Careers

Visiting Scholar

Role Title: Scientist I
Position: #: MNH0003
Salary Range: Pay Band 4
Minimum Staring Pay: $43,000 - $48,000
Location: Martinsville, VA

The Virginia Museum of Natural History (VMNH) seeks a Visiting Scholar/Visiting Researcher/Postdoctoral Scholar in Vertebrate Biology, broadly defined. The successful candidate will be appointed in the Research and Collections Division and affiliated with a biology science lab within a given scientific collection (Vertebrate Zoology Collections). This is a 2-year, full time position with the possibility of extension.

We seek a candidate with demonstrated high-impact research applying collections-based approaches to address questions in biodiversity, systematics, phylogenetics, and/or evolution. Candidates should exhibit scientific productivity and grantsmanship, and clear potential for future success in these areas. The candidate’s research program should integrate with the Museum’s focus on comparative biology and biodiversity science with relevance to patterns and processes including but not limited to Virginia ecosystems and species. The ideal candidate would have an interest in working with data from the museum’s ornithology and/or mammalogy collections. Those whose research utilizes or increases visibility of natural history collections through big data computational approaches or fieldwork are encouraged to apply.

The candidate’s research and activities are expected to complement and utilize or strategically expand the use of the museum’s collections in novel ways. The VMNH has a small but active scientific community and multiple opportunities for public-facing engagement with a large and diverse audience. We are committed to advancing and sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and visitor experience and expect the opportunity to join with this mission to be apparent in the applicants’ statements.

Minimum requirements:

• A doctoral degree in the natural sciences at the time of hiring
• Experience performing collections-based research that is relevant to the understanding of biodiversity and natural history
• Experience or interest in using science communication to engage with museum patrons and community members

Preferred qualifications:

• Publications demonstrating expertise in working with one or more vertebrate animal groups and utilizing biodiversity data
• The ability to support an externally funded research program that includes the southeastern United States
• Demonstrated ability to build a regional network with local partners and institutions
• The ability to handle large datasets using advanced computational methods
• Experience with one or more of the following: specimen collection and curation, machine learning, eDNA, metabarcoding, remote sensing, GIS, genomics, and CT scanning

The expected hiring range for the position is $43,000 to $48,000. Pay will be determined by past experience and qualifications. The Virginia Museum of Natural History is a State Agency that offers competitive benefits and retirement packages to all employees.

The Virginia Museum of Natural History is located in the biologically diverse region of southwest Virginia near a variety of natural areas spanning multiple physiographic provinces (Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Appalachian Plateau, Piedmont). The City of Martinsville is a small but vibrant community with regional access to many larger cities (Roanoke, Greensboro, Danville, Winston-Salem, Blacksburg) and universities and colleges (e.g., Virginia Tech, Roanoke College, UNC Greensboro).

Application materials should include:

• Cover letter (max. 1 page)
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement, including past achievements, future plans and opportunities to generate relevance to the biodiversity of the Commonwealth of Virginia (max. 3 pages)
• Museum service statement, describing your visions for museum service contributions to collections, exhibitions, and public programs, including commitments and contributions to increasing diversity, equity, & inclusion in education, research, and/or museum settings (max. 3 pages)
• Names and contact information for three letters of reference which will be requested for short-listed candidates

Inquiries about the position should be directed to Ben Williams, Administrator of Science. Consideration of applications will begin Nov.15, 2024.

Application Process

Only online applications are accepted. In addition to the online application, applicants must submit a cover letter and resume. These documents may be attached to the online application.

The Commonwealth of Virginia online employment application is available at https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/home. (Position #: MNH0003)

The Virginia Museum of Natural History complies with E-Verify, which is an internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are afforded equal opportunities without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics or disability. The successful applicant must furnish proof of identity and employment eligibility and is subject to a background check.