Assistant Curator/Professor in Ancient Biomolecules

$123,000 - $140,000/Yr

American Museum of Natural History - New York, NY

Full-time - Entry Level

New York, NY

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About the position

The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) is seeking an Assistant Curator in the area of Ancient Biomolecules. This position is a tenure-track role that combines responsibilities as an Assistant Curator in one of four science divisions—Anthropology, Invertebrate Zoology, Paleontology, or Vertebrate Zoology—and as an Assistant Professor in the Richard Gilder Graduate School at the AMNH. The successful candidate will be expected to engage in high-impact research that generates molecular data from ancient or historical archival materials and collections. Candidates should demonstrate a strong record of scientific productivity and grantsmanship, along with clear potential for future success in these areas. Research focus for this position can encompass various domains related to ancient DNA, historical DNA, museomics, paleoproteomics, paleogenomics, and molecular signatures in ancient tissues. The research should align with the Museum's emphasis on comparative biology and/or anthropology. Candidates whose research contributes to the growth of natural history collections through fieldwork are particularly encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will also have a passion for teaching and advising graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the Museum's Richard Gilder Graduate School. The Curator's research and activities are expected to complement and strategically expand the use of the Museum's collections in innovative ways. The AMNH offers a wealth of resources, including world-class collections, the Institute for Comparative Genomics with laboratories for molecular and microbial research, an ancient biomolecules lab, a renowned natural history library, the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, the Southwestern Research Station, computational systems, and a variety of analytical tools such as CT scanning. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to build on existing collaborations with nearby institutions, including Columbia University and City University of New York. The AMNH fosters a vibrant scientific community and provides outstanding opportunities for public engagement with a diverse audience. The Museum is committed to promoting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and visitor experience through defined institutional strategies and goals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-impact research in the area of ancient biomolecules.
• Generate molecular data from ancient or historical archival materials and collections.
• Integrate research with the Museum's focus on comparative biology and/or anthropology.
• Teach and advise graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the Richard Gilder Graduate School.
• Expand the use of the Museum's collections through innovative research activities.
• Collaborate with nearby institutions to enhance research and educational opportunities.
• Engage with the public through outreach and educational programs.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in the natural or social sciences at the time of application submission.
• Demonstrated high-impact research experience in ancient biomolecules or related fields.
• Strong record of scientific productivity and grantsmanship.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in fieldwork that contributes to the growth of natural history collections.
• Interest in teaching and mentoring graduate students and postdocs.
• Familiarity with molecular and microbial research techniques.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $123,000 - 140,000 annually.
• Access to world-class collections and research facilities.
• Opportunities for collaboration with leading institutions.
• Support for field research through internal grant programs.