Jobs Archive
Data Coordinator for Collections Digitization & Biodiversity Informatics
Collections are the cornerstone of any proper natural history museum, and the public exhibits often only contain a fraction of the sheer number of objects in possession. The information contained herein is indispensable for scientific research and progress. The preservation and dissemination of this common heritage, through digitization of the collection objects, requires a great deal of expertise. Together with a network of Danish Natural History Museums (DNHM), the NHMD is working to strengthen its digital profile.
The successful applicant will be working in NHMD’s Data Office, currently part of Collections Management. The Data Office is responsible for the maintenance of digital archives for the DNHM network, and for coordinating and operating digitization in close collaboration with the different locations and sections. Data entry is typically done by curators, scientists, students, interns and other staff that work with the collections on a daily basis. The collections contains more than 14 million objects and are still growing. As it stands, only a fraction of these have been digitized. Therefore it is important to build and maintain a system with processes that run smoothly, and which are continuously adapted to meet our needs.
Project Archivist
The Lapworth Museum contains the largest geological collection in the West Midlands Region, located within the heart of the University of Birmingham's Edgbaston campus, and is open to the public 7 days a week with free admission. The museum contains collections of around 300,000 objects and one of the most important geological archives in the UK.
Our 'Unlocking Lapworth's Legacy' Project will see the cataloguing of the archive of Professor Charles Lapworth FRS, an enormously influential geologist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Lapworth's archive represents the most complete archive of any Victorian or Edwardian geologist in the UK. All collections within the Lapworth Museum, including specimen based collections and archives, have Arts Council England 'designated' status reflecting their national and international significance. Charles Lapworth's unique archive covers popular and topical themes such as fossils, dinosaurs, natural hazards, environmental change, evolution, extinctions, natural resources and industry, but there is much more. Lapworth trained as an English and Art teacher, became a leading scientist nationally and internationally, and was a significant figure in local and national society. The archive includes details of scientific debates, controversies, discoveries, pioneering women in science, roles of amateurs and professional scientists, creative writing, beautifully illustrated works and fascinating personal stories, including Lapworth's own mental health struggles. The diverse content goes beyond the scientific subjects covered, and records how science generally related to, and influenced, late 19th and early 20th century life and society in the Midlands and the UK.
SUMMARY OF THE ROLE:
The Project Archivist will be responsible for cataloguing and developing online access to the archive of Professor Charles Lapworth FRS (1842 - 1920), and at the same time enhancing collection management. Charles Lapworth's archive is the most complete archive of any UK geologist. It uniquely records the interaction between geology, sciences, education, arts, people and wider society in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Through an innovative and creative programme, including social media activity, events and exhibitions, the post-holder will allow a much wider, and more divers audience to engage with this collection and encourage research into this unique interdisciplinary resource.
Applications via University of Birmingham vacancies portal: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/index.aspx (*Post Number: 96811)
For further information contact: Jon Clatworthy via J.C.Clatworthy@bham.ac.uk
Jon Clatworthy
Director - Lapworth Museum of Geology
J.C.Clatworthy@bham.ac.uk
Education Officer - Natural Sciences
The Education Officer will have responsibility for developing and delivering inspiring and imaginative museum experiences, with supporting resource material, which support schools and parents to improve learning outcomes for children and ensure that they receive the best start in life, thereby helping to achieve their full potential. The Education Officer will be responsible for the on-site delivery and co-ordination of the education programme, leading a team of facilitators and working closely with the visitor services team.
Working alongside colleagues in curatorial and audience development to interpret and animate collections, the post holder will be responsible for ensuring that our museums play a vital role at the heart of society, making a difference to the lives of many individuals as well as positively contributing to the development of a vibrant society. With our collections at the heart of everything we do, we offer experiences that deliver positive health and well-being outcomes and enhance classroom, curriculum based learning.
Senior Curator of Natural Sciences
The Senior Curator of Natural Sciences will be responsible for leading and setting the strategic direction for the team of natural sciences curators at National Museums NI. They will both oversee and participate in the research, management and development of the natural sciences collections, ensuring a user focused approach to collections-based activities. In particular, the post holder will take the lead in defining and implementing a new strategic direction for the natural sciences collections, ensuring their potential is maximised in response to key strategic environmental and biodiversity agendas. The post holder will also contribute more broadly to the work of the Collections directorate and the overall corporate objectives of National Museums NI.
The Senior Curator of Natural Sciences will lead in collections research and public programmes that will enhance the organisation’s reputation, raise awareness and understanding of the collections, be responsive to user needs and contribute to greater access to the collections and associated knowledge. They will provide a key leadership role for staff within the department, the directorate and across the organisation.
The post-holder will be expected to work collaboratively with colleagues across all business areas both on an individual basis and as part of wider project teams. In doing so they will support the organisational values of excellence, authenticity, teamwork, respect, and courage.
The natural sciences collections of National Museums NI represent the natural scientific heritage of the island of Ireland, with a focus on the north of Ireland, and material of international provenance. They cover botany, zoology and geology, supplemented by a range of essential supporting documentation and interpretative material. The post-holder will be expected to work flexibly to develop and apply specialist knowledge within the broad field of natural sciences, in line with organisational needs and priorities.
ESRC PhD Research Project
Title: Paths to decolonising bio-cultural curation: new perspectives on the Economic Botany Collection at Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales
Where: Cardiff School of Social Sciences,
Supervisors: Dr S MacBride-Stewart, Prof Radhika Mohanram (ENCAP), Dr Poppy Nicol (Sustainable Places Research Institute)
External Collaborator: Department of Natural Sciences, Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales https://museum.wales/curatorial/natural-sciences/
Application Deadline: 03 February 2021
Details: Cardiff University School of Social Sciences, supported by the ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership for Wales (Wales DTP), invites applications for PhD study. These particular studentships, known as ‘collaborative studentships’, involve liaison with a non-academic organisation, often at many key stages of the research programme. They will commence in October 2020.
WALES ESRC DTP FULLY FUNDED PHD 'GENERAL' STUDENTSHIPS - School of Social Sciences, Cardiff School of Social Sciences
Social Sciences Research Programme - Funding Available - Students Worldwide
WALES ESRC DTP PHD 'COLLABORATIVE' STUDENTSHIP - School of Social Sciences:
Description of project: Biocultural collections, comprising of plant and animal specimens, artefacts and documentation, are identified as important resources for building understanding of the interconnections between peoples and environments. At present, there is a recognised knowledge gap regarding how museums can undertake work to decolonise their collections and practice, including biocultural collections (Das & Lowe, 2018; Antonelli, 2020). This project aims to build understandings around approaches to decolonising biocultural collections and curatorial practices (including through digitisation, curation, engagement).
The Amgueddfa Cymru’s Economic Botany Collection comprises over 5,500 specimens of plant parts and products with societal value including food products, medicinal plants and dye plants. This project will investigate medicinal specimens of South Asian origin from the collection, taking a decolonising lens to enhance understanding of the collections. As well as working independently, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with the Amgueddfa Cymru Decolonisation Working Group. They will review the latest literature, explore best practice at comparable institutions and build links with communities. The project is flexible and will be shaped by the successful candidate.
Applications are invited from exceptional candidates with a first class or strong upper second class honours degree, or appropriate Master’s degree. Both the University and the ESRC Wales DTP value diversity and equality at all levels and we encourage applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation. In line with our commitment to supporting and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and to increase recruitment of currently underrepresented groups, applications from Black British, Asian British, minority ethnicity British and mixed-race British candidates are particularly encouraged and welcomed. We welcome applications for both full and part-time study, and studentships are available as either ‘1+3’ (i.e. one full time year of research training Masters followed by three years of full-time Doctoral study, or the part-time equivalent), or ‘+3’ (i.e. three years of full-time doctoral study or its part-time equivalent), depending on the needs of the applicant.
Applications welcomed by 3 February 2021 (1200 hours).
Applicants should take careful consideration of the working title and description of the project and may wish to contact the named member of staff for a discussion prior to applying.
ELIGIBILITY
ESRC studentships are highly competitive, candidates should have an excellent academic background in the social sciences, holding a 1st or strong upper 2nd class degree; applications from those also holding a relevant research training Masters degree (or an equivalent background in research training) will be considered for a +3 award. Wales DTP studentships are available to both home and international (including EU and EEA) students. All applicants will be eligible for a full award consisting of a maintenance stipend and payment of tuition fees at the UK research organisation rate. Applicants must satisfy studentship eligibility requirements. For further details see the UKRI web site. Successful international student applicants will receive a fully-funded Wales DTP studentship and will not be charged the fees difference between the UK and international rate. http://walesdtp.ac.uk/studentships/
1+3 OR +3?
Awards are available on a 1+3 or +3 basis. 1+3 studentships provides funding for four years (or part-time equivalent), completing a research training Masters in the 1st year, followed by 3 years research funding for a PhD. +3 studentships provides funding for the 3 years PhD research study only (or part-time equivalent).
ASSESSMENT
Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview, which are expected to take place between 22 February – 26 February 2021. After interview, a final short-list of applicants will be put forward to a Panel convened by the ESRC Wales DTP Management Group at which final decisions with regard to studentship awards will be made. Applicants can expect to hear by early April 2021.
Funding Notes
Studentship Awards commence in October 2021 and will cover your tuition fees as well as a maintenance grant (currently £15,285 p.a. for 2020/21 for full-time students, updated each year); and includes access to an additional Research Training Support Grant (RTSG), though an element of this latter fund may be ‘pooled’ and require separate applications from 2021 onwards. There are other opportunities and benefits available to studentship holders, including an overseas fieldwork allowance (if applicable), internship opportunities, overseas institutional visits and other small grants.
HOW TO APPLY
A completed application form submitted to https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/program... should be submitted by 12 noon on 3 February 2021. In the funding section, please select “I will be applying for a scholarship/grant” and “ESRC Wales Doctoral Training Partnership”. Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.
Curator (Radnorshire)
Main Purpose of Post:
To work with the Professional Lead in being responsible for the efficient and effective day to day management of Radnorshire Museum, in managing the collections effectively and in providing services for members of the public. To be responsible for ensuring the service is delivered within the recognized professional standards.
Project Officer – Upper Thames Pleistocene Project
We are recruiting an experienced Project Officer with an excellent knowledge and understanding of palaeontology, zooarchaeology, zoology and/or geology to clean, catalogue and photograph the museum’s collection of material from the Pleistocene of Oxfordshire. This will include part of a major new collection made by the Upper Thames Pleistocene Research Group (also known as the Oxford Mammoth Project) from 1989 onwards, and the museum’s historical collections, compiled by geologists William Buckland, John Phillips and Joseph Prestwich (amongst others) in the 19th century. Specimens include the remains of large vertebrates such as mammoths, woolly rhinoceros, reindeer, bison, wolves, bears and lions. In addition there are exceptionally well preserved plant remains, molluscs and some stone tools.
The Project Officer will have a track record of collections focussed museum work, experience handling complex and fragile specimens, knowledge and understanding of professional standards of museum documentation, and excellent communication skills. The Project Officer will take overall responsibility for recruiting and managing a team of volunteers and interns to assist with the project.
Curator
Shropshire Museums' service sits within the Culture, Leisure & Tourism section of Shropshire Council and currently manages operations at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, Shrewsbury Castle, Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, Much Wenlock Museum, Shropshire Museums' Collections Centre and Coleham Pumping Station.
Linking communities, stories and experiences via the fascinating collections and spaces in our care are the guiding principles upon which our service sits. Shropshire Museums are seeking a Curator with a minimum of three years curatorial experience to work across the county.
The post holder will be capable of motivating teams of volunteers and project-related staff; identifying their skills and monitoring their performance.
The successful candidate will combine methodical working practices with excellent communication skills and will be an enthusiastic advocate for the collections and spaces cared for by Shropshire Museums.
Collections and Learning Curator
We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced natural scientist to join our Collections and Learning Team at Ipswich, to help bring our nationally-significant collections to life for a wide range of audiences.
This is a exciting time to join our Museums Service as major capital developments and new ways of working in our museums are changing the cultural landscapes of Colchester and Ipswich.
The new Curator will play a key role in major initiatives, promoting recognition and use of the Natural Science collections, as well as working with colleagues in the Collections and Learning Team to provide a wide-ranging events, exhibitions, learning and engagement programme across our three Ipswich Museums sites.
You will also be working with colleagues across our busy and aspirational Museums Service.
The role offers an exciting opportunity for those interested in new challentes and with a creative approach to unlocking the potential of collections for diverse audiences.
You will be a strong team player and communicator, confident in managing a busy and wide-ranging workload.
Among the projects you would be working on are:
- Contributing to shaping the gallery interpretation for our Ipswich Museum Redevelopment Project
- Taking forward the Museum's application for Designation of its Geological collections
- Developing new learning partnerships using the Natural Science collections
For further details and online application, please go to www.colchester.gov.uk/jobs
Audience Development Consultant
The Powell-Cotton Museum invites applications for an Audience Development Consultant (ADC) to lead on building networks with the Museum’s local communities (both well represented and underrepresented) and to develop a series of workshops and focus group sessions that will bring those audiences into our ‘Colonial Critters’ project. This work aims to establish best practice for working with community groups going forward and is a test case for collaborative interpretation and research for museum displays and activities across the Powell-Cotton in the future.
Colonial Critter project:
The Colonial Critters project, and this audience development contract, will be the starting point for a museum-wide shift into proactive engagement and community collaboration. Historically, the Museum has focused on audiences who already felt ‘at home’ in our space and comfortable with our historic interpretation and displays. Community engagement projects we have undertaken have been small interventions, and often timebound, where relationships with underrepresented audiences have trailed away as funding finishes. Colonial Critters is more than a short-term project; it will be a test bed that creates a framework for community engagement and collaboration to be embedded within the organisation.
The Powell-Cotton Museum’s dioramas are visual spectacles that delight audiences but aren’t representations of ‘real life’. This is an intrinsically colonial collection – the mounted animals were hunted across Africa and the Indian subcontinent, mainly in regions under European colonial control. Their histories as both living animals and museum objects are bound up in colonisation and its exploitation of natural resources and human labour. The dioramas represent much more than just the remains of long-dead animals: they are time capsules, unchanged since they were built, preserving Percy Powell-Cotton’s view of the world. But this is only the most visible layer of a complicated story that has never been fully explored. Present interpretation is exclusionary, singularly focused on the Powell-Cotton point of view.
Colonial Critters will thoroughly research the history of the dioramas and produce new interpretation for the natural history galleries, informed by our audiences. Through this process we hope to refresh our oldest galleries, using these historical displays to tell new stories about the many people – and animals – who made the Museum.
We want this project to be democratising: we will bring our audience with us on this journey to better understand our shared past and decide where we want to be as a museum in the future. We will engage with our various stakeholders through workshops and focus groups using the archives and collections, and take the collections out into accessible, safe community spaces and create temporary ‘pop-up museums’ in the local area. Through this process, we hope to break down some of the visible and invisible barriers to access that currently exist and give space and representation to many voices within the Museum.
The brief:
The Audience Development Consultant will work with our Project Team to deliver the following:
· Identify the priority audience groups for the project. Consider the characteristics, needs and interests of each audience group and identify how best to overcome any barriers and engage with them to promote greater understanding of the aims and objectives of the project.
· Develop communication messages / approaches which incorporate strong project brands appropriate to the needs and interests of the target audiences.
· Plan and cost a programme of events and activities to engage communities that include but are not limited to:
o The development and delivery of focus groups with specific community groups with the purpose to provide audience feedback on our research and to steer the development of new interpretation for displays.
o In collaboration with our Learning and Engagement officers, develop and deliver a ‘pop-up museum’ for use at local festivals, heritage open days, community centres and libraries for the purposes of publicising the project as it develops and gather audience feedback.
· Deliver (with support of project team members) the programme of events and activities to engage communities.
· Develop and deliver a training programme in audience development and community engagement for project team members. The purpose is to upskill team members and embed new practices within the organisation.
· Undertake evaluation on each aspect of the project and provide a comprehensive report on the audience development and community engagement aspects of the project so that the Museum has a framework and lessons learnt for moving forward with future projects of this nature.
We are looking for someone who is passionate about helping us change our museum audience landscape and build a more inclusive future. We expect applicants to have extensive knowledge of audience development and collaborative activity in the heritage sector and an understanding of the existing barriers that exclude non-audiences so that we can work to break those down at the Powell-Cotton Museum.
Colonial Critters will be of interest to anyone looking at ways in which we can decolonise museums through broadening participation, collaborative learning, and interpretation development.