Job Description

Ecologist Postdoctoral Research Fellow, IS-0408-11

Application Deadline: 12 October 2026

Department: National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting To: Supervisory Research Wildlife Biologist

Compensation: $85,447 / year

Description

OPEN DATE: September 29, 2026

CLOSING DATE: October 12, 2026

POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Temporary Not to Exceed Twenty-four (24) Months (may be extended based on funds availability)

SCHEDULE: Full Time

DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC

Position sensitivity and risk:

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Who May Apply:

Open to all Qualified Applicants

What are Trust Fund Positions?

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program and may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).

Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated as low risk.
• Complete a Probationary Period
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OVERVIEW

IINTRODUCTION

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), Washington, DC. NZCBI plays a leading role in the Smithsonian's global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists.

SUMMARY

Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to create a new biodiversity metric of animal mortality to inform global biodiversity policy. The postdoctoral researcher will synthesize methods across movement ecology, demography, and environmental data science to identify animal mortality events, quantify their drivers, and produce standardized, scalable metrics that link anthropogenic and environmental stressors to mortality risk and population change with the goal of creating a standardized indicator. This work would be part of the newly formed Animal Movement Biodiversity Observation Network (Move BON), a global coordination network connecting animal tracking data to biodiversity monitoring and policy endeavors. Specifically, the postdoctoral researcher would coordinate work within the Move BON Mortality Metrics Working Group co-led by Scott Yanco (NZCBI) and Ruth Oliver (UC Santa Barbara). Indicators developed in this project will be positioned for integration into national biodiversity strategies and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework implementation via Move BON. The project would also produce a toolkit designed to produce metrics in formats compatible with existing national reporting obligations, and a cross-taxa case study will be developed in partnership with national reporting bodies to ensure direct policy relevance. Key outputs could include:

1. Peer-reviewed publications establishing analytical methods and a theoretical framework for mortality-based biodiversity indicators;
2. An open-source toolkit for reproducible indicator calculation (for example, open-source software tools or an online dashboard); and
3. A national or regional case study demonstrating cross-taxa implementation suitable for adoption within biodiversity policy frameworks.
4. LOCATION
5. Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyzes data using computers with statistical and graphics software applying appropriate statistical tests and data reduction methods. Reviews background material submitted with samples, determines approaches to be used in analysis and devises modification in the method that is required to solve the analytical problems.
• Writes reports and publishable scientific papers and gives oral presentations on the results of the sampling and experiments. Publishes scholarly reports of descriptive and/or theoretical nature based on the above. Publications are significant contributions of substantial scope within the physical, biological or social fields of science.
• Serves as a consultant and advisor on professional matters in their area of expertise to colleagues, Federal agencies, institutions, organizations, and the general public. May assist with guidance and teaching of students and technicians working on one or more research projects. May train staff members, interns, fellows, students, and visiting scholars in the theory and practical use of specialized equipment as appropriate. Advises researchers in the interpretation of the obtained data and ensures safe and responsible work practices with such equipment.
• The postdoctoral researcher also assists in preparation and submission of grant proposals. Reviews research proposals, manuscripts, and publications as requested by scientific colleagues and outside institutions. Lectures to professional associations and other organizations. Attends and participates in national and international scientific conferences, seminars, and societies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience:

BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Applicants must meet the basic education requirement for their discipline: Biologist, Ecologist or Zoologist, IS/GS-09 AND the experience listed below. Please note: It is the applicant’s responsibility to show how you satisfy the course requirements for the position. If you do not provide information that clearly shows how your completed college course work meets all of the requirements, you will be rated ineligible. Your rating will be based solely on the information you submit with your application. No attempts will be made to verify with you, or the school you attended, whether or not your coursework meets all of the requirements. YOU MUST SUBMIT ALL YOUR COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS.

Additional Requirements:

A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree that has equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities (described below) necessary to do the work of the position.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE

For this position, SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as working knowledge of the principles of ecology and conservation of wildlife through coursework in ecology, wildlife management, or a related field. At least one year of biology technician experience equivalent to the next lower grade is required. The role requires self-direction and motivation, combined with flexibility and entrepreneurial thinking. The incumbent/position should possess the following knowledge and qualifications including:

• Expertise and experience in advanced movement ecology and/or population biology analyses, with expertise in incorporating remote sensing variables in analytical frameworks.
• The applicant must demonstrate the ability to work with large databases in a team science setting using best practices for open science and collaboration.
• Demonstrated skill in analyses using R; computer programming (e.g., Python, Java, BASH, and/or Google Earth Engine).
• Experience collaborating across institutions to jointly pursue research topics relevant to both academic and applied audiences.
• Demonstrated experience managing and completing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and deliverables, including strong communication skills.
• Demonstrated excellence in written communication, especially as it relates to manuscript writing.

Applicants who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.

HOW TO APPLY:

CV/Resume must include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.

CV/Resume must include the month and year of all degrees earned; professional and relevant volunteer experience; peer-reviewed publications; competitive funding received; any honors or awards received; memberships in professional societies; presentations given at national/international meetings; and names, addresses, and phone numbers of four persons familiar with your scientific stature, contributions, and recognition. Earned academic degrees must be verified with copies of official university transcripts that clearly state the classes taken, degree awarded, the major, and date of conferral.

CV/Resume must clearly identify how you fulfill the SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE to be considered.

Failure to provide this information and documents will result in your application receiving no further consideration.

A cover letter should be included with the application materials to summarize the applicant’s training, experience, and interest in the position.

Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.

Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

Relocation expenses are not paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact biagasl@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema.