1

Vertebrate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Archives Intern (Part-Time)

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$27 - $31/hr

The department of Vertebrate Paleontology, in the Museum's Division of Paleontology, is seeking a part-time Archives Intern, responsible for working with and supporting the Project Archivist in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Vertebrate information

See salary details

$19K

$51.7K

$96K

How much do vertebrate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for vertebrate in the United States is $51,740.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,000.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Vertebrate Zoologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Vertebrate Zoologist, you need a solid background in biology, ecology, and zoology, typically supported by a degree in biological sciences. Experience with laboratory and field research tools, statistical analysis software, and species identification systems is essential. Strong observation, analytical thinking, and communication skills help you excel in data interpretation and collaborative research. These skills ensure accurate research outcomes, effective conservation strategies, and clear dissemination of scientific findings.

What are vertebrates?

Vertebrates are animals that have a backbone or spinal column, which is part of an internal skeleton made of bone or cartilage. This group includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Vertebrates are distinguished from invertebrates, which lack a backbone. They typically have a more complex body structure and organ systems, allowing them to adapt to a wide range of environments.

What is the difference between Vertebrate vs Marine Biologist?

AspectVertebrateMarine Biologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Biology, Zoology, or related fieldsBachelor's or higher in Marine Biology, Oceanography, or related fields
Work EnvironmentZoos, research labs, fieldwork in various habitatsOcean, coastal areas, research vessels, laboratories
Industry UsageWildlife conservation, research, educationMarine ecosystems, conservation, research
Common Search/ComparisonVertebrate specialists, zoologistsMarine species experts, ocean researchers

Vertebrate professionals focus on animals with a backbone across various habitats, including terrestrial and freshwater environments. Marine Biologists specialize in oceanic and marine species, often working in aquatic settings. While both roles involve biological research and conservation, Vertebrate roles are broader, whereas Marine Biologists concentrate specifically on marine ecosystems.

More about Vertebrate jobs
Infographic showing various Vertebrate job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Internship, 25% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,740 per year, or $24.9 per hour.
Assistant Curator, Vertebrate Zoology

Assistant Curator, Vertebrate Zoology

American Museum of Natural History

Manhattan, NY โ€ข On-site

$125K - $142K/yr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Assistant Curator, Vertebrate Zoology | Please see Special Instructions for more details. Applications should consist of:
  • Cover letter (maximum 1 page)
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Research statement, including goals, achievements and future plans (max. 3 pages, including figures and references)
  • Museum service statement addressing museum experience and interests in collections, teaching, exhibitions, and public outreach (max. 3 pages)
  • Names and contact information for three people who will be contacted to provide letters of reference at the time of application submission.
  • Up to 5 significant publications
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/. Posting Details Position Information Position Title Assistant Curator, Vertebrate Zoology Department Sr Vp & Provost - 034 Classification Title Position Summary 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 acryogenic collection;genomics labs and anancient 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. Required Qualifications Candidates must hold a doctoral degree in biology or a related field with relevant post-doctoral research experience at the time of appointment. Preferred Qualifications Physical Demands Category Full-Time Total Number of Scheduled Hours Per Pay Period 70 Union Status Non-Union FLSA Exempt Expected salary minimum $125,000/annual Expected salary maximum $142,000/annual EEO Statement 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. Quick Link https://careers.amnh.org/postings/4595 Posting Detail Information Posting Number FA015P Open Date 09/26/2025 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants Applications should consist of:
  • Cover letter (maximum 1 page)
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Research statement, including goals, achievements and future plans (max. 3 pages, including figures and references)
  • Museum service statement addressing museum experience and interests in collections, teaching, exhibitions, and public outreach (max. 3 pages)
  • Names and contact information for three people who will be contacted to provide letters of reference at the time of application submission.
  • Up to 5 significant publications
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/. Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  • * Will you have relevant post-doctoral research experience at the time of appointment?
    • Yes
    • No
  • * Do you hold a doctoral degree in biology or a related field?
    • Yes
    • No
Documents Needed To Apply Required Documents
  • Other Document
  • Publications
Optional Documents