variety of fields, as well as from different phases of their career. Applicants with demonstrated skills in Earth and/or environmental sciences, remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and/or computer science are encouraged to apply. Participants will work together on teams, guided by NASA science advisors and in partnership with decision-makers, to expand their skills to use NASA science data to address environmental concerns related to disaster management, agriculture, ecological conservation, and water resources.

 

Applicants must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to work in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment. EarthRISE Developers Academy offers hourly, paid positions with rates that are determined by education level and working location. During the term, selected participants should be able to commit to 25 – 29 hours per week, Monday – Thursday during normal business hours.

 

Please see details about this opportunity including eligibility, tentative project themes, and application instructions at https://science.nasa.gov/earth-science/earthrise-developers-academy/. The application window is open now through June 26th, 2026 for the 10-week, fall 2026 project term taking place from September 14th – November 20th, 2026. US citizenship or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) status is required to apply.

Hollings Scholarship for Environmental Studies - Sophomores!

 Attention rising SOPHOMORES (and future sophomores) studying atmospheric and oceanic sciences, environmental engineering, environmental sciences or policy, or ANY major with a strong environmental focus! 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Hollings Scholarship provides two-year academic scholarships (up to a maximum of $9,500 per year) for full-time study, and a 10-week, full-time, paid internship position ($700/week) the summer after junior year at a NOAA facility. In the last nine years, 40 Maryland students have won Hollings Scholarships!

Maryland led the nation in 2026 with 8 Hollings Scholars!

Click here to learn about Maryland's 2026 Hollings Scholars!

To learn more, please click here to complete a brief questionnaire, or write to us at noaahollings@umd.edu

Eligibility requirements: applicants for Hollings Scholarships must be US Citizens; and must have GPA's of 3.0 or higher each semester and in their major.

Francis DuVinage, Ph.D.
Director, National Scholarships Office

http://www.scholarships.umd.edu

In Person Meeting Address: 2403 Marie Mount Hall 

Zoom Address: https://umd.zoom.us/my/duvinage
University of Maryland
Phone: (301) 314-9458

Summer Internship @ NASA Goddard: STELLA Project

                                   STELLA Internship at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Science and Technology Education for Land/Life Assessment

About the Project

The STELLA (Science and Technology Education for Land/Life Assessment) project uses spectrometers that can be built with low-cost components and 3D printed housings to introduce NASA Earth observation technologies and provide authentic hands-on learning experiences for remote sensing education. STELLA instruments help engage students in the quantitative aspects of satellite data, provide insight into the scientific process, and encourage analytical thinking.

Internship Overview

The role is a hybrid of engineering, prototyping, and testing. Students will start by building instruments and getting up to speed on the STELLA project. From there, tasks may include prototyping and testing new small sensor instruments, debugging, calibration, characterization, programming, 3D printing/CAD design, and taking measurements. There may also be opportunities for co-authoring papers, public communication, and eventual field visits to agricultural field sites.

Bonus Opportunities

Depending on your performance and project needs, there may also be opportunities to:

• Co-author peer-reviewed scientific papers

• Participate in public science communication

• Join field visits to active agricultural research sites

Academic Level: Undergraduate or graduate students

Location & Schedule

• NASA Goddard Space Flight Center: Greenbelt, MD 

• On-site requirement: Minimum 3 days per week 

Note for applicants: You will need to be able to obtain a NASA facility badge/visitor access. Non-U.S. citizens should be aware that additional documentation or lead time may be required for site access approval. 

Hughes Center Seeks Executive Director

The Hughes Center is Seeking a New Executive Director

                                               Job Posting Closes June 11

The Center’s leader plays a critical role in advancing the Center’s mission to promote environmentally sound and economically viable agriculture, forestry and oyster aquaculture through research, outreach and collaboration.

The new executive director will join the Center at an exciting time. Building on our 25-year legacy of successful research, outreach and collaborative efforts, the Center is well-positioned to increase the impact of our efforts. We seek a visionary leader who has a unique ability to expand our growth, collaborative partnerships and visibility. 

We ask that you help us with this search by sharing the opportunity with your networks and individuals who may be a good match.

The full job description and application details are available here.

If you have any questions, please contact us at hughescenter@umd.edu or at 410-822-6202.