Entomologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow) IS-0414-11

Smithsonian Institution; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 73,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in entomology and pollinator genomics. The role focuses on mass digitization and comparative genomics of insect pollinators within NMNH collections, requiring leadership in method development, data validation, and collaboration across partners.

The candidate will conduct DNA extraction, genome assembly, and analyses, contribute to publications, and participate in education and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Biological Sciences or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Professional knowledge of biological sciences, entomology, systematics, bioinformatics and data management is required.
• Molecular laboratory skills including DNA extraction and library preparation are required.
• Experience in genetic techniques, genome assembly, annotation and public repositories is required.
• Ability to lead collaborations across scientists and stakeholders; strong written and oral communication skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Perform DNA extraction and preparation for whole genome sequencing.
• Assemble and annotate genomes.
• Analyze comparative phylogeny and evolution of genes across pollinator lineages.
• Examine evolution of phenotypic and behavioral traits within genomic context.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Data management

Oral and written communication

Team collaboration

Genome analysis

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Biological Sciences

Tools

GenBank

R/Python/MATLAB

Job description

Entomologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow) IS-0414-11

Application Deadline: 8 October 2026

Department: National Museum of Natural History

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Compensation: $85,447 / year

Description

OPEN DATE: September 17, 2026

CLOSING DATE: October 8, 2026 (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 2 years)

SCHEDULE: Full Time

DUTY LOCATION: Washington, D.C.

SALARY RANGE: $85,447.00 to $85,447.00 The salary range listed above reflects the Museum's authorized salary range for this position.

Position sensitivity and risk: 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. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which 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.
• 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 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, an institution with a bold vision for the future: to build a better tomorrow for all. The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is part of the Smithsonian’s unique complex and is one of the most visited museums in the United States. Its mission is to promote understanding of the natural world and our place in it. NMNH has a collection of 148 million specimens and artifacts. Each one reflects a moment in space and time and in these moments, we find Earth’s story.

The National Museum of Natural History invites applicants for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher, as part of a project focused on mass digitization of insect pollinating species in the NMNH collections. As part of this project, the position will focus on insect pollinator comparative genomics.

Excellent leadership and considerable judgment skills are necessary to plan work, refine methods, and develop workflows for successful completion of the research. The successful candidate will be expected to present research results at professional meetings. The candidate must ensure that generated data are validated, analyzed, documented, shared with partners, and deposited in public repositories. They will write peer-reviewed scientific papers in collaboration with NMNH and other partners. The successful candidate will be expected to participate in other NMNH activities, such as education and outreach activities.

Full-time, 2-year temporary appointment with full Smithsonian benefits to be filled at the IS-11 level, equivalent to Federal GS-11.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform DNA extraction and preparation for whole genome sequencing using the laboratory faculties provided by the NMNH Laboratories of Analytical Biology.
• Assemble and annotate resulting genomes.
• Analyze the comparative phylogeny and evolution of select genes, looking for evidence of positive selection, gene loss or duplication, gene family expansion, and other functional genomic differences between pollinator lineages
• Analyze the evolution of phenotypic (physical) and behavioral traits involved with pollination within the context of their genomic characteristics and phylogenetic history.
• Use results to support presentations at scientific conferences, public education and outreach activities, and the writing of peer-reviewed research publications.

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 in Biological Sciences or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge and experience sought for this role include but are not limited to:

• Professional knowledge of biological sciences, entomology, systematics, bioinformatics and data management is required.
• Molecular laboratory skills, including best practices for sample preservation, DNA extraction of entomological samples and library preparation are required.
• Demonstrated experience in genetic techniques, genome assembly, annotation, analysis, and public repositories (e.g., GenBank) is required.
• Experience in computing resources, computers, software and bioinformatics is required.
• Ability to work and collaborate with a diverse team of scientists and program managers is required.
• Demonstrated experience in oral and written communication is required.
• Evidence of prior publications in peer-reviewed journals is required.
• Ability to lead and facilitate collaborations across scientists and stakeholders is important.
• Ability to communicate entomology and genomic related topics to a variety of audiences including general, educational and scientific groups is important.
• Experience with imaging techniques and microscopy is important.
• Knowledge of public repositories for biodiversity records, genetic and genomic data is important.
• Experience with statistical and data analysis platforms such as R, python, and/or MatLab is important.
• Must be able to work independently as well as within a team environment.
• Demonstrated experience in systematics or pollination biology of insects is preferred.
• Laboratory management experience, including following and communicating standard operating procedures to others and maintaining lab resources is preferred.

Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."

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.

Education completed outside the U.S. 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 must 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.

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.

For more information, contact [e-mail].

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: Individuals with Disabilities | Smithsonian Institution (https://www.si.edu/oeo/individuals-disabilities).

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: Office of Equal Opportunity | Smithsonian Institution (https://www.si.edu/oeo).