The Field Museum invites applications for an Assistant Curator in the fields of Invertebrate Paleontology or Paleobotany. This term position has a probationary period of 3 + 3 years; after successful promotion to the Associate level it is renewable every 7 years, according to the Field Museum’s Policy Statement on the Curatorial Ranks. The start date for the position is on or after January 1, 2022.
The Field Museum's Geology Section has a record of scientific excellence in collections-based research, with current strengths in phylogenetic systematics, functional morphology, paleoecology, macroevolution, history and philosophy of biology, meteoritics, and cosmochemistry. Our Fossil Invertebrate and Paleobotany collections are world class. The Fossil Invertebrate collection is focused on the Paleozoic of the Midwest with significant collections of the Pennsylvanian Mazon Creek Lagerstätte, Devonian fossils from the Falls of the Ohio area, Silurian reef fossils from the Chicago area, and Paleozoic echinoderms. The Paleobotany Collection contains significant holdings of Late Carboniferous fossil plants preserved as compression-adpressions, permineralized peats, and within sideritic concretions. Cretaceous through Paleogene floras are well-represented, including angiosperm mesofossil assemblages from the Upper Cretaceous Raritan and Magothy Formations. Substantial fossil palynological collections and comparative extant pollen and spore preparations are also housed within the Collection.
We are seeking a collegial individual with strong communication skills who conducts innovative, integrative research that will complement and broaden the section’s strengths. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an externally funded field and/or laboratory research program, to contribute to building and using the Invertebrate Paleontology or Paleobotany collections, and to participate in Museum exhibition, public outreach and education, and programmatic efforts. We particularly value a commitment to equity and inclusion in the context of museum-based research, curation, education, and outreach. Close relationships with local universities provide opportunities for participation in graduate and undergraduate training. A Ph.D. in a relevant discipline must be held by the start of employment.
To apply and for inquiries, please email:
paleontology-search2021@fieldmuseum.org.
Applications should include:
- a Curriculum Vitae
- a statement of research interests and career objectives
- a statement describing experience in and/or vision for increasing diversity and inclusion in a museum setting
- names and contact information for three people from whom letters of recommendation may be sought
- copies of up to five relevant publications in PDF format.
Review of applications will begin on March 15, 2021.
The Field Museum is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in science, and strives to create a working environment that is free of sexual, racial, and ethnic discrimination, and that promotes human dignity among all staff. As such, it is the policy of the Field Museum to hire without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation. The Field Museum strives to ensure that our career website is accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. Email us at
accessibility@fieldmuseum.org if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our online application as a result of your disability.
