Research Scientist, Mammals

Position: Research Scientist, Mammals

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Gantz

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.

We're dedicated to enhancing your life both at work and beyond!

Human-driven land-use changes and cultural practices in the Neotropics, such as agriculture, impact wildlife biodiversity, and disease ecology. In Guyana, this project investigates how these factors shape bat diversity and the transmission pathways of trypanosomes, a diverse group of parasites that cause neglected tropical diseases such as Chagas disease. Working with the Waiwai Indigenous community, the project integrates biodiversity surveys and molecular analyses with Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). By studying historical agricultural sites, the project aims to understand host–parasite interactions among wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. This work supports local conservation and public health efforts and helps preserve TEK.

The overarching aim of this project is to investigate how human-driven landscape change and indigenous cultural practices shape the diversity and potential transmission pathways of bat-associated trypanosomes in the south of Guyana. We seek PhD-level candidates demonstrating experience in collecting bats, pathobiology, and Nanopore sequencing under field conditions as well as experience working with community partner conservation initiatives, with particular experience in Guyana. Additionally, we are looking for candidates with experience in museum specimen curation and preparation. The candidate will join an international team of conservation ecologists, social scientists, and disease biologists implementing One Health studies of bat-borne parasites in southern Guyana. 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 Negaunee Collection Manager of Mammals Adam Ferguson. This is a two-year contract, and the candidate is expected to publish research papers as lead author and to conduct research at the Field Museum. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct field research in southern Guyana, including bat biodiversity surveys, collection, identification, and biological sampling.
• Investigate the relationships between human-driven landscape changes, Indigenous cultural practices, bat diversity, and the potential transmission pathways of trypanosomes.
• Perform molecular analyses of biological samples, including Nanopore sequencing under field conditions, to investigate bat-associated parasites.
• Collect, prepare, document, and curate biological specimens in accordance with established 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 the collection, organization, management, and analysis of field and laboratory research data.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary and international research teams to support project objectives and research activities.
• Assist the Principal Investigator (PI) with the guidance, training, and mentorship of students participating in field and laboratory research.
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific reports, research publications, presentations, and other project deliverables.
• Follow established research protocols, ethical guidelines, safety procedures, and applicable requirements for wildlife research and community engagement.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Ecology, Conservation Biology, Wildlife Biology, Disease Ecology, Parasitology, or a closely related scientific field.
• Demonstrated experience conducting field research 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Application materials include:

• A statement of interest,
• Cover letter
• Contact information of 3 professional references.

Review of applications will begin on November 1st, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

Supervision Received:

Receives general supervision by Negaunee Collection Manager of Mammals

Supervision Exercised:

The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Hours and Shift:

35

Hybrid Eligibility:

Eligible

Location:

1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605

Union Representation:

This position is represented by Field Museum Workers’ United, AFSCME Council 31, AFL-CIO.

Pay Range: $70,000/Annually

PLEASE 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