About the Academy 

The Academy of Natural Sciences was founded in 1812 for "the encouragement and cultivation of the sciences".  Since then, it has sponsored global expeditions, conducted pioneering environmental and systematics research, and amassed remarkable collections containing more than 18 million specimens from around the world and a peerless library and archive. Since 2011 its academic enterprise has been further strengthened through its affiliation with nearby Drexel University – a leading private non-profit research institution that focusses on innovation and entrepreneurship and provides a unique cooperative education program for its undergraduate and graduate degree students.   

Today the Academy is one of the most important natural science institutions in the world. However, the world is changing fast and the Academy – directed by its Strategic Plan 2019-24 - is changing with it.  Over the next five years the Academy will become a “force for nature” and advance its mission: “to understand the natural world and inspire everyone to care for it”. In so doing the Academy will build on its fundamental belief that diversity and inclusion generates better ideas, inspires creativity, and is essential to building a positive workplace so that in time it can become an institution that is of, by and for all Philadelphians. 

Job Summary 

The Fisheries Department of the Patrick Center for Environmental Research is searching for a Staff Scientist to provide day-to-day operational support (e.g., lab management) and project-specific support for a variety of fish projects involving invasive species, conservation, and human impacts. The individual will provide technical support, assist and/or lead the day-to-day aspects of field and laboratory activities, and assist in the preparation of reports and manuscripts. This position does not supervise professional staff and is a two-year-term position. This position reports to the Fisheries Department/Section Lead.

Departmental research themes are focused on invasive species impacts (e.g., Northern Snakehead), conservation of at-risk species (e.g., Ironcolor Shiner), migratory species (e.g., Alosines), and fish response to human impacts such as land-use change and dams. Most work is conducted in freshwater and estuarine systems with occasional work in marine environments. Most work occurs in the Mid-Atlantic region with occasion projects elsewhere in the US and internationally.

Essential Functions 

• Conduct/assist with field surveys involving the collection and identification of fishes.
• Conduct data management (e.g., data entry, databasing, QA/QC, data archiving).
• Maintain departmental spaces (i.e., lab and storage areas), equipment (e.g. electrofishing equipment), serve as lab compliance liaison.
• Conducts laboratory work involving specialized knowledge of fish biology.
• Day-to-day project management.
• Coordinate the maintenance and gear for a small fleet of boats, motors, and vehicles  
• Assist with data analysis and manuscript/report writing while working in coordination with the Section.
• Give presentations; conduct outreach on departmental work.
• Other duties as assigned by the Section Lead.

Required Qualifications 

• Minimum of a Bachelors degree in natural sciences, biology, fisheries, wildlife, environmental sciences, or ecology.
  • Please review the  Equivalency Chart for additional information.  
• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience.
• Communicates effectively orally and in writing.
• Safely operates and maintains equipment, vehicles, and watercraft following standardized protocols or manuals
• Lift over 40 pounds, work in inclement weather, and negotiate difficult terrain.
• Use of fish collection equipment including electrofishing gear, trap nets, gill nets, and seines.
• Experience using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and ArcMap.
• Ability to collect and record fisheries survey data.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Masters degree in natural sciences, biology, fisheries, wildlife, environmental sciences, or ecology.
• 2-3 years of experience.

Physical Requirements 

• Typically sitting at a desk/table.
• Typically standing, walking
• Lifting demands > 50lbs
• Typically bending, crouching, stooping

Location 

• Center City – Philadelphia, PA  

Additional Information 

This position is classified as an exempt, grade J. Compensation for this grade ranges from $47,490 to $ 71,230 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.   

We encourage you to explore Drexel's Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on our compensation framework.  

You can also find valuable information about our benefits in the Benefits Brochure.  

Special Instructions to the Applicant 

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application. 

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.