Research Fellow Jobs in District of Columbia
Research Fellow jobs in District of Columbia are among the most active in the country, concentrated in federal health agencies, policy research institutions, and academic medical centers serving one of the most research-dense metros in the nation. Most openings are in Washington DC itself, anchored by institutions such as the National Institutes of Health, Georgetown University, and the Brookings Institution. The most in-demand specialties include health policy, biomedical sciences, and public policy research, with positions ranging from postdoctoral fellows to senior research fellows. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Research Fellow JobsOverview
Open roles5
Top employerHoward University
Top cityWashington, DC
Work type100% On-site
Top credentialBachelor's degree
Companies hiring3
Showing 5 of 5+ Research Fellow jobs
Geologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow) and/or Biologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow), IS-1350/0401-11
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New 19h ago
National Museum of Natural History
Geologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow) and/or Biologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow), IS-1350/0401-11
Washington, District of Columbia
New 19h ago
Research Fellow
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Added 2w ago
Howard University
Research Fellow
Washington, District of Columbia
Added 2w ago
Research Fellow-1
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Added 2w ago
Howard University
Research Fellow-1
Washington, District of Columbia
Added 2w ago
Research Postdoctoral Fellow, Cardiovascular Surgery
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Added 2w ago
Children's National Hospital
Research Postdoctoral Fellow, Cardiovascular Surgery
Washington, District of Columbia
Added 2w ago
Research Postdoctoral Fellow
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Added 2w ago
Children's National Hospital
Research Postdoctoral Fellow
Washington, District of Columbia
Added 2w ago
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See related jobsNew 19h ago
Geologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow) and/or Biologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow), IS-1350/0401-11
National Museum of Natural History·Washington, District of Columbia
Job functions:
51-200 employees
Job Description
Description
OPEN DATE: July 9, 2026
CLOSING DATE: July 30, 2026
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Temporary Not-To-Exceed (NTE) 2 Years
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: IS-11
SALARY RANGE: $85,447.00 to $85,447.00
The salary range listed above reflects the Museum's authorized salary range for this position.
SCHEDULE: Full Time
The salary range listed above reflects the Museum's authorized salary range for this position.
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Open to all qualified applicants
What are Trust Fund Positions?
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
- Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
- Complete a Probationary Period.
- Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
- The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
- Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
- Applicants who are actively pursuing their doctoral degree must provide their official transcript as proof of the degree confirmation before an entry on-duty date.
OVERVIEW
Come join a dedicated and creative team at an exceptional time for the Smithsonian, an institution with a bold vision for the future: to build a better tomorrow for all. The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is part of the Smithsonian’s unique complex and is one of the most visited museums in the United States. Its mission is to promote understanding of the natural world and our place in it. NMNH has a collection of 148 million specimens and artifacts. Each one reflects a moment in space and time and in these moments, we find Earth’s story.
The National Museum of Natural History, Department of Paleobiology invites applications for two (2) positions of Geologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow) and/or Biologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow). Up to one position will be selected in each of the following research areas: (1) pachycephalosaurian dinosaurs; and (2) ankylosaurian dinosaurs. Both positions will focus on undescribed specimens in the NMNH collections in order to understand the anatomy and systematics of these animals and their relatives, as well as key unresolved issues concerning their ontogeny, functional morphology, and paleobiology.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Independently and collaboratively conducts research in area of specialization: position (1) will focus on pachycephalosaur fossils, and position (2) will focus on ankylosaur fossils.
- Uses various techniques in comparative anatomy, systematics, morphometrics, and related fields to perform appropriate descriptive and analytical work on relevant fossil specimens
- Obtains, uses, and interprets data from CT and/or related visualization techniques to compare, describe, and illustrate anatomy of fossil specimens.
- Writes collaborative scholarly reports and publishable scientific papers, and gives oral presentations on the results of the research.
- Serves as a consultant and advisor on professional matters in this area to colleagues, Federal agencies, institutions, organizations, and the general public.
- Prepares and submits grant proposals. Reviews research proposals, manuscripts, and publications as requested by scientific colleagues and outside institutions. Participates in national and international scientific conferences, seminars and societies.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience: To qualify for this position, candidates must demonstrate the experience outlined below and possess three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree related to the position or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge and experience required for this position is as follows:
- Professional knowledge of a wide range of concepts, principles, and theories of the biological and/or physical sciences in the field(s) of biology, ecology, geology, paleontology, zoology, or other related discipline.
- Professional knowledge and experience in a field directly relevant to the research areas (such as descriptive and comparative anatomy, systematics, and/or paleobiology) as well as specific experience working with pachycephalosaurs, ankylosaurs, or closely related dinosaur groups.
- Experience in the safe handling and study of fossil vertebrate specimens.
- Knowledge and experience in computerized statistical analysis of complex data, including ontogenetic phylogenetic, and/or morphometric techniques. Experience working with CT data is preferred.
- Knowledge and expertise in publishing and giving oral presentations of complex scientific results.
- Working knowledge of scientific literature in area of expertise.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit the following: (1) a cover letter that includes a statement expressing their interest and applicability for the position, including a 2-year research plan; (2) their resume or curriculum vitae (CVs) (annotated as explained below); and (3) school transcripts (as noted below). Other qualifications relevant to the position should be documented in the resume or CV.
Resumes or Curriculum Vitae (CVs) should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); average number of hours worked per week; a full list of publications; and names and contact information for three referees.
Unofficial school transcripts (undergraduate and graduate) must be submitted with your application package by the closing date of the announcement. If selected for the position, you must provide official transcripts before appointment.
Applicants who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States must have their education deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses will not be paid.
For more information, contact Tony Khanna, Contractor, HR Specialist, KhannaA@si.edu
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact NMNHStaffing@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures: Individuals with Disabilities | Smithsonian Institution (https://www.si.edu/oeo/individuals-disabilities).
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: Office of Equal Opportunity | Smithsonian Institution (https://www.si.edu/oeo).
About National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is part of the Smithsonian Institution’s unique complex museums and galleries, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and education and research facilities. The NMNH mission is to promote understanding of the natural world and our place in it, thus inspiring curiosity, discovery, and learning about the natural world through its unparalleled research, collection, exhibitions, and education and outreach programs. The museum’s collections tell the history of the planet and are a record of human interaction with the environment and one another. Because of the boundless curiosity of NMNH researchers, the breadth and depth of the collection, and the ability to inspire future generations of scientists, the museum has a vital role to play. In the next decade, the museum will welcome 40 million people through its doors and engage millions more digitally. Through NMNH, people can both discover the world and learn to become better stewards of it.
About the Smithsonian Institution
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and 14 education and research facilities. There are more than 6,500 Smithsonian employees, including approximately 500 scientists. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at more than 157 million.
About the Smithsonian Institution
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and 14 education and research facilities. There are more than 6,500 Smithsonian employees, including approximately 500 scientists. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at more than 157 million.
National Museum of Natural History
Geologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow) and/or Biologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow), IS-1350/0401-11
Washington, District of Columbia
New 19h ago51-200 employees
Job functions:
Job Description
Description
OPEN DATE: July 9, 2026
CLOSING DATE: July 30, 2026
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Temporary Not-To-Exceed (NTE) 2 Years
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: IS-11
SALARY RANGE: $85,447.00 to $85,447.00
The salary range listed above reflects the Museum's authorized salary range for this position.
SCHEDULE: Full Time
The salary range listed above reflects the Museum's authorized salary range for this position.
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Open to all qualified applicants
What are Trust Fund Positions?
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
- Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
- Complete a Probationary Period.
- Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
- The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
- Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
- Applicants who are actively pursuing their doctoral degree must provide their official transcript as proof of the degree confirmation before an entry on-duty date.
OVERVIEW
Come join a dedicated and creative team at an exceptional time for the Smithsonian, an institution with a bold vision for the future: to build a better tomorrow for all. The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is part of the Smithsonian’s unique complex and is one of the most visited museums in the United States. Its mission is to promote understanding of the natural world and our place in it. NMNH has a collection of 148 million specimens and artifacts. Each one reflects a moment in space and time and in these moments, we find Earth’s story.
The National Museum of Natural History, Department of Paleobiology invites applications for two (2) positions of Geologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow) and/or Biologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow). Up to one position will be selected in each of the following research areas: (1) pachycephalosaurian dinosaurs; and (2) ankylosaurian dinosaurs. Both positions will focus on undescribed specimens in the NMNH collections in order to understand the anatomy and systematics of these animals and their relatives, as well as key unresolved issues concerning their ontogeny, functional morphology, and paleobiology.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Independently and collaboratively conducts research in area of specialization: position (1) will focus on pachycephalosaur fossils, and position (2) will focus on ankylosaur fossils.
- Uses various techniques in comparative anatomy, systematics, morphometrics, and related fields to perform appropriate descriptive and analytical work on relevant fossil specimens
- Obtains, uses, and interprets data from CT and/or related visualization techniques to compare, describe, and illustrate anatomy of fossil specimens.
- Writes collaborative scholarly reports and publishable scientific papers, and gives oral presentations on the results of the research.
- Serves as a consultant and advisor on professional matters in this area to colleagues, Federal agencies, institutions, organizations, and the general public.
- Prepares and submits grant proposals. Reviews research proposals, manuscripts, and publications as requested by scientific colleagues and outside institutions. Participates in national and international scientific conferences, seminars and societies.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience: To qualify for this position, candidates must demonstrate the experience outlined below and possess three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree related to the position or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge and experience required for this position is as follows:
- Professional knowledge of a wide range of concepts, principles, and theories of the biological and/or physical sciences in the field(s) of biology, ecology, geology, paleontology, zoology, or other related discipline.
- Professional knowledge and experience in a field directly relevant to the research areas (such as descriptive and comparative anatomy, systematics, and/or paleobiology) as well as specific experience working with pachycephalosaurs, ankylosaurs, or closely related dinosaur groups.
- Experience in the safe handling and study of fossil vertebrate specimens.
- Knowledge and experience in computerized statistical analysis of complex data, including ontogenetic phylogenetic, and/or morphometric techniques. Experience working with CT data is preferred.
- Knowledge and expertise in publishing and giving oral presentations of complex scientific results.
- Working knowledge of scientific literature in area of expertise.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit the following: (1) a cover letter that includes a statement expressing their interest and applicability for the position, including a 2-year research plan; (2) their resume or curriculum vitae (CVs) (annotated as explained below); and (3) school transcripts (as noted below). Other qualifications relevant to the position should be documented in the resume or CV.
Resumes or Curriculum Vitae (CVs) should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); average number of hours worked per week; a full list of publications; and names and contact information for three referees.
Unofficial school transcripts (undergraduate and graduate) must be submitted with your application package by the closing date of the announcement. If selected for the position, you must provide official transcripts before appointment.
Applicants who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States must have their education deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses will not be paid.
For more information, contact Tony Khanna, Contractor, HR Specialist, KhannaA@si.edu
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact NMNHStaffing@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures: Individuals with Disabilities | Smithsonian Institution (https://www.si.edu/oeo/individuals-disabilities).
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: Office of Equal Opportunity | Smithsonian Institution (https://www.si.edu/oeo).
About National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is part of the Smithsonian Institution’s unique complex museums and galleries, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and education and research facilities. The NMNH mission is to promote understanding of the natural world and our place in it, thus inspiring curiosity, discovery, and learning about the natural world through its unparalleled research, collection, exhibitions, and education and outreach programs. The museum’s collections tell the history of the planet and are a record of human interaction with the environment and one another. Because of the boundless curiosity of NMNH researchers, the breadth and depth of the collection, and the ability to inspire future generations of scientists, the museum has a vital role to play. In the next decade, the museum will welcome 40 million people through its doors and engage millions more digitally. Through NMNH, people can both discover the world and learn to become better stewards of it.
About the Smithsonian Institution
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and 14 education and research facilities. There are more than 6,500 Smithsonian employees, including approximately 500 scientists. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at more than 157 million.
About the Smithsonian Institution
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and 14 education and research facilities. There are more than 6,500 Smithsonian employees, including approximately 500 scientists. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at more than 157 million.
See All 5 Research Fellow Jobs in District of Columbia
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Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Washington
5 jobsResearch Fellow Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research fellow jobs across District of Columbia.
- Doctoral degree or equivalent in a relevant field required by most District of Columbia employers
- Demonstrated research experience with peer-reviewed publications or equivalent scholarly output
- Familiarity with federal research compliance standards and IRB protocols in District of Columbia
- Strong quantitative or qualitative analytical skills aligned with the research focus area
- Experience securing or contributing to grant funding from federal agencies such as NIH or NSF
- Ability to collaborate across interdisciplinary teams in a Washington DC institutional setting
Research Fellow Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research fellow in District of Columbia?
Becoming a research fellow in District of Columbia typically requires a doctoral degree in your research discipline, as most positions at federal agencies, universities, and policy institutions require advanced credentials. The District does not issue a state-level research license, but many biomedical roles require institutional credentialing through the host organization. Competitive candidates build their profile through postdoctoral appointments, federal fellowship programs, and peer-reviewed publication records before applying to independent fellow positions.
Which companies hire research fellows in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia research fellow roles are posted by Howard University, Children's National Hospital, and National Museum of Natural History and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. The District's concentration of federal agencies, think tanks, and academic medical centers means research fellow demand is spread across a particularly wide range of institutional employers.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most research fellow jobs?
Washington are the cities with the most research fellow openings in District of Columbia. Washington DC drives the overwhelming share of demand given its dense cluster of federal health agencies, policy institutes, and research universities, while nearby areas benefit from spillover hiring from anchor institutions headquartered in the District.
Are there remote research fellow jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, though they are less common than in purely desk-based fields, since many research fellow roles involve lab work, in-person collaboration, or access to restricted federal data systems. About 0% of research fellow openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, with policy research and data analysis roles being the most likely to offer flexible arrangements.
How can I get hired as a research fellow in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a postdoctoral appointment or a named federal fellowship program, such as those offered through the NIH, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, or Washington DC university systems. Research assistant and program associate roles at policy institutions like the Urban Institute or Resources for the Future serve as common lateral entry points. Building a record of co-authored publications and applying for competitive predoctoral fellowships strengthens candidacy significantly.
Where can I find and apply to research fellow jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to research fellow jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the District's federal agencies, universities, and research institutions. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and research focus, and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 5 Research Fellow Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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