Ecologist (Postdoc Research Fellow)(Soil) IS-0408-09

Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is hiring an Ecologist Postdoc Research Fellow specializing in soil ecology in Bozeman, MT. This full-time role involves conducting research on soil responses to megaherbivores, providing opportunities for independent study and collaboration. Candidates with expertise in ecological statistics and a Ph.D. are encouraged to apply by June 19, 2025.

Benefits

Health, Dental & Vision Insurance

Annual and Sick Leave

403b Retirement Plan

Flexible Spending Account

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree required.
• Experience in soil ecology and conducting meta-analyses preferred.
• Strong analytical skills and familiarity with ecological research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct meta-analysis of soil responses to megaherbivores.
• Collaborate on ecological research and develop independent studies.
• Coordinate research activities with partners and collect data.

Skills

Ecological Statistics

Data Analysis

Collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Ecology or related field

Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field

Tools

Program R

Job description

Ecologist (Postdoc Research Fellow)(Soil) IS-0408-09

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Ecologist (Postdoc Research Fellow)(Soil) IS-0408-09

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Application Deadline: 19 June 2025

Department: National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Bozeman, MT

Reporting To: Supervisory Ecologist

Compensation: $61,111 / year

Description

OPEN DATE: June 5, 2025

CLOSING DATE: June 19, 2025 (This job will close once 100 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

DUTY LOCATION: Bozeman, MT

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

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.
  
  

Overview

INTRODUCTION

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), Bozeman, MT. NZCBI plays a leading role in the Smithsonian's global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists.

Summary

The Smithsonian Institution’s Great Plains Science Program and Conservation Ecology Center is hiring a postdoc. The position is based in Bozeman, Montana (under Smithsonian’s Great Plains Science Program). Currently, the position is expected to have one year of funding. The position is an IS-09 hire with a salary of $61,111 open to US citizens and nationals. The position is intended for an early-career scientist with expertise in soil ecology and grassland systems

LOCATION

Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Great Plains Science Program, Bozeman, MT.

Duties And Responsibilities

The primary duty of this position will be to conduct a meta-analysis of soil responses to megaherbivores using a distributed network of collaborators in global grassland systems. The established network includes data from both ongoing soil collection by a network of partners and previously collected data from grassland sites inside and outside of fenced exclosures for large mammalian herbivores. The postdoc will aid partner coordination for the network and conduct a meta-analysis of soil responses to grazing (including both domestic and wild herbivores). Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in ecological statistics and strong abilities to communicate with diverse groups.

Second, The Postdoc Will Have Opportunities To Conceive, Develop, And Conduct Their Own Research Related To Soil Ecology Of Grasslands. The Primary Field Site Area For The Program Includes Short To Mixed Grass Prairies Of Eastern Montana Owned By Partners Including The NGO American Prairie And US Government Agencies. Potential Areas Of Research Include Interactions Between Soils And The Following

• grassland reseeding efforts (with several previous and planned reseeded grasslands available for research opportunities),
• mammalian grazing regimes (with local efforts including restoration of bison and prairie dogs),
• insect communities (with opportunities to sample areas treated with insecticide and compare with untreated controls), and
• microclimate (with ongoing research to identify local variation and drivers of microclimate).
  
  

Qualification Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Degree: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in biology or a related field of science underlying ecological research that involved at least 30 semester hours of coursework in basic and applied biological sciences. These hours must have included at least 9 semester hours in ecology, and 12 semester hours in physical and mathematical sciences.
  
  

OR

• Combination of education and experience -- at least 30 semester hours of courses equivalent to a major in any combination of biological sciences, statistics, or mathematics, with required course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
  
  

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

• Experience conducting ecological research with preference given for soil ecologists.
• Expertise and experience conducting ecological statistics with preference given for researchers with experience working with big data and conducting meta-analyses.
• Significant analysis skills in Program R.
• Enthusiasm for collaborating across institutions and countries to jointly pursue research topics relevant to both academic and applied audiences.
• Willing and able to reside near Bozeman, MT.
  
  

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 can 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.

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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 [e-mail]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.

The 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.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Internship

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Industries

  Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos

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