Research Scientist – Non-Vertebrate Palaeontologist

Selection process number: 2090-CMN-26-OC-014

Your place at the Museum

We value diversity and believe we benefit from working in a place where everyone feels included and where the unique qualities and strengths inherent in a diverse workforce are combined. We welcome applications from persons who may identify as a member of one or more other equity seeking groups (for e.g. women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, religious or cultural minority).

You have a place at the Museum!

About the position

The Research Scientist – Non-Vertebrate Palaeontologist is responsible for conceiving, planning, and delivering original, impactful research, with a special focus on Canada, that advances knowledge in their field while aligning with the Museum’s mandate. The position leads the development of an independent research program, including securing external funding and building national and international collaborations. The person conducts research using laboratory analysis and natural history collections, while contributing to the growth, curation, and scientific value of these collections. They disseminate research findings through scientific publications, conferences, and public outreach, and play an active role in communicating science to diverse audiences. The role also involves collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, supervision and mentorship of students and research staff, and contributions to exhibitions, education initiatives, and broader museum activities.

Working at the museum means:

• Contributing to an engaging mission as well as exciting projects and challenges
• An inclusive, friendly and safe work environment
• A competitive salary established by collective agreements
• Access to federal public service group insurance and pension plans

Eligibility criteria

This position is open to all Employees of the Canadian Museum of Nature and any members of the public who meet the qualifications below.

Candidates must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Education and training:

Graduation with a doctoral degree from a recognized post secondary institution with a specialization in non-vertebrate palaeontology (e.g., invertebrate palaeontology, palaeobotany) or another relevant discipline.

Applications from persons enrolled in a doctoral program but who have yet to complete it will be considered. However, the thesis must have been defended and the doctoral degree awarded before appointment.

Language requirements:

• English and French are essential
• Bilingual non-imperative: CBC (definition)

Experience:

The ideal candidate will have training and experience in comparative anatomy, taxonomy and systematics, and quantitative palaeontology, a proven publication record, and experience in using updated technology, such as 3D digitization to aid in fossil reconstruction and analysis of functional morphology. They will also have experience in raising grants and external funds for research projects as well as presenting research results to both scientific audiences and the general public. They must have demonstrated comfort in working with a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach to projects. They must also have some experience working in a museum context (e.g., visiting natural history collections, leveraging them for research purposes, and/or working in a natural history museum). They will have demonstrated leadership and teamwork skills and demonstrate strong personal and professional integrity with solid values and ethics that are aligned to those of the institution, including integrity and stewardship, respect for people and nature, the pursuit of excellence and continuous learning.

As the Canadian Museum of Nature has a significant fieldwork program, the selected candidate will have the opportunity to maintain an active fieldwork program, including leading field expeditions and securing partnership and funding to support fieldwork activities.

In summary:

• Experience leading scientific research in palaeontology, particularly in non-vertebrate palaeontology
• Experience in taxonomy and systematics
• Experience in publishing peer-reviewed scientific research
• Experience in using modern technologies, including, for example, 3D digitization and analysis of functional morphology
• Experience in working with natural history collections (e.g., visiting natural history collections, leveraging them for research purposes, and/or working in a natural history museum)
• Experience in presenting research findings to scientific audiences
• Experience in presenting research findings to the public
• Experience in collaborating within multidisciplinary research environments
• Experience using computers in a scientific environment, including use of common office software (e.g., Microsoft 365 suite).

The following experience will be considered an asset:

• Experience securing research funding (e.g., grants and other forms of external funding)
• Postdoctoral experience leading scientific research in non-vertebrate palaeontology
• Experience in quantitative palaeontology and morphometric analyses
• Experience in planning and conducting fieldwork
• Experience in working with Indigenous communities
• Experience in supervising, mentoring or supporting students, staff, volunteers or research assistants

Note regarding fieldwork:

• For candidates who wish to engage in fieldwork at the Canadian Museum of Nature, the following experience should be outlined in their application and will be considered:
  • experience in leading fieldwork expeditions, especially within Canada, including handling or leading the logistics for fieldwork (securing permits, arranging for travel and accommodations, transportation of equipment and supplies, etc.)
  • experience in leading and supervising an expedition team (staff, students and colleagues), including demonstrating leadership to create a safe and inclusive work environment
  • experience in seeking and securing partnerships and funding for fieldwork

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

The position can require arduous physical work. However, the Museum provides an accessible and inclusive work environment. Accordingly, the Museum will examine, on a confidential, respectful and individual basis, any accessibility solutions or accommodation needs.

Interested? APPLY!

The Canadian Museum of Nature is committed to inclusive and barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If you are invited to participate in the selection process, we encourage you to advise us of any accommodation you may require. This information will be treated as confidential.

The Statement of Qualifications, providing greater detail about the skills, knowledge and aptitudes needed for this role, can be obtained by contacting the Museum at [email protected].

All candidates must submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae outlining how their experience and training meet the requirements listed above.

Send your application by filling in the application form where you can upload your cover letter, curriculum vitae and any other required documents.

CLOSING DATE : October 29, 2026