Assistant Curator, Vertebrate Zoology

The Division of Vertebrate Zoology at the American Museum of Natural History ( AMNH) seeks an Assistant Curator in either the Department of Ornithology, Ichthyology, or Mammalogy to start on or after July 1, 2026.

The AMNH is searching for an innovative researcher in evolutionary biology, with emphasis on collection-based research. The successful candidate will have demonstrated high-impact scholarship, grantsmanship, and the potential to establish an independent research program, mentor graduate students and post-doctoral scholars, and establish effective collaborations and partnerships within and outside of the Museum. Applicants' research focus could include, but are not limited to, systematics, comparative genomics, phenomics, or population genetics.

Responsibilities include conducting original scientific research on birds, fishes, or mammals, oversee the curation and management of the collection of their respective discipline in the Division of Vertebrate Zoology, and enhance the Museum's collections through field expeditions and scientific collecting. The successful candidate will demonstrate the interest and ability to engage in public outreach in line with AMNH's strategic goal to address the local and global impact of climate change and biodiversity loss through collaboration across science, education, exhibitions, and external partners. In addition, the successful candidate will serve as an Assistant Professor in the Richard Gilder Graduate School and must have an interest in teaching and advising PhD students and postdocs in comparative biology. The position will provide opportunities to contribute to exhibition development, collaborate with the Museum's education department, and participate in public programs.

The AMNH is a recognized leader in scientific research, graduate education, and public education about science and the natural world. Resources available at the AMNH include world-class zoological collections, including a cryogenic collection; genomics labs and an ancient biomolecules lab; computational systems; and a wide range of optical, electron beam, and X-ray analytical tools (including CT scanning). The AMNH maintains active internal grant programs to support field research across many disciplines. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to build on existing relationships with nearby collaborating institutions including Columbia University and the City University of New York.

The expected salary range for the Assistant Curator, Vertebrate Zoology is $125,000 - 142,000.

Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization and depth and scope of experience.

Candidates must hold a doctoral degree in biology or a related field with relevant post-doctoral research experience at the time of appointment.

The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender (including sexual harassment), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, caregiver, pre-employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law. Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history, in each case to the extent provided by law.

Applications should consist of:

Application materials should be submitted as a single PDF under "Other Document", with the exception of publication PDFs, which can be submitted under "Publications". Publications may be submitted as a file share link/folder if the size exceeds 10MB.

Inquiries about the position should be directed to Brian Smith (bsmith1@amnh.org). Consideration of applications will begin December 3, 2025, but applications will continue to be accepted after this date. Applications should be submitted through the AMNH career portal: https://careers.amnh.org/ .