Postdoctoral Researcher, Indigenous Science

About the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a globally renowned scientific and cultural institution located in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Home to a world-class planetarium, aquarium, research center, and natural history museum—all under one living roof—our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.

Our extensive collections span plants, animals, fossils, and cultural artifacts from across the globe and throughout history. We are a diverse team of leading biodiversity scientists, educators, storytellers, designers, and communicators who work collaboratively to advance knowledge and inspire action through science and storytelling.

When you join the California Academy of Sciences, you become part of a mission-driven community that values curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. Whether you're working behind the scenes in research or engaging the public on the museum floor, your work will help connect people to the natural world and empower them to protect it.

About the Opportunity

The California Academy of Sciences seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher in California Indigenous Science to join an innovative project within the Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability (IBSS). Reporting to Dr. Shannon Tushingham, Associate Curator of Anthropology, the candidate will co-design and implement a braided science program that integrates Indigenous knowledge and Western methods. Drawing on archaeological, ethnographic, oral history, and specimen-based phenology data, they will investigate climate-driven ecological changes in collaboration with culture-bearers—documenting and applying traditional ecological knowledge—while partnering with Indigenous communities to co-develop research objectives, methods, and outreach that honor local protocols, and contributing to peer-reviewed publications, scientific and public presentations, and both in-person and online educational programs. This full-time, two-year appointment requires a PhD, a strong publication record or equivalent community-engagement achievements, demonstrated success in ethical, community-based research with Indigenous partners, experience securing external funding, mentorship of students, and public outreach leadership. Based primarily onsite at our Golden Gate Park campus in San Francisco, the role includes regular travel to regional communities for relationship-building, fieldwork coordination, data collection, analysis, and dissemination, and is renewable based on research progress and funding availability.

Organizational CultureJoin a team dedicated to the Academy’s mission, vision and values! Currently, the Academy has a new strategic plan including three initiatives – Hope for Reefs, Thriving California, and Islands 2030 – that leverage biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement to regenerate fragile ecosystems around the world. Learn more at https://www.calacademy.org/about-us/major-initiatives.

We hope you are inspired by what we do and are excited to contribute to our mission. The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every qualification for the position.

This position is based in San Francisco, California. The specific onsite/hybrid schedule for this position is listed below.This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by Cal Academy Workers United, and will be subject to the terms and conditions of that contract.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct original ecocultural science research in collaboration with IBSS scientists and external partners, integrating archaeological, ethnographic, oral history, and collections data.
• Analyze, visualize, and model biodiversity and cultural datasets to investigate climate-driven ecological changes and align Indigenous practices with modern conservation strategies.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, present at national and international meetings, contribute to grant proposals, and report progress to funders.

• Establish and sustain ethical, community-centered partnerships with Indigenous communities, co-developing ethical research protocols and metadata practices that adhere to CARE and OCAP principles.
• Represent the Anthropology Department, IBSS, and the Academy at institutional, professional, and public events.

• Mentor early-career scientists and assist with the Indigenous Science Internship program; Develop and deliver workshops, course modules for Indigenous communities and university students in-person and online.
• Collaborate with staff to ensure cultural and scientific accuracy as well as accessibility in public programming.

• Leverage the Academy’s anthropological and natural history collections for historical ecological research.
• Conduct fieldwork, community interviews, and program events in diverse environments, adhering strictly to safety regulations, lab protocols, and collection guidelines.

• Support program administration by tracking grant milestones, assisting with collaborative initiatives, and contributing to proposal writing.
• Prepare technical reports and disseminate results through written publications and oral presentations to both scientific and public audiences.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to further the mission of IBSS and the California Academy of Sciences.

Qualifications:A successful candidate will have the following:

We welcome all qualified applicants and especially encourage Indigenous scholars and experts in Indigenous knowledge systems to apply.

Experience and/or Education:

• PhD in anthropology, ecology, environmental science, or a related discipline, conferred by the appointment start date
• Research background in ecocultural science, human–environment interactions, and biodiversity studies
• Proven track record collaborating with Indigenous communities and applying Indigenous research methodologies
• Experience mentoring or training early-career scientists, especially from underrepresented groups
• Field and laboratory experience, including strict adherence to safety protocols
• Demonstrated excellence in science communication—peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and public outreach

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expertise in data analysis and modeling across relevant datasets, e.g., archaeological, ethnographic, phenological, climate, and biodiversity data; familiarity with geospatial tools (R, QGIS, ArcGIS)
• Proficiency with qualitative methods (surveys, focus groups, interviews) and workshop coordination
• Demonstrated commitment to community-driven research and proven experience collaborating with Indigenous communities
• Understanding of and commitment to collaborative research and developing ethical metadata project practices
• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary team
• Willingness to travel nationally for fieldwork, community engagement, and conferences

Required Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in a relevant field, completed by the start date
• Evidence of research excellence through top-tier publications or equivalent community-engagement achievements
• Direct experience building and sustaining partnerships with Indigenous communities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Established relationships with Tribal nations or Indigenous organizations, especially in California or adjacent regions
• Deep expertise in California Indigenous cultures, ecosystems, or stewardship practices (e.g., cultural burning, aquaculture)
• Background in ethnobotany, archaeology, historical ecology, or environmental collections
• Proven grant-writing success
• Experience developing and administering research or internship programs focused on Indigenous science

Physical Environment:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, and communicate on the phone, in person, and online. Must be able to perform repetitive motions 50% of the time and transport 30 lbs. The employee will be required to work in a laboratory, handle chemicals, and comply with safety regulations.

Compensation and Benefits:The salary range for this position is $82,202

. Actual compensation will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications and aligned with the internal peer group. We believe in fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to providing competitive salaries within the industry and market standards. The Academy offers a total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits based on the hours per week worked. Further details regarding compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.

Schedule: Full-Time/Temporary, 40 hours per week,Hybrid 3 days onsite 2 days remote.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and application through our CareersPage portal.

The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).