Research Geologist and/or Biologist (Postdoctoral Fellow) (IS-1350/0401-11)
Application Deadline: 6 May 2024
Department: National Museum of Natural History
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Washington, DC
Reporting To: Research Geologist (Curator)
Compensation: $82,764 / year
Description
OPEN DATE: April 5, 2024
CLOSING DATE: May 6, 2024
SALARY RANGE: IS-1350/0401-11 ($82,764)
Note: The salary range listed above reflects the Museum's authorized salary range for this position.
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Temporary, NTE 1 Year (May be further extended up to 3 years based on availability of funds)
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
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. 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
• Complete a Probationary Period
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
• Must be able to travel and work independently as well as within a team environment
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements completion within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

Full-time, temporary appointment to be filled initially for a period of one year beginning on or about August 1, 2024, renewable up to three (3) years upon satisfactory performance. Full Smithsonian benefits at the IS-11 level, equivalent to Federal GS-11. The museum's authorized salary for this position at this time is $82,764 per annum.
OVERVIEW
The Department of Mineral Sciences invites applications for one (1) position of Interdisciplinary Research Geologist or Research Biologist in support of the National Museum of Natural History's Our Unique Planet initiative, which is focused on understanding the origin of the unique features of our planet.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidate will conduct research on the topic of Origin of Biomineralization, with an emphasis on the biomineralization of iron minerals and detecting the earliest magnetofossils in the geologic record. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to study sedimentary sequences that span the time of the Great Oxidation Event (around ~2.3 billion years ago) to identify magnetofossils, or other fossil evidence of iron-biomineralizing microorganisms. Based on the candidate's interests, research can be expanded to include other time periods in the Precambrian and/or biomineralization systems.
The successful candidate will have a track record of published research commensurate with level of experience. Demonstrated experience in a field directly relevant to the research areas (e.g., one or more of biomineralogy, mineral magnetism, biogeochemistry, geomicrobiology, astrobiology), as well as experience with relevant analytical techniques is preferred (e.g., electron microscopy, magnetometry, mass spectrometry, and other micro-to-nano analytical techniques). The Department of Mineral Sciences consists of experts in meteoritics, petrology, volcanology, and mineralogy, housing world-class collections in these areas. Applicants will have full access to existing analytical strengths of the Department of Mineral Sciences, with instrumentation that includes field emission electron microprobe and scanning electron microscope, confocal Raman microscope, FTIR, vibrating sample magnetometer, and biomineralogy laboratory. The ability to effectively communicate with a wide variety of audiences, including the public, is essential. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in museum activities, such as educational outreach activities, and to be involved with professional associations and other organizations within the scientific community.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience: To qualify for this position, candidates must demonstrate the experience outlined above 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 sought for this role include but are not limited to:

• Professional knowledge of a wide range of concepts, principles, and theories of the biological and/or physical sciences in the field of biology, geology, or other related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in a field directly relevant to the research areas (e.g., one or more of biomineralogy, mineral magnetism, biogeochemistry, geomicrobiology, astrobiology).
• Professional knowledge and experience in sampling and experimental design, as well as a broad analytical outlook based on wide knowledge of various systematic methodologies.
• Experience with relevant analytical techniques is preferred (e.g., electron microscopy, magnetometry, mass spectrometry, and other micro-to-nano analytical techniques).
• Knowledge and experience in computerized statistical analysis of complex data.
• Knowledge and expertise in publishing and giving oral presentations of complex scientific results.
• Working knowledge of the scientific literature in area of expertise.

The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."

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 3-year research plan; (2) resume or curriculum vitae (CVs) (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; and a full list of publications.
Additional materials will be requested from select candidates at a later date, to include names and contact information for three referees, and a statement of how the candidate will enhance the diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusivity of the Museum.
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 will be asked to provide official transcripts before appointment.

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.
Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected 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 made compared to the qualifications and experience as it applies to this job. After a review of applicant resume is complete, qualified candidates' resumes 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 NMNHStaffing@si.edu. 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.