Research Zoologist (Curator of Fishes),

Research Zoologist (Curator of Fishes), IS-0410-12 Application Deadline: 2 June 2026 Department: National Museum of Natural History Employment Type: Full Time Location: Washington, DC Compensation: $102,415 - $133,142 / year DESCRIPTION Open Date: 12 May 2026 Closing Date: 2 June 2026 Position Type: Trust Fund Appointment Type: Indefinite Schedule: Full Time Duty Location: Washington, DC CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Pass Pre‑employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated. Complete a one‑year 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. Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Independently initiate, develop, and participate in integrative scientific research, fieldwork, and collection growth and maintenance within the field of Systematic Ichthyology; publish technical and synthetic works based on own fieldwork and studies. Seek non‑departmental funding from internal and external sources; stay informed of new developments to improve research and curation programs. Develop and curate portions of the National Fish Collection in a designated specialty area through fieldwork and acquisition of specimens; direct specimen/data exchange and cooperation with other institutions. Serve as consultant and expert advisor on professional matters to colleagues, agencies, foundations, and the public. Participate in planning and development of museum exhibits and public education programs, including distance learning. Supervise or advise interns, students, fellows, and short‑term scholars; develop performance plans and evaluate performance. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Education and Experience: Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant field from an accredited university or possess a combination of education and experience equivalent to a doctoral level in a related discipline. Minimum basic education requirement includes a major in zoology or a related field with at least 20 semester hours in zoology and animal sciences. Knowledge of and ability to conduct collections‑oriented research in Systematic Ichthyology. Knowledge of and experience with curation practices and procedures for museum collections in a specialty area. Demonstrated productivity as a researcher, recognized by a record of peer‑reviewed publications in relevant journals. Thorough knowledge of collections management practices gained through curation and research on ichthyological collections, including field work and acquisition. Effective oral and written communication skills to articulate research program to administrators, the scientific community, funding agencies, and the public. BENEFITS Health, Dental & Vision Insurance; Life Insurance; Transit/Commuter Benefits; Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance; Annual and Sick Leave; Family Friendly Leave; 403(b) Retirement Plan; Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants; Credit Union; Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care); Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). The position is a Trust Fund position funded by the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service and have their own benefit program. EEO STATEMENTS The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis. #J-18808-Ljbffr