Title: Assistant Curator - Herpetology

State Role Title: Scientist II

Hiring Range: 48,000-$50,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: VA Museum of Natural History

Location: HEADQUARTERS

Agency Website:  www.vmnh.net

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

We seek a dynamic individual whose work focuses on field and collections-based research involving extant amphibians and/or non-avian reptiles. Although area of specialization is open, systematics and taxonomy are viewed as essential to the museum's scientific mission and should be an important part of a research portfolio. A broad-based approach that includes systematics along with molecular, and/or ecological methods is favored. An active interest in extant museum collections, knowledge of extant eastern ichthyofauna, and an interest in developing interdisciplinary research collaborations is preferred.

This position requires expertise in the global higher-level systematics of an extant amphibian or non-avian reptile group, but overall familiarity with amphibians and reptiles is expected. General competence in field collection, preparation, care, and management of scientific collections is required, along with the ability to interface with outside scientists requesting access to the collections. Other requirements include publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, curation of existing collections, evaluation/acquisition of additional specimens, providing technical expertise for museum programming and exhibits, and serving as liaison between the museum and the broader scientific community via collaborations, reviews, and presentations. The successful candidate is expected to obtain external funding to support their research efforts.

Necessary skills and abilities include good communication (both oral and written), organization, teaching, creativity, and fiscal responsibility. Duties for this position also include interaction with other VMNH departments such as Education, Exhibits, and Advancement. Additionally, the candidate will be expected to host an information table at VMNH science festivals and other public events. The ability to effectively communicate scientific knowledge to a wide spectrum of audiences is viewed as an important qualification.

Facilities include a preparation lab with staff technical support, access to microscopes, molecular lab equipment, ultracold freezers, photography equipment, relational collections databases, and a small research library. Additional facilities are available at Virginia Tech, located less than two hours away in Blacksburg, Virginia. VMNH curators maintain close working relationships with nearby universities, especially Virginia Tech and Roanoke College, and with other state agencies, such as the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Minimum Qualifications

A Ph.D. in biology, zoology, anatomy, or a related field, with a specialty in herpetology, is required at the time of appointment, and experience beyond the Ph.D. is preferred.

Additional Considerations

An exceptional job opportunity with the Virginia Museum of Natural History (VMNH) is now available. VMNH is a state agency in Virginia’s Education Secretariat located in Martinsville, Virginia, approximately 25 miles east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The mission of the Virginia Museum of Natural History is to interpret Virginia’s natural heritage within a global context in ways that are relevant to all the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

For more information about VMNH, visit our website at www.vmnh.net.

Only online applications are accepted. In addition to the online application, applicants must submit a cover letter (max. 1 page), curriculum vitae, a statement of research and curatorial interests and goals, a list of publications relevant to the application, and names and contact information of at least three references. These documents may be attached to the online application.

The Commonwealth of Virginia online employment application is available at
https://www.jobs.virginia.gov/home.

If you meet the qualifications for Assistant Curator – Herpetology, we invite you to apply to join our staff. The earliest starting date for this position is 1 May 2026, but no later than 15 July 2026.

Inquiries about the position should be directed to Ben Williams, Administrator of Science (ben.williams@vmnh.virginia.gov). Application review will begin 22 October 2025 and continue until the position is filled.


The Virginia Museum of Natural History complies with E-Verify which is an internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are afforded equal opportunities without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability. The successful applicant must furnish proof of identity and employment eligibility and is subject to a background check.

Contact Information

Name: Ben Williams

Phone: 276-340-8579

Email: ben.williams@vmnh.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.