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Professional Positions

Director, Earth and Mineral Sciences Museum and Art Gallery, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Penn State, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
Posting Date: 21 January 2023
Closing Date: 28 February 2023
The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) is seeking an innovative and committed individual to join our inclusive and collegial community, serving as the Director of the EMS Museum and Art Gallery. Located on the ground floor of the Deike Building on the University Park campus, the recently renovated EMS Museum and Art Gallery is perfectly positioned to be a vibrant and impactful center of learning, community, and outreach, telling the story of the EMS disciplines to a broad audience.
The EMS Museum and Art Gallery possesses a world-class collection of mineral and rock specimens, original artwork of historic significance (including the noteworthy Steidle Collection of American Industrial Art), and significant collections of fossils, ceramics, glass, and artifacts of science and industry. The responsibilities for this position will include:
- Overseeing the collections
- Developing relevant and engaging exhibits that capture the imagination and bring to life the expertise and research innovations of the College's five departments and three institutes
- Implementing and supporting college events in the Museum and Art Gallery space
- Providing a fully accessible and inclusive experience for all constituencies
- Writing and managing successful grant proposals to develop and care for the collections, exhibits, and technical projects
- Partnering with faculty to develop broader impacts/broadening participation activities and materials
- Partnering with the Office of Development to coordinate revenue-generating activities to foster growth
- Supervising staff and volunteers
- Maintaining up-to-date web content
- Participating in the teaching and research mission of the College including student engagement
- Creating K-12 educational materials and programs
- Fostering community outreach.
The directorship is a full-time, non-tenure-line academic position, funded for 3 years from the date of hire, with an excellent possibility of renewal. Non-tenure line academic rank will be commensurate with the final candidate's background and experience.
The Director must have significant experience in museum administration and a Master's degree or higher in museum science or a related field; experience in a university setting is highly preferred. A non-tenure-line faculty appointment in one of the College's academic departments (Geosciences, Geography, Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, Materials Science and Engineering, Energy and Mineral Engineering) may be possible. This position reports to the John Leone Dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.
To apply, please upload the following materials with your application:
- A cover letter and concise vision statement for the EMS Museum and Gallery
- A curriculum vitae
- The names and contact information of at least three references.
The Pennsylvania State University's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences takes an active role in building a talented, inclusive, and culturally competent workforce. We understand that our shared future is guided by basic principles of fairness, mutual respect, and commitment to each other. Applicants should provide evidence, either woven through their application or as a separate diversity statement, of a commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusive excellence, belonging, and engagement, which creates an inclusive environment in their workplace.
We will continue to receive and review applications until the position is filled. For additional information on the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences go to https://www.ems.psu.edu/.
Apply online at https://apptrkr.com/3783142
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: For more about safety at Penn State, and to review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters, please go to http://www.police.psu.edu/clery/, which will also provide you with detail on how to request a hard copy of the Annual Security Report.
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
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Director and Curator of Earth & Space Sciences, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver, Colorado, USA
Posting Date: 26 January 2023
Closing Date: 26 March 2023
Job Description:
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS) invites applications for the position of Director of Earth & Space Sciences—a role in which the Director also is a practicing Curator in the Department of Earth Sciences. The successful candidate will be a team leader who also has a field- and specimen-based research program that contributes to understanding the deep-time evolution of our planet. Their expertise will augment our existing disciplinary, collections, and laboratory strengths. Ideal candidates will have outstanding emotional intelligence as well as managerial, field, collections, fundraising, informal education, outreach, and community engagement experience. We seek a collegial individual, especially from groups historically marginalized in the earth sciences, who will help the Department of Earth Sciences grow its scientific and public impact regionally, nationally, and internationally both by amplifying the team’s work and through their own scholarship and outreach.
Pay Range: $110,000 – £123,000 annually
Supervision: 4 direct reports, department of 12
Work Schedule: 5 days/week onsite.
We are looking for:
- Ph.D.-level scientist with an exceptional record of scholarly productivity.
- Strong record of extramural grant acquisition and/or private fundraising skills.
- Diverse record of field- and collections-based research program(s).
- Effective leadership/management/supervisory experience, preferably at a museum, other science-based nonprofit organization, or university, coupled with excellent emotional intelligence, transparency, and vision.
- Experience utilizing, stewarding, and/or curating museum collections.
- Public speaking ability, including experience with, or interest in, developing skills in a wide range of science communication styles and media.
- Expertise in any subdiscipline of the earth sciences complementary to those of existing Earth Sciences curators.
- Desire to participate in and promote diversity, equity, access, and inclusion initiatives, including encouraging marginalized groups to get involved in science.
- Candidates traditionally underrepresented in earth sciences.
Museum Leadership:
- Promotes strategic, efficient, and collaborative efforts across the Museum and in the Division.
- Understands other divisions’ work, priorities, and impacts on the home division’s work and priorities.
- Provides direction, communicates job expectations, and ongoing training and feedback to ensure professional development and success.
- Provides supervision and timely feedback and develops annual priorities and goals for team members.
- Ensures the morale of the team is maintained to keep the team functioning at a high level.
- Provides leadership and support around Growing Employees Measuring Success (GEMS) performance priorities established annually by the leadership team.
- Supports staff in prioritizing participation in Museum sponsored DEAI training and work.
Minimum qualifications/Requirements:
- Ph.D. in an Earth Sciences or related field with several years of field/laboratory research.
- 5 years' experience with management of plans, budgets and supervising staff.
- Exceptional peer-reviewed publication record.
- Field- and collections-based research program in earth sciences.
- The Museum loves science. As a science institution, the Museum believes in the science behind vaccines. As a condition of employment, employees must present proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on their first day of employment or receive an exemption or other reasonable accommodation due to circumstances protected under federal or state law that prevent the employee from being vaccinated. If you wish to apply for an exemption, please contact Human Resources for the necessary forms. You will be notified of the decision regarding your requested exemption.
Ideal candidate will have:
- High emotional intelligence.
- Understanding of and experience with handling museum collections.
- Experience obtaining extramural funding for research and collections.
- Mentoring experience.
- Specimen- or relational-database experience.
- Awareness of scholarly disciplines of space and planetary sciences.
- Ability to communicate with the public in informal education settings.
- Diverse research interests and openness to new opportunities as they arise.
- Demonstrable commitment to inclusive research and collections-based work.
- Experience in obtaining permits for fieldwork.
- Spanish or other language fluency.
Core values:
- We love science.
- We are curious, creative and playful.
- We cultivate relationships with each other, diverse communities, the environment and for our future.
- We think critically and act with empathy.
Perks and Benefits of working at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science include:
A comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage. 100% paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance. Paid time-off for vacation, sickness and holidays. 403(b) Retirement Plan with immediate eligibility to contribute and, after one year of employment, an employer contribution and match. An RTD Eco pass and a free Family+ membership to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
The full range of perks and benefits can be found HERE.
Application Instructions:
Applications must include contain: (1) a one- to two-page cover letter stating the rationale for interest in this position and how you think you might strengthen the DMNS Earth & Space Sciences team from both a leadership perspective and as a fellow scientist; (2) a one-page statement of where your current or future research interests are heading; (3) a one-page statement about your commitment and contributions to promoting diversity, equity, access, and inclusion; (4) a curriculum vitae; (5) upon request contact information for four references.
Please submit your application by Sunday, March 26, 2023. Resumes will not be accepted after this time.
Applications will only be accepted electronically via the Museum’s website.
Due to the high volume of people who apply, we are not able to respond to specific inquiries regarding your application status.
Fixed-Term, Visiting, Postdoctoral & Technical Positions

Postdoctoral Fellowship (Deep-Time Environments and Ecosystems), The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver, Colorado, USA
Posting Date: 27 February 2023
Closing Date: 3 March 2023
Job Description:
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to help conduct research with curator James Hagadorn. This is a two-year term position with potential opportunity for extension. The successful candidate will be an outwardly focused earth scientist with a record of peer reviewed publications and fieldwork in sedimentary geology and/or paleontology. Ideal candidates will have experience that will help grow and complete existing DMNS projects focused on understanding deep-time environments and ecosystems. We seek an individual, especially from groups traditionally underrepresented in the earth sciences, who is not only interested in expanding their scholarly footprint but who is also interested in diversifying their outreach, collections and/or technical skills.
This is a 2-year term position, with an anticipated end date of March 14, 2025.
Reporting: This position reports to the Curator of Geology.
Term: This is a 2 year term position with the possibility for extension depending on institutional needs. Start date is negotiable.
Work schedule: 5 days/week, onsite and/or offsite
Supervises: May oversee the work of interns and volunteers
Pay Range: $50,000 – 56,000 per year
Essential duties:
- Publishes peer-reviewed research.
- Conveys scientific results to the scientific and public communities.
- Collaborates with DMNS staff, community scientists, interns, and external partners to produce new scholarship, improve collections or databases, and conduct outreach.
- Contributes to Museum efforts to ignite community passion for science and nature.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum qualifications/Requirements:
- Ph.D. in earth sciences or geological sciences by spring 2023.
- Field research experience in sedimentary rocks.
- Peer-reviewed publication record.
- The Museum loves science. As a science institution, the Museum believes in the science behind vaccines. As a condition of employment, employees must present proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on their first day of employment or receive an exemption or other reasonable accommodation due to circumstances protected under federal or state law that prevent the employee from being vaccinated. If you wish to apply for an exemption, please contact Human Resources for the necessary forms. You will be notified of the decision regarding your requested exemption.
Ideal candidate will have:
- Experience in some aspect of Cambrian, Devonian, Permian, or Cretaceous systems, a subfield of stratigraphy or sedimentology, or non-vertebrate paleontology.
- Database, modeling or laboratory experience.
- Collections, museum or GIS experience.
- Public communication skills.
- Flexibility in adapting to new projects.
- Ability to work independently, including in hybrid multigenerational and multidisciplinary teams.
- Interest in developing science communication skills.
- Desire to participate in the museum’s diversity, equity, access and inclusion initiatives, including encouraging marginalized groups to get involved in science.
Perks and Benefits of working at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science include:
- A comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage. 100% paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance. Paid time-off for vacation, sickness and holidays. 403(b) Retirement Plan with immediate eligibility to contribute and, after one year of employment, an employer contribution and match. An RTD Eco pass and a free Family+ membership to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
- Dayforce Wallet: Get your pay as soon as you earn it, at no cost to you. Request up to 50% of your net earnings without waiting for the standard payday, through the Dayforce Wallet mobile app.
The full range of perks and benefits can be found HERE.
Core values:
- We love science.
- We are curious, creative and playful.
- We cultivate relationships with each other, diverse communities, the environment and for our future.
- We think critically and act with empathy.
Application Instructions:
By or on 03/3/23, please submit a single merged PDF that contains: (1) a one- to two-page cover letter stating the rationale for interest in this position and how you think you might strengthen the DMNS Earth Sciences team; (2) a one-page statement of where your current or future research interests are heading—independent of the goals of existing DMNS projects; (3) a curriculum vitae; and (4) a list of names and contact information of four references including one not at one of your degree-granting institutions. Applications will not be accepted after this time.
Applications will only be accepted electronically via the Museum’s website www.dmns.org. DMNS reserves the right to close the posting early.
Due to the high volume of people who apply, we are not able to respond to specific inquiries regarding your application status.
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is an equal opportunity employer. The Museum is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse staff committed to serving the needs of all our visitors and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Deep Time Peter Buck Postdoctoral Fellowship, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C., USA
Posting Date: 1 February 2023
Closing Date: 17 March 2023
Applications are invited for a two-year Research Fellowship (postdoctoral) in Paleobiology relating to the goals of the Deep Time Initiative at the National Museum of Natural History. This fellowship involves commitment to research and to advancing science education and outreach for the public. The appointment provides stipend ($55,000/yr), research/travel allowance ($4K/yr), health insurance ($5K/yr), and a one-time relocation allowance ($1K).
The successful applicant will be expected to conduct independent research in paleobiology, take part in various scholarly activities of the museum, and become involved in public outreach and education focused on enhancing visitor experiences in our Deep Time exhibit. Research in any aspect of paleobiology will be considered, however, priority will be given to applications that: 1) propose innovative research on a collections-based, exciting topic in paleobiology, 2) indicate a high standard of research productivity, creativity, and interactivity, 3) show experience in communicating about a broad range of science topics with the public using a variety of public engagement strategies.
The Deep Time (DT) initiative is focused on understanding connections between 4.6 billion years of environmental change, the diversity of life, and the future of our species on Earth. The four focal themes are: 1) evolution of organisms, 2) evolution of ecosystems, 3) earth processes, 4) connections among these and our human past, present and future. The Deep Time Initiative seeks to inform and inspire the global community about the importance of fossils and the history of life, and to help educate citizens for a changing planet. The Deep Time Peter Buck Fellow will join a diverse intellectual community at NMNH that includes two other Deep Time Peter Buck Fellows as well as Smithsonian Fellows who perform original scientific research and voluntarily contribute their expertise as researchers to enhancing visitor experiences in the Deep Time Fossil Halls. Additional information and program guidelines can be found here.
Preferred starting dates for the fellowship are between September 1 and October 31, 2023, and all formal requirements for a Ph.D. must be completed before the end of this time interval. To apply, send: (1) curriculum vitae; (2) pdfs of recent publications (maximum of three); (3) proposed research for the two-year interval (up to 5 double-spaced pages, including figures, 11 point type; list of cited references may be on a separate page); (4) a 1-page statement of interests and accomplishments in communicating science to the public and engaging with museum audiences, and (5) contact information for three referees who could provide letters of reference should an applicant be chosen for the next stage of the selection process.
All application materials should be submitted to Dr. Brian Huber in pdf format by March 17, 2023. Questions regarding the fellowship should be emailed to Dr. Huber or Dr. Anna K. Behrensmeyer. Interviews and the decision about the next Deep Time Peter Buck Fellow are expected to occur in April, 2022.
Information about the Paleobiology Department and other research departments https://naturalhistory.si.edu/research. Information on the Deep Time Exhibition. Information on NMNH Office of Education: https://naturalhistory.si.edu/education.
Please note that this Deep Time Fellowship call is separate from the Smithsonian’s regular Fellowship Program, which has an annual deadline of November 1 and is 100% research.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Postdoctoral Researcher (Ecological Niche Modeling (ENM) Analyses Focused on Neogene and Modern Marine Mollusks), Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
Posting Date: 22 February 2023
Closing Date: 3 April 2023
Position Overview
The Biodiversity Institute (BI) at the University of Kansas invites applicants for a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher. The postdoc will conduct ecological niche modeling (ENM) analyses focused on Neogene and modern marine mollusks from the Western Atlantic region as part of a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant awarded to PI Bruce S. Lieberman (BSL), co-PI Erin Saupe (EES), and colleagues. These analyses will emphasize statistical and computational approaches to studying how past climate changes have influenced patterns of extinction observed in the fossil record, and making predictions about how future climate changes will affect extant species. The postdoc will consider patterns of distribution and extinction in relation to past and future climate, and compare and contrasts results obtained from ENM with results obtained from analyses of molluskan functional traits. The postdoc will successfully work and interact with BSL, EES, division staff and students, as well as other participants on the NSF grant.
As a premier biodiversity research center and museum, the KU Biodiversity Institute (BI) is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive environment that nurtures the growth and development of all. The BI believes that a diversity of values, interests, experiences, and intellectual and cultural viewpoints enrich learning and our workplace. As such, the BI actively seeks applications from members of groups underrepresented in higher education.
The position consists of a 2-yr appointment with the possibility of reappointment based on performance and funding availability. This position is located on-site at the Lawrence campus. U.S. work authorization is required prior to candidate's start date.
Job Description
70% - Research
Conduct ecological niche modeling analyses on Neogene and modern mollusks from the West Atlantic by focusing on
- Compiling distributional data on species in space and time.
- Assembling and utilizing appropriate climate models.
- Applying appropriate ENM approaches.
- Comparing and contrasting results obtained from ENM with results obtained by other project participants considering molluskan functional traits and physiology.
20% - Reporting
Publish papers and present talks describing the results of work
- Write and submit papers to high profile journals describing the results from research.
- Attend at least one national or international meeting each year to present the results of research discoveries.
5% - Public service
- Participate in public outreach events associated with the NSF award.
5% - Other duties as assigned by supervisor
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in paleontology, geology, or biology from an accredited university.
- Demonstrated experience programming in R, as evident on application materials.
- Previous work or educational experience with statistical applications and analyses as applied to evolutionary research and/or ecological or paleoecological research.
- Previous work or educational experience working with ecological or paleoecological datasets.
- Demonstrated publication record, as evident on application materials.
- Demonstrated record of giving talks at major scientific meetings, as evident on application materials.
NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the Ph.D. conferred at the time of hire. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an acting basis not to exceed six months
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with modern or fossil marine invertebrates.
Experience working with spatial datasets.
Contact Information to Applicants
Bruce S. Lieberman
Additional Candidate Instruction
Only complete application packages submitted online will be considered. A complete application includes online application form, resume, cover letter, names and contact information for three professional references.
Application review will being on April 3, 2023 and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants have been identified.
Advertised Salary Range
$48,996
Application Review Begins
2023-04-03T00:00:00Z
Anticipated Start Date
2023-07-31T00:00:00Z
Primary Campus
University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
FTE
1.0
Reg/Temp
Regular
FLSA Status
Professional
Employee Class
U-Unclassified Professional Staff
Work Schedule
40 hours per week
Job Family
Research-KUL
Conditions of Employment
Contingent on Funding, Limited Term
Work Location Assignment
On-Site
Disclaimer
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and are the Title IX coordinators for their respective campuses: Director of the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY (for the Lawrence, Edwards, Parsons, Yoder, and Topeka campuses); Director, Equal Opportunity Office, Mail Stop 7004, 4330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KS 66205, 913-588-8011, 711 TTY (for the Wichita, Salina, and Kansas City, Kansas medical center campuses).
To apply online click here.

Postdoctoral Studentship (Global Change Ecology), Marine Palaeoecology Lab, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
Posting Date: 9 November 2022
Closing Date: "Early 2023"
The Marine PalaeoEcology Lab at the University of Queensland (UQ, Australia) is seeking a postgraduate student (PhD) to work on a perennial subject in global change ecology: How do we improve our capacity to project marine biodiversity responses to climate change? Organisms need to adapt and/or migrate to avoid critical population loss under climate change. Despite the importance of both processes in biodiversity dynamics, most biodiversity predictions have focussed on the patterns of migration under climate change. The successful candidate will investigate the type and extent of both adaptation and migration required for ecologically and economically important marine species to avoid extirpation and extinction under climate change.
The successful candidate will join a team of world-leading global change ecologists and climatologists to work on a successful Australian Research Council Discovery Project ‘Portfolio projection of biodiversity responses under climate change’. This project will use global circulation model products, natural history records, laboratory experiments, novel theoretical frameworks, and quantitative ecology tools to evaluate the type and magnitude of biodiversity responses required to avoid biodiversity crises under climate change.
Candidates with strong backgrounds in macroecology, quantitative ecology, global change ecology, climate sciences and/or biogeography are desirable. The candidate should be capable of writing R or Python scripts to perform spatiotemporal analyses. Previous experience with climate data is also desirable. The candidate will be offered latitude to select the focal research species, provided the species is suitable for both projection modelling and potential laboratory experiments.
As part of the Australian Research Council Discovery Project, the successful candidate will be provided an earmarked scholarship from the Australian Government to assist the candidate with a stipend and tuition fees. To be eligible for this scholarship scheme, the candidate must meet the entry requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree at the UQ.
Preferred start date: Early 2023
If you have any queries regarding this position, please contact Prof. John Pandolfi (j.pandolfi@uq.edu.au).
Educational Opportunities
None of which we are aware at present.
Sponsorship of The Palaeontological Association is gratefully acknowledged with special thanks to Alan R. T. Spencer and Russel Garwood.
