Smithsonian NMNH hiring curator specializing paleobiology of marine macro-invertebrate fossils

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History seeks a paleobiologist to conduct an integrative, specimen-based research program in the paleobiology of marine macro-invertebrate fossils. The successful candidate is expected to pursue creative studies of evolutionary and/or paleoecological patterns and processes using morphology, phylogenetics, biogeography, and/or biogeochemistry. Publication in peer-reviewed journals in specialty areas is expected, as is curation of appropriate collections, professional service to the scientific community, and educational outreach to the public in a manner commensurate with emerging leadership in the area of specialty.

This position is a full-time, permanent appointment with full Government benefits to be filled at the GS-12 level; U.S. citizenship and a one-year probationary period are required. The museum’s authorized salary range for this position is $83,938-$88,959 per year commensurate with experience.

All candidates are encouraged to apply, including those whose academic status is “All But Dissertation” (ABD), currently performing postdoctoral work, or engaged in early stages of their academic careers. College transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study must be submitted online by the closing date of announcement.

For complete requirements and application procedures go to www.sihr.si.edu or www.usajobs.gov and refer to Announcement 19A-JW-304802-DEU-NMNH. Applications and all supporting documentation must be received on-line by October 7, 2019 and must reference the announcement number. 

This is an interdisciplinary position to be filled by either a Research Geologist or a Research Biologist, depending upon the applicant’s primary discipline. All applicants will be notified by email when their application is received. The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Deep Time Peter Buck Postdoctoral Fellowship, NMNH (Smithsonian)

Deep Time Peter Buck Postdoctoral Fellowship, Department of Paleobiology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., USA

Opening Date: May 15, 2019
Closing Date: June 30, 2019

Applications are invited for a two-year Research Fellowship (postdoctoral) in Paleobiology relating to the goals of the Deep Time Initiative at the National Museum of Natural History.  This fellowship involves 75% time commitment to research and 25% time commitment toward advancing science education and outreach for the public. The appointment provides stipend ($50,400/yr), research/travel allowance ($4 K/yr), support for health insurance ($2K/yr), and a one-time relocation allowance ($1K). 

The successful applicant will be expected to conduct independent research through the study of paleobiology, paleoecology, and/or taphonomy involving NMNH fossil collections.  The awardee will take part in the scholarly activities of the Department of Paleobiology and in public outreach and education relating to Deep Time.  Research in any aspect of paleobiology will be considered, however, priority will be given to applications that: 1) propose innovative research on an exciting collections-based topic in Paleobiology, 2) indicate a high standard of research productivity, creativity, and interactivity, 3) provide evidence of ability to communicate about science and engage the public with scientific topics – specifically involving direct interaction with the public, orally, in writing, through social media, citizen science, etc.

The Deep Time (DT) initiative is focused on understanding connections between 4.6 billion years of environmental change, the diversity of life, and the future of our species on Earth. The four focal themes for our Deep Time research, exhibits, and outreach include: 1) evolution of organisms, 2) evolution of ecosystems, 3) earth processes, 4) connections among these forces including to our human past, present and future.  Through understanding of the fossil and geological record, the Deep Time Initiative seeks to inform and inspire the global community about connections between the past, present, and future of life on Earth and help educate citizens for a changing planet.  The Fellow will join a diverse intellectual community at NMNH and two other Deep Time Peter Buck Fellows involved in research, education, and outreach activities relating to the new NMNH Fossil Halls (Deep Time) exhibition opening in June, 2019.  

Information about the Paleobiology Department can be found at http://paleobiology.si.edu/, 
The Fossil Halls - Deep Time Exhibit at https://naturalhistory.si.edu/exhibits/david-h-koch-hall-fossils-deep-time, and the NMNH Office of Education and Outreach at https://naturalhistory.si.edu/education.  

Applicants should have a proven record of research accomplishment and knowledge of the fossil record. Preferred starting dates for the fellowship are between October 1 and December 31, 2019, and all formal requirements for a Ph.D. must be completed before the end of this time interval. To apply, send: (1) curriculum vitae; (2) pdfs of recent publications (maximum of three); (3) proposed research for the two-year interval (up to 5 double-spaced pages, including figures, 11 point type); (4) a 1-page education and outreach statement of interests and accomplishments in communicating science to the public, and (5) contact information for three referees who could provide letters of reference should an applicant be chosen for the next stage of the selection process. 

All application materials should be submitted to Dr. Brian Huber, huberb@si.edu, in pdf format by June 30, 2019.  Questions regarding the fellowship should be emailed to Dr. Anna K. Behrensmeyer, behrensa@si.edu or Dr. Brian Huber, huberb@si.edu.  Interviews and the decision about the next Deep Time Fellow are expected to occur during mid-August to mid-September, 2019.

Note that this Deep Time Fellowship call is separate from the Smithsonian’s regular Fellowship Program, which has an annual deadline of November 1 and is 100% research. 

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Peter Buck Deep Time Postdoctoral Fellowship- Smithsonian

Department of Paleobiology, MRC-121
National Museum of Natural History
Smithsonian Institution, PO Box 37012
Washington D.C. 20013-7012, U.S.A.

Closing Date: January 15, 2017

Applications are invited for a two-year Research Fellowship (postdoctoral) in Paleobiology relating to the goals of the Deep Time Initiative at the National Museum of Natural History.  This fellowship involves 75% time commitment to research and 25% time commitment toward advancing science education at NMNH through direct interaction with our public. The appointment provides stipend ($48 K/yr), a research/travel allowance ($4 K/yr), support for health insurance ($2K/yr), and a one-time relocation allowance ($1K). The successful applicant will be expected to conduct independent research through the study of systematics, paleoecology, functional biology, field investigations, etc., and involving NMNH collections.  The awardee will be expected to be involved in the scholarly activities of the department and public outreach in the museum.  Priority will be given to proposals that: 1) involve research related to Deep Time over-arching themes, 2) indicate a high standard of research productivity, creativity, and interactivity, 3) provide evidence of ability to communicate science to the public - orally, in writing, through social media, citizen science, etc.

The Deep Time (DT) initiative is focused on understanding connections between 4.6 billion years of environmental change, the diversity of life, and the future of our species on Earth. The four focal themes for our Deep Time research, exhibits, and outreach include: 1) evolution of organisms, 2) evolution of ecosystems, 3) earth processes, 4) connections among these forces including to our human past, present and future.  This is a critical time in the history of our planet because one increasingly abundant, heterotrophic species has become a global scale force of rapid environmental and biotic change.  Through understanding of the fossil and geological record, the Deep Time Initiative seeks to inform and inspire the global community about connections between the past, present, and future of life on Earth and help create citizens for a changing planet.

Note: Applications are welcome for research specialists in all types of fossil organisms, especially dinosaurs and marine macro-invertebrates because of their important roles in the new exhibit and in educational programming.

Information about the Paleobiology Department and the Evolution of Terrestrial Ecosystems (ETE) Program can be found at http://paleobiology.si.edu/, http://naturalhistory.si.edu/ETE/ , the collections at http://collections.mnh.si.edu/search/paleo/, and the Deep Time exhibit renovation at http://www.mnh.si.edu/fossil-hall/

Applicants should have a proven record of research accomplishment and knowledge of the fossil record.  Starting dates for the fellowship are between May 1 and August 1, 2017, and all formal requirements for a Ph.D. must be completed before the end of this time interval. To apply, send: (1) curriculum vitae; (2) pdfs of recent publications (maximum of three); (3) proposed research for the two-year interval (up to 5 double-spaced pages, including figures, 11 point type); (4) a 1-page teaching and outreach statement of accomplishments and interests, and (5) two letters of reference submitted separately by the referees.

All application materials should be submitted to Dr. Brian Huber, huberb@si.edu, in pdf format by 15 January, 2017.  Questions regarding the fellowship should be emailed to Dr. Anna K. Behrensmeyer, behrensa@si.edu or Dr. Brian Huber, huberb@si.edu.

Note that this Deep Time Fellowship call is separate from the Smithsonian's regular Fellowship Program (http://www.smithsonianofi.com/fellowship-opportunities/smithsonian-institution-fellowship-program/), which has a fixed deadline of December 1 and is 100% research.

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer.