Supervisory Research Zoologist

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 Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), Washington, DC or Front Royal, VA.  NZCBI’s Center for Conservation Genomics is focused on developing and implementing a science and conservation program to advance the field of conservation genomics.

Qualifications:

Grade 14: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal service or comparable pay band system related to the work of this position.  For this position, specialized experience is defined as developing, planning, and implementing a science and conservation program and leading and supervising others that lead to advance the field of conservation genomics and related research areas.

Grade 15: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 level in the Federal service or comparable pay band system related to the work of this position.  For this position, specialized experience is defined as developing, planning, and implementing a broad range of advanced and complex investigations in the field of conservation genomics; designing and executing new approaches and investigations to extend and to ensure the viability of wildlife species and populations; and leading and supervising others that lead to advance the field of conservation genomics and related research areas.

Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.

Responsibilities:

The incumbent leads research groups and conducts research in one or several areas of expertise, including, but not limited to, using genomic and transcriptomic data to assess genetic diversity, adaptation, resilience and population history; applying non-invasive and environmental DNA (eDNA) to study species distribution, abundance and diet; employing ancient DNA to reconstruct the evolutionary history of extinct or past populations; advancing bioinformatics to analyze genomic data and develop actionable conservation insights for endangered species; identifying and managing pathogens and parasites; characterizing microbiomes and their impacts; and developing tools for genetic rescue and hybridization management. 

In this position, you will:

• Lead the development of a multifaceted research program in conservation genomics that addresses a broad range of complex and advanced scientific and applied challenges in the field. 
• Formulate specific and authoritative conclusions that are presented in a series of published contributions in the field of conservation genomics. Important findings are new and significant additions to advancements in the field of conservation genomics and/or important changes to existing processes.  Disseminate the results of scholarly research to national and international audiences.
• Serve as an expert advisor/consultant to personnel within the scientific and professional community in Federal Agencies, Universities, Laboratories, Zoological Parks, Research facilities on matters related to areas of conservation genomics.
• Provide consultation and advisory services to management agencies and other organizations requesting scientific expertise.  Categorize and interpret research findings obtained from both environmental applications and controlled laboratory experiments. 
• Supervise, direct, coordinate, and oversee the programs, functions, and initiatives performed by staff. Plan work to be accomplished by the subordinate staff, set and adjust short-term long-term priorities, prepares timeframes and milestones for completion of work.

Salary : $143,913