Job Description

Research Scientist, California Systems Ecologist

Research Scientist, California Systems Ecologist

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants

About the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a globally renowned scientific and cultural institution located in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Home to a world-class planetarium, aquarium, research center, and natural history museum—all under one living roof—our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. Our extensive collections span plants, animals, fossils, and cultural artifacts from across the globe and throughout history. We are a diverse team of leading biodiversity scientists, educators, storytellers, designers, and communicators who work collaboratively to advance knowledge and inspire action through science and storytelling. When you join the California Academy of Sciences, you become part of a mission-driven community that values curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. Whether you're working behind the scenes in research or engaging the public on the museum floor, your work will help connect people to the natural world and empower them to protect it.

About the Opportunity

Research Scientist in biogeography, California change ecology, and the integration of community-collected data into those disciplines reports to the Director of the Center for Biodiversity and Community Science, a department in the Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability (IBSS), the California Academy of Sciences’ research division. The Research Scientist will establish a research program that leverages contemporary and historical biodiversity data to address ongoing and expected ecological transitions across California, including wildfire resilience in the Sierras and urban biodiversity opportunities. A strong publication record, service to the scientific and Academy community, pursuit of external funding, engagement in outreach activities, and mentorship of students are also expected. This is a full-time temporary position.

Organizational Culture

Join a team dedicated to the Academy’s mission, vision and values! Currently, the Academy has a new strategic plan including three initiatives – Hope for Reefs , Thriving California , and Islands 2030 – that leverage biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement to regenerate fragile ecosystems around the world. Learn more at

We hope you are inspired by what we do and are excited to contribute to our mission. The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every qualification for the position.

This position is based in San Francisco, California. Staff are currently expected to work from the Academy offices at least 2-3 times per week, which may fluctuate based on business needs. Please do not apply if you are not able to work onsite.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducts original biodiversity science research in collaboration with Academy scientists and external partners.
• Leads data collection, analysis, visualization, and communication of biodiversity data
• Provides mentorship to early career scientists (postdoctoral researchers, graduate and undergraduate students)
• May develop and teach workshops or courses for undergraduate and graduate students, based on the appointment and departmental needs
• Dedicated to training scientists and building capacity in developing countries and to increasing participation of groups historically underrepresented in systematics, evolutionary biology and sustainability.
• Engages in educational activities for Academy staff and volunteers, including docents
• Ensure scientific accuracy in Academy messaging.
• Provides regular updates on project progress to funders and partners
• Disseminates findings in written technical reports and academic publications, as well as oral presentations at scientific conferences and public meetings
• Establishes and maintains professional partnerships and networks.
• Participates in the activities of and/or provides advice to local, national, and international scientific societies, academic institutions, and government agencies.
• Provides specimen identifications in areas of expertise as appropriate.
• Serves as a reviewer of scientific manuscripts, grant proposals, and other scientists and institutions as requested.
• Participates in the Academy's fieldwork, as needed
• Follows all Academy safety regulations
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications: A successful candidate will have the following:

• Ph.D. degree in evolutionary biology, ecology, statistics, bioinformatics, data science, or related fields.
• Postdoctoral research experience.
• 7 years or more of research experience in biodiversity science, including doctoral work.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (English) and a strong background in science communication with diverse audiences.
• Strong interest in biodiversity and ability to communicate that passion.
• Expertise in biodiversity data analysis and/or modeling.
• Experience in reproducible workflows, code version control, and management (Git, GitHub)
• Works as a part of multi-disciplinary teams and diverse stakeholder groups
• Committed to working on a team that is striving to be anti-racist in work, interactions, systems, and tools
• Confident and flexible communicator, both written and verbal, to diverse audiences
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently, and as a member of interdisciplinary teams on cross-cutting issues
• Demonstrated experience securing external funding and managing those funds
• Demonstrated ability to successfully collaborate with non-scientists
• Flexible and creative
• Expertise in R programming and statistical environment for the integration, manipulation, and analysis of big data, preferred.
• Experience in geo-spatial analysis and data visualization (R, QGIS, ArcGIS, etc.), preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals

Physical Environment:

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to meet the job’s essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, use a computer, and communicate on the phone, in person, and online meetings/calls. The employee will spend time out-of-doors at events and programs, occasionally in hot or inclement weather. Must be able to transport 30 lbs. Must be able to perform repetitive motions 50% of the time.

The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Temporary

Job function

• Industries

  Software Development

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Job Tags

Full time, Temporary work, Local area, Flexible hours,

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