Unlock the Mysteries of Ancient Life: Thriving Paleobiology Careers Await!
Embark on Paleobiology faculty jobs that blend biology, geology, and evolutionary science to reveal Earth's prehistoric past. This niche field examines fossil records, ancient ecosystems, and life's grand timeline, attracting passionate researchers worldwide. Students dreaming of unearthing dinosaurs or modeling mass extinctions will find rewarding paths in top universities. Aspiring professors, discover tenure-track roles amid growing demand for climate-related paleoclimate studies. Check higher ed jobs now to connect with leading institutions. From Midwest fossil beds to international digs, paleobiology offers prestige and adventure. Parents, guide your scholars toward degrees yielding high-impact research; job seekers, leverage Rate My Professor reviews of Paleobiology instructors for insider tips. Trends show rising roles in paleogenomics, merging fossils with genetic data. Explore professor salaries and location-specific openings like Wyoming paleontology hubs or Montana field sites. AcademicJobs.com lists exclusive faculty jobs, postdocs, and lecturer positions tailored for your expertise.
Studying Paleobiology: Essential Paths for Students
Aspiring paleobiologists start with bachelor's in biology, geology, or earth sciences, advancing to master's and PhD in paleobiology or paleontology. Key coursework includes stratigraphy, taphonomy, and cladistics. Top programs at Ivy League schools like Yale or the University of Chicago emphasize fieldwork—think summer digs in the Badlands. Fringe quirk: Some programs partner with oil companies for seismic stratigraphy training, blending academia with industry. Use Rate My Professor for Paleobiology faculty ratings to select standout courses. Career advice at higher ed career advice highlights internships via research assistant jobs.
Career Paths Beyond Faculty Roles
Paleobiology opens doors to academia, museums, and government labs. Beyond professor jobs, pursue research jobs at the Smithsonian or postdoc positions analyzing Permian extinctions. Industry roles in paleogeography aid energy exploration. Unique anecdote: Paleobiologist Jack Horner influenced Jurassic Park with Montana discoveries, showcasing media prestige. Students transition via adjunct professor jobs; check Rate My Professor for Paleobiology adjuncts. International seekers eye UK jobs or UniJobs in Australia.
Paleobiology Faculty Job Opportunities and Trends
Competitive yet expanding, paleobiology faculty jobs cluster at research universities. Recent trends: 15% growth in hires for biodiversity crisis studies (2023 data). Hotspots include Texas for Gulf Coast fossils and UK museum roles. Prestige peaks at Berkeley's Integrative Biology department. Find listings in lecturer jobs or faculty sections. Quirky fringe: Remote sensing jobs using drones for Arctic paleosites. Rate top candidates via Rate My Professor Paleobiology profiles.
Salaries and Earnings in Paleobiology
Paleobiology professors command solid pay, varying by rank and location. Visit professor salaries for latest benchmarks. A university salaries snapshot:
| Role | US Average (2023) | Top Tier (e.g., Ivy) |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $82,000 | $105,000 |
| Associate Professor | $95,000 | $130,000 |
| Full Professor | $140,000 | $200,000+ |
Higher in California hubs. Career advice stresses grants boosting income.
Job Seeker Tips
Polish resumes with free resume templates; network via recruitment events.
Associations for Paleobiology
The Paleontological Society
An international organization dedicated to advancing the science of paleontology and paleobiology through research, education, and advocacy.
The Palaeontological Association
A UK-based society that promotes the study of palaeontology and allied sciences through publications, meetings, and grants.
Society of Vertebrate Paleontology
A global society focused on the study of vertebrate fossils, their evolutionary history, and related paleobiological research.
International Palaeontological Association
An international organization that coordinates global cooperation in palaeontology, including paleobiology, through conferences and publications.
Association of Australasian Palaeontologists
An organization promoting palaeontological research and education in Australia and New Zealand, with a focus on regional paleobiology.
European Association of Vertebrate Palaeontologists
A continental association dedicated to advancing research and education in vertebrate palaeontology and paleobiology across Europe.

