Postdoctoral Geologist/Biologist - Dinosaur Paleobiology

Geologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow) and/or Biologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow), IS-1350/0401-11 Application Deadline: 30 July 2026 Department: National Museum of Natural History Employment Type: Full Time Location: Washington, DC Compensation: $85,447 / year Description Open Date: July 9, 2026 Closing Date: July 30, 2026 Position Type: Trust Fund Appointment Type: Temporary Not-To-Exceed (NTE) 2 Years Promotion Potential: IS-11 Salary Range: $85,447.00 to $85,447.00 Schedule: Full Time Duty Location: Washington, DC Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk Open to all qualified applicants Conditions of Employment Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated. 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. Applicants who are actively pursuing their doctoral degree must provide their official transcript as proof of the degree confirmation before an entry on-duty date.

OVERVIEW

Come join a dedicated and creative team at an exceptional time for the Smithsonian. The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with a mission to promote understanding of the natural world and our place in it. The Department of Paleobiology invites applications for two (2) positions of Geologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow) and/or Biologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow). Up to one position will be selected in each of the following research areas: (1) pachycephalosaurian dinosaurs; and (2) ankylosaurian dinosaurs. Both positions will focus on undescribed specimens in the NMNH collections to understand the anatomy and systematics of these animals and their relatives, and to address key unresolved issues concerning their ontogeny, functional morphology, and paleobiology.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Independently and collaboratively conduct research in area of specialization: position (1) will focus on pachycephalosaur fossils, and position (2) will focus on ankylosaur fossils. Use various techniques in comparative anatomy, systematics, morphometrics, and related fields to perform appropriate descriptive and analytical work on relevant fossil specimens. Obtain, use, and interpret data from CT and/or related visualization techniques to compare, describe, and illustrate anatomy of fossil specimens. Write collaborative scholarly reports and publishable scientific papers, and give oral presentations on the results of the research. Serve as a consultant and advisor on professional matters to colleagues, Federal agencies, institutions, organizations, and the general public. Prepare and submit grant proposals. Review research proposals, manuscripts, and publications as requested by scientific colleagues and outside institutions. Participate in national and international scientific conferences, seminars and societies.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience: To qualify for this position, candidates must demonstrate the experience outlined below and possess three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree related to the position or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge and experience required: Professional knowledge of a wide range of concepts, principles, and theories of the biological and/or physical sciences in the field(s) of biology, ecology, geology, paleontology, zoology, or other related discipline. Professional knowledge and experience in a field directly relevant to the research areas (such as descriptive and comparative anatomy, systematics, and/or paleobiology) as well as specific experience working with pachycephalosaurs, ankylosaurs, or closely related dinosaur groups. Experience in the safe handling and study of fossil vertebrate specimens. Knowledge and experience in computerized statistical analysis of complex data, including ontogenetic phylogenetic, and/or morphometric techniques. Experience working with CT data is preferred. Knowledge and expertise in publishing and giving oral presentations of complex scientific results. Working knowledge of scientific literature in area of expertise. To Apply Interested candidates should submit the following: (1) a cover letter that includes a statement expressing their interest and applicability for the position, including a 2-year research plan; (2) their resume or curriculum vitae (CV) (annotated as explained below); and (3) school transcripts (as noted below). Other qualifications relevant to the position should be documented in the resume or CV. Resumes or Curriculum Vitae (CVs) should 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); average number of hours worked per week; a full list of publications; and names and contact information for three referees. Unofficial school transcripts (undergraduate and graduate) must be submitted with your application package by the closing date of the announcement. If selected for the position, you must provide official transcripts before appointment. Applicants who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States must have their education 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. Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins. Relocation expenses will not be paid. For more information, contact Tony Khanna, Contractor, HR Specialist, View email address on click.appcast.io The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian’s EEO program information, please visit #J-18808-Ljbffr Smithsonian Institution