Research Scientist Paleontologist of Invertebrates

Selection Process Number: 2090-CMN-26-OC-014

Research and Collections Department MRS01 - $88,533 to $106,852 per year

Full-time permanent position

Work Location

• Natural Heritage Campus (NHC) - Gatineau, QC

Application Deadline

• october 29, 2026
• Fill out the application submission form
• Research Scientist Paleontologist of Invertebrates
• Selection Process Number: 2090-CMN-26-OC-014
• Your Place at the Museum

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

You Have a Place at the Museum!

About the Position

The Research Scientist Paleontologist of Invertebrates is responsible for designing, planning, and delivering original and impactful research, primarily focused on Canada, that advances knowledge in their field while respecting the Museum's mandate. The person directs the development of an independent research program, which includes obtaining external funding and forging national and international collaborations. The incumbent conducts research using laboratory analyses and natural history collections, while contributing to the enrichment, conservation, and scientific value of these collections. They disseminate research findings through scientific publications, conferences, and public awareness initiatives, and play an active role in scientific outreach to diverse audiences. This role also involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, supervision and mentoring of students and research staff, and contributions to exhibitions, educational initiatives, and broader museum activities.

Working at the Museum is

• Contributing to an engaging mission and exciting projects and challenges
• A work environment that is inclusive, friendly, and safe
• A competitive salary established by collective agreements
• Access to collective health insurance and pension plans of the public service
• Admissibility Criteria:

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

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Canada.

Education

Hold a doctorate degree awarded by an accredited post-secondary institution, with a specialization in invertebrate paleontology (e.g., invertebrate paleontology, paleobotany) or another relevant discipline.

Applications from individuals enrolled in a doctoral program but who have not yet obtained their degree will be considered. However, the thesis must have been defended and the doctorate obtained before the start of the position.

Language Requirements

• English and French are essential
• Bilingualism is not mandatory: CBC (definition)

Experience

The ideal candidate will have training and experience in comparative anatomy, taxonomy, and systematics, as well as quantitative paleontology; they will have a proven publication record and experience using cutting-edge technologies, such as 3D digitization to facilitate fossil reconstruction and functional morphology analysis. They will also have experience in securing external funding for research projects and presenting research findings to both scientific and general audiences. The candidate must demonstrate their ability to work within a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to projects. They must also have some experience in the museum environment (e.g., visiting natural history collections, using them for research purposes and/or working within a natural history museum). The person will have demonstrated leadership and teamwork skills and will exhibit strong personal and professional integrity, with values and ethics that align with those of the institution, including integrity and responsible management, respect for people and nature, pursuit of excellence, and continuous learning.

As the Canadian Museum of Nature has an important fieldwork program, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to maintain an active fieldwork program, including leading expeditions and establishing partnerships and securing funding to support these activities.

In summary:

• Experience conducting scientific research in paleontology, particularly in invertebrate paleontology
• Experience in taxonomy and systematics
• Experience in publishing peer-reviewed scientific research papers
• Experience using modern technologies, including, for example, 3D digitization and functional morphology analysis
• Experience working with natural history collections (e.g., visiting natural history collections, using them for research purposes and/or working within a natural history museum)
• Experience presenting research findings to a scientific audience
• Experience presenting research findings to the general public
• Experience collaborating within multidisciplinary research environments
• Experience using computers in a scientific environment, including the use of common office software (e.g., Microsoft 365 suite).
• The following experiences will be considered an asset:
• Experience obtaining research funding (e.g., grants and other forms of external funding)
• Postdoctoral experience conducting scientific research in invertebrate paleontology
• Experience in quantitative paleontology and morphometric analyses
• Experience in planning and conducting fieldwork
• Experience collaborating with Indigenous communities
• Experience in mentoring, mentoring, or supporting students, staff, volunteers, or research assistants

Note on Fieldwork

• For candidates and applicants who wish to conduct fieldwork at the Canadian Museum of Nature, the following experience must be described in their application and will be taken into account:

+ Experience conducting field expeditions, especially in Canada, including managing or conducting fieldwork logistics (obtaining permits, organizing travel and accommodation, transporting equipment and supplies, etc.); + Experience conducting and supervising a fieldwork team (staff, students, and colleagues), including demonstrating leadership to create a safe and inclusive work environment; + Experience in seeking partnerships and funding for fieldwork.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS:

The position may require strenuous physical work. However, the museum offers an accessible and inclusive work environment. As a result, the Museum will examine, in a confidential, respectful, and individual manner, any accessibility or adaptation needs.

Interested? APPLY!

The Canadian Museum of Nature has committed to establishing inclusive and barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If you are invited to participate in the selection process, we encourage you to let us know of any accommodations you may need. This information will be treated as confidential.

The statement of qualifications, providing more details on the skills, knowledge, and abilities required for this role, can be obtained by contacting the Museum at competition@nature.ca.

All candidates must submit a cover letter and a curriculum vitae describing how their experience