Supervisory Research Zoologist
What you'd do
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 the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), Washington, DC. with duty location in either Washington D.C. or Front Royal, VA.
Major duties
The Supervisory Research Zoologist leads NZCBI's Center for Conservation Genomics and is responsible for developing, expanding and implementing an ambitious science and conservation program to advance the field of conservation genomics and related research areas. 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. Conduct research using genomic, transcriptomic, environmental DNA (eDNA), and ancient DNA approaches to evaluate genetic diversity, population history, species distribution, abundance, diet, evolutionary processes, and conservation outcomes, while advancing bioinformatics solutions to inform conservation strategies. Formulate specific and authoritative conclusions that are presented in a series of published contributions in the field of conservation genomics. 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 leadership, oversight, and direction for key NZCBI programs and functions, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and the successful achievement of NZCBI mission objectives.
What you need to qualify
Basic Qualifications Degree: zoology; or a related discipline or field of science that included at least 20 semester hours in zoology and related animal sciences. OR Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in zoology, or in a related discipline that included course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Graduate Education: To be qualifying, graduate study must have been in one of the major fields of zoology or have followed a curriculum or pattern of training that placed major emphasis on one of these disciplines or subject-matter fields, such as nematology or parasitology. Graduate study in related fields of science such as microbiology, medicine, veterinary medicine, or plant pathology that involved cross-training in zoology or one of the fields of zoology may also be qualifying, provided there was a sufficient amount of emphasis on zoology. In addition to the basic qualification requirement above: Experience: 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. 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. In addition to a two-page resume, please provide a Curriculum Vitae (CV) with your publications, grants, professional accomplishments, and other relevant qualifications and activities. 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. Or a Combination: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications. For a full explanation of this option please see the Qualification Standards. Special instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
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