Job Description
Interdisciplinary (Biologist, Ecologist, Zoologist) Postdoctoral Research Fellow, IS-0408-09
Application Deadline: 13 July 2026
Department: National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Front Royal, VA
Reporting To: Director, Conservation and Science
Compensation: $70,623 - $91,815 / year
OPEN DATE: July 7, 2026
CLOSING DATE: July 13, 2026 (This job will close once 50 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date.)
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Temporary Not to Exceed Twelve (12) Months (may be extended based on funds availability)
SCHEDULE: Full Time
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.
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.
We are seeking a motivated Biologist, Ecologist or Zoologist to join our interdisciplinary research team focused on advancing applied research and conservation of socio-ecological system. The successful candidate will develop, implement and manage applied conservation projects in the Brazilian Pantanal in collaboration and partnership with Smithsonian and external partners (e.g., Universities, NGOs, government). The incumbent must have demonstrated expertise in field surveys, data collection, management of research/conservation teams, and coordinating work in partnership with other organizations. Experience working in Brazil and knowledge of Portuguese will advantageous. The position provides opportunities for independent research, collaborative grant development, and peer-review publication, and will contribute to strengthening quantitative capacity across the Institute.
LOCATION
Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Initiates, develops, and participates in research and fieldwork in area of specialization. Research consists of systematically planned, original studies based on fieldwork in specialty area and other institutional and private collections worldwide, and synthesizing information from the literature;
- Designs and conducts field sampling to measure such variables as species composition and abundance, population size structure, and physiological condition of communities within the incumbent’s area of expertise. Designs and conducts field and laboratory experiments to determine mechanisms regulating species composition, abundance, distribution, sizes, and physiological condition of biotic communities within the incumbent’s area of expertise;
- Uses various analytical chemistry, spectroscopic, and/or infrared analytical techniques to determine the chemical properties of organic materials found in museum objects to assist Smithsonian Institution researchers. These materials include museum objects, their deterioration products, and materials used in conservation treatments, exhibition, or storage;
- Analyzes data from sampling and experiments using computers with statistical and graphics software applying appropriate statistical tests and data reduction methods. 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 contributions to 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. Through fieldwork and acquisition of specimens participates in maintaining and improving the National Collections. Assists 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 this specialized equipment as appropriate. Advises researchers in the interpretation of the obtained data and ensures safe and responsible work practices with such equipment;
- 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 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:
- Knowledge and experience with biodiversity conservation, including wildlife ecology and conservation, community engagement, and program development;
- A graduate degree, M.S. or higher in conservation, ecology, or related academic field;
- Experience coordinating collaborative research, conservation, and training programs;
- Demonstrated excellence in written communication, especially as it relates to grant writing;
- Demonstrated excellence in communicating with a wide-range of audiences using different outlets ranging from peer-reviewed scientific articles to web and social media;
- Knowledge of organization skills including time management;
- Knowledge, skill, and ability to work independently and as part of a team;
- Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques;
- Experience planning, scheduling, and conducting projects in a timely manner;
- Knowledge of providing ways to improve project cycles; and
- Knowledge of organizational goals, mission, priorities, and objectives.
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 ProceduresThe 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
