Research Scientist, Mammals

Company: Field Museum
Location: Chicago
Posted on: June 1, 2025

Job Description:

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.Climate change is one of the five primary drivers of biodiversity loss. Montane species are particularly vulnerable to climate change, facing higher rates of warming and reduced tolerance to climate-induced changes. Anthropogenic warming is driving rapid upslope migrations and range contractions at rates far exceeding historical trends, surpassing many species' thermal tolerances. As temperatures continue to rise, more pronounced upslope migrations and increased risks of mountaintop extinctions are expected, with different taxa and functional guilds (e.g., insectivores, frugivores, nectarivores) affected at varying rates, reshaping montane communities. Bats, in particular, may be especially vulnerable to climate change given their small body size and large wing membranes make them prone to dehydration. In addition, their slow, K-selected reproductive strategy heightens their extinction risk under rapid environmental changes.
This project aims to use empirical data to evaluate how tropical montane bat species, populations, and communities have responded to recent warming. We seek PhD-level candidates demonstrating experience in collecting bats, community and population montane ecology, competency with at least one scripting language (e.g. Python, R), and interest in applying new statistical approaches. Additionally, we are looking for candidates with experience in museum specimen curation and preparation. The candidate will join an international team of evolutionary biologists and ecologists studying climate change effects on montane fauna. The selected candidate is expected to demonstrate leadership ability to assist the PI with the guidance and training of students.
The successful candidate will work with Assistant Curator of Mammals Anderson Feij--. This is a two-year contract, and the candidate is expected to publish at least two research papers as lead author and to conduct research at the Field Museum. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.
Please contact Anderson Feij-- (afeijo@fieldmuseum.org) about any questions and apply online at https://www.fieldmuseum.org/about/careers. Complete application materials include a statement of interest, CV, and contact information of 3 professional references. Review of applications will begin on June 1st, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.Pay Range: $65,000/AnnuallyPLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment@fieldmuseum.org .
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Keywords: Field Museum, Orland Park , Research Scientist, Mammals, Other , Chicago, Illinois