Postdoctoral Conservation Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Postdoctoral Fellow (Eleanor J. Sterling Conservation Fellow)
Department
Biodiversity - 022
Position Summary
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition.
The Center for Biodiversity and Conservation (CBC), within the Science division, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow.
The CBC transforms knowledge-from diverse sources and perspectives, and spanning areas of scientific research as well as traditional and local knowledge-into conservation action. We are dedicated to supporting emerging conservationists and committed to making the conservation field welcoming and accessible to all, to ensure a creative, relevant, and effective conservation workforce. Now in its fourth decade, the CBC seeks to further develop and deepen partnerships with other scientific work occurring at the Museum and beyond towards local, regional, and global conservation and climate resilience.This Postdoctoral Fellow is a one-year position, with the possibility of an extension should funding become available. The position is named in honor of Dr. Eleanor J. Sterling, former CBC Director and later Chief Conservation Scientist. Dr. Sterling led interdisciplinary, participatory, and collaborative research on the links between biodiversity and people and mentored a new and diverse generation of conservation scientists. Dr. Sterling drove the conservation arena to be more inclusive, and hence, stronger.
In keeping with this, the Sterling Conservation Fellow will be expected to lead conservation research that is interdisciplinary and builds bridges across the natural and social sciences and advances inclusive and participatory approaches in conservation. The Sterling Conservation Fellow will also participate in team-based strategizing and evaluation within the CBC. Applicants with any research focus relevant to biodiversity conservation are encouraged to apply. This may include, but is not restricted to:

• Patterns of global change,
• Conservation strategies,
• Climate change impacts and adaptation,
• Biocultural conservation, or
• Coupled human-natural systems.

Applicants who use natural history collections for forward-looking work on the biodiversity and climate crises, and those leading work at the intersection of conservation, climate change, and human wellbeing are especially encouraged to apply.
The expected salary for the Postdoctoral Fellow is $73,316/annual. The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community.
Pay is 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.
Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of all education requirements needed for conferral of a PhD in the social or natural sciences by the time of appointment.
• Proven interest in integrating biological and social science perspectives to advance effective, inclusive biodiversity conservation research and action.
• Experience planning and implementing collaborative scientific research projects.
• Ability to lead a vibrant research program, as evidenced through either published research products, a strong pipeline of upcoming publications, or significant contributions to conservation outcomes.
• Proven organizational, project management, and collaboration skills.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with research fundraising processes, including grant writing.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods.
• Must be able to move about the Museum campus.

Category
Full-Time/Term
Total Number of Scheduled Hours Per Pay Period
70
Union Status
Non-Union
FLSA
Exempt
Expected Salary Minimum
$73,316/annual
Expected Salary Maximum
$73,316/annual
EEO Statement
The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity 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.
Quick Link
https://careers.amnh.org/postings/4869
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
GS1041P
Open Date
08/12/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants