This is a draft description of a position we expect to open soon at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. Details could change before the final posting.
Primary Purpose of the Position
The Biodiversity Lab Manager will conduct original research in biodiversity and conservation and engage in education outreach with a diversity of audiences. The job includes supervision of the on-exhibit Biodiversity Laboratory, with a focus on the oversight of technology and equipment, personnel, students involved research programs, financial administration, volunteer programs, outreach efforts, permitting for field work, and annual reports. The position will engage in original research on a relevant aspect of biodiversity, emphasizing the innovative application of technologies like camera traps and AI, in conjunction with the underlying mission of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, which includes local, regional, and international efforts. Research results are expected to be published in peer review literature, shared with museum visitors through the Lab, and shared globally through digital platforms. The position is responsible for best practices in the lab, ranging from hygiene, to serving as a role model for future scientists, to creating programmatic themes that raise the science literacy of visitors.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Recommended in this Position
- Demonstrated experience in Biodiversity research, particularly with mammals and birds.
- Demonstrated experience with techniques and technologies used in biodiversity research, such as camera traps and animal tracking.
- Possess expert knowledge of biodiversity data and experience working with large datasets.
- Work history of supervision for subordinate roles.
Education and Experience Recommended
Master’s degree in biology, zoology, or a science curriculum related to area of expertise from an appropriately accredited institution and three-years’ experience in specialty area; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Description of Work
40% – Lab Administration
- Manage the operation of the Biodiversity laboratory
- Supervise and train staff, students, and volunteers, with a particular focus on supervising undergraduates working on projects in the lab and field
- Schedule of staff and volunteers to provide adequate coverage for the laboratory’s operating hours
- Purchase and maintain equipment and supplies, including camera traps, animal tracking gear, and other high-tech equipment
- Maintain computer infrastructure in the lab, including systems running AI models
- Provide direct support to researchers through field work and associated lab follow-up
- Maintain inventory of camera traps and other high-tech equipment, ensuring a pleasant, efficient, well-organized working environment
- Organize lab meetings
40% – Research
- Conduct original research in biodiversity and conservation
- Maintain a cutting-edge knowledge of current questions, technologies, and methods in biodiversity research
- Collaborate in creating computer vision AI models related to camera trap research and work with large data sets, as well as understanding metadata related to mammal biodiversity data
- Create new and interesting research questions that students can be involved with
- Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, sometimes leading papers, and present research to peers at professional meetings
- Assist with grant writing relevant to research conducted in the lab
- Conduct research in conjunction with the underlying mission of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, which includes local, regional, and international efforts
20% – Education and Outreach
- Undertake informal science education activities as part of the daily routine
- Mentor volunteers and students in the lab, participating in distance learning, and enthusiastically communicating to diverse audiences about science in their daily lives
- Provide public presentations and conduct lab tours for museum visitors and academic institutions
- Develop and update the lab’s audio/visual interfaces and window exhibits
- Serve as a role model for students and citizen scientists.
- Occasionally work with citizen scientists to collect new data and help with science education outreach and technologies for disseminating information to the public
- Teach courses, guest lecture, advise & train, and otherwise mentor graduate students at local universities
- Create programmatic themes that raise the science literacy of visitors
Compensation
Salary level is not yet known but expected to be ~$60K + benefits.
To Apply
This position is not yet formally posted, but is expected to open summer 2026. When it becomes available it will be advertised for a minimum of five days and applications will be submitted through the NC Department of Cultural and Natural Resources.
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