Research Scientist, Mammals

Field Museum•Chicago, IL

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Research Scientist, Mammals will join an international team of conservation ecologists, social scientists, and disease biologists conducting One Health research on bat-borne parasites in southern Guyana. The project examines how human-driven landscape change and Indigenous cultural practices shape bat diversity and potential transmission pathways of bat-associated trypanosomes. Working with the Waiwai Indigenous community, the research integrates biodiversity surveys and molecular analyses with Traditional Ecological Knowledge to study host–parasite interactions among wildlife, domestic animals, and humans, supporting local conservation, public health, and preservation of Traditional Ecological Knowledge. The successful candidate will conduct field research and biological sampling, perform molecular analyses including Nanopore sequencing, and prepare and curate museum specimens. They will collaborate with community partners and interdisciplinary research teams, support research data management, and assist the Principal Investigator with student guidance and training. The position is based at the Field Museum and includes research in southern Guyana. The candidate is expected to publish lead-author research papers. This is a two-year contract role with general supervision from the Negaunee Collection Manager of Mammals, Adam Ferguson; it has no direct supervisory responsibilities. The position is hybrid eligible, works 35 hours, is represented by Field Museum Workers’ United, AFSCME Council 31, AFL-CIO, and pays $70,000 annually.

Requirements

PhD in Ecology, Conservation Biology, Wildlife Biology, Disease Ecology, Parasitology, or a closely related scientific field.
Demonstrated field research experience involving bat collection, handling, and biological sampling.
Experience in pathobiology, parasitology, or related host–parasite research.
Experience performing molecular analyses, including Nanopore sequencing under field conditions.
Experience collaborating with community partners on conservation or biodiversity research initiatives.
Knowledge of biodiversity research methods, wildlife disease ecology, and host–parasite interactions.
Strong organizational and research data management skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate scientific findings and collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in remote field environments.
Ability and willingness to conduct fieldwork in southern Guyana.

Nice To Haves

Previous field research experience in Guyana or other Neotropical regions.
Experience working collaboratively with Indigenous communities and incorporating Traditional Ecological Knowledge into scientific research.
Experience preparing, documenting, and curating biological specimens for museum or scientific collections.
Experience mentoring, training, or supervising students in field or laboratory settings.
Experience conducting One Health research involving wildlife, domestic animals, humans, and infectious disease ecology.
Experience contributing to peer-reviewed scientific publications and presenting research findings.

Responsibilities

Conduct field research in southern Guyana, including bat biodiversity surveys, collection, identification, and biological sampling.
Investigate relationships among human-driven landscape changes, Indigenous cultural practices, bat diversity, and potential trypanosome transmission pathways.
Perform molecular analyses of biological samples, including Nanopore sequencing under field conditions, to investigate bat-associated parasites.
Collect, prepare, document, and curate biological specimens according to scientific and museum collection protocols.
Collaborate with the Waiwai Indigenous community and other research partners to integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge into biodiversity and disease ecology research.
Assist with collecting, organizing, managing, and analyzing field and laboratory research data.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary and international research teams to support project objectives and activities.
Assist the Principal Investigator with guidance, training, and mentorship of students in field and laboratory research.
Contribute to scientific reports, research publications, presentations, and other project deliverables; the candidate is expected to publish lead-author research papers.
Follow research protocols, ethical guidelines, safety procedures, and applicable wildlife research and community engagement requirements.