Arabian Leopard Research Ecologist & Project Lead

Smithsonian Institution; Front Royal (VA); On-site; USD 102,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithsonian Institution in Front Royal, VA seeks a Research Ecologist/Project Coordinator for the Arabian Leopard Ecology Program. The role focuses on landscape-level conservation, ecology, and restoration of an imperiled species in partnership with international partners.

Strong geospatial analysis, modeling, and field data collection are essential. The position leads collaboration across teams, secures funding, and contributes to training and education initiatives while advancing science-based

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field; 9 biology/mo focus and 12 semester hours in physical/mathematical sciences.
• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree required; strong research background in ecology or related field.

Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and executes a collaborative international research program focusing on landscape-level conservation and restoration.
• Utilizes GIS, remote sensing, tracking/biologging, and occupancy modeling to study wildlife communities.
• Independently conducts all phases of the research process from problem definition to interpretation of findings.
• Develops field projects to collect data on movement ecology and species interactions for conservation planning.
• Secures funds to support the research program from internal and external sources.
• Presents research at meetings and in peer-reviewed journals; contributes to training programs for students and professionals.

Skills

Geospatial analysis

Ecological modeling

Python

R

Statistical analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree

Tools

GIS tools

Remote sensing tools

Job description

Smithsonian Institution in Front Royal, VA seeks a Research Ecologist/Project Coordinator for the Arabian Leopard Ecology Program. The role focuses on landscape-level conservation, ecology, and restoration of an imperiled species in partnership with international partners.

Strong geospatial analysis, modeling, and field data collection are essential. The position leads collaboration across teams, secures funding, and contributes to training and education initiatives while advancing science-based