Jobs Archive
Curator (Vertebrate Zoology)
Interviews to be held on Tuesday 31 July 2018
Background
The Vertebrate Zoology collection comprises 78,760 specimens and is ranked amongst the top twenty in importance in the world. It includes NML’s founding collection - the 13th Earl of Derby's magnificent bequest of his internationally important collection to the people of Liverpool in 1851.
The post holder will be based in the Vertebrate Zoology section of World Museum (WM) (Collections & Estates Division) and will initially be managed by the Director of WM.
The successful candidate will make a significant contribution to the delivery of venue, collection, research, engagement and environmental justice programmes.
Our Mission
To be the world’s leading example of an inclusive museum service.
Our Values
We are an inclusive and democratic museum service; we believe in the concept of social justice: we are funded by the whole of the public and in return we strive to provide an excellent service to the whole of the public.
- We believe that museums are fundamentally educational in purpose.
- We believe that museums are places for ideas and dialogue that use collections to inspire people.
- We believe in the power of museums to help promote good and active citizenship, and to act as agents of social change: museums change lives.
- We believe in the importance of sustainable development and we recognise that we have a role to play in the conservation and protection of the built and natural environment.
- We believe in seeking out new opportunities and innovative ways of working, so as to keep our public offer fresh, relevant, challenging and competitive.
NML, which employs approximately 500 staff, is sponsored by central government through the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). It is a non departmental public body, an exempt charity, and has a limited liability subsidiary company, as well as associate trust and foundation affiliates, to account for. The day-to-day operations are managed by an Executive Board, headed up by the Accounting Officer and Director. The Executive is supported by a Board of Trustees and is chaired by Sir David Henshaw.
The current economic climate is extremely challenging for NML with core funding from its sponsoring department reduced in line with other public bodies. Strong financial leadership and management is critical to ensure that NML continues to deliver value for money, develops its funding and income generation opportunities, and manages its cost base.
Purpose of the Job
To support the Director of WM in the strategic development of WM’s internationally significant natural science collection totalling ca. 1.6 million items.
To manage and develop an internationally significant collection of scientific, historic and cultural importance.
To make the collection accessible through display, research and publication, including online, public enquiries, talks and contributions to education programmes.
To be responsible for the care, documentation and use of the Vertebrate Zoology collection.
To work with and support projects and initiatives across NML in line with corporate priorities.
Please see linked job advertisement for main activities and person specification.
Insect Preparer
Please email enquiries@anhrt.org.uk if you have an enquiries about this position.
The African Natural History Research Trust (ANHRT) is a charitable research trust (Charity no. 1159955) and museum focused on African entomological biodiversity. Our research is aimed at
increasing the scientific knowledge of African insects with an emphasis on the taxonomy of Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths).
Working as part of small team, this role requires an organised individual who is able to work in a logical manner, with excellent manual dexterity and with meticulous attention to detail.
The role requires the daily handling of delicate and fragile insect specimens and their associated collecting data. Using tools and methodologies that will be taught in-house the Insect Preparer will relax, manipulate and set the specimens into place, whilst ensuring codes and other essential information is kept with the specimen from start to finish.
SKILLS REQUIRED – INSECT PREPARER
Essential:
Excellent manual dexterity.
A high level of attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy.
Ability to follow guidelines and workflow processes.
An ability to undertake close-up work and ensure visual accuracy.
A good team player and a flexible ‘can do’ attitude to problem solving.
Preferable:
Previous experience of preparing insect specimens.
Excellent written, read and spoken English.
An awareness of Museum practices.
An understanding of the collections needs of an insect collection.
Additional Requirements:
Own transport – ANHRT is located in the remote Herefordshire countryside, so own transport is necessary.
To apply for this position please send your CV and covering letter to enquiries@anhrt.org.uk
Specimen Preparer
We are recruiting for a Specimen Preparer to join the Specimen Preparation Team within the Science Directorate. As part of this team, that includes five other Specimen Preparers, the successful candidate will contribute to the creation of over 30,000 herbarium specimens annually.
The Herbarium at Kew contains around 7 million preserved vascular plant specimens, these specimens contain a wealth of information about plants and are used by Kew Scientists and researchers across the globe in studies into biodiversity, conservation, ecology and sustainable development. The post holder will be a highly motivated individual, able to contribute to the herbarium collections by producing herbarium specimens to Kew standards in a timely way.
More details
Kew is the world’s leading botanic gardens, at the forefront of plant and fungal science, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major visitor attraction.
We want a world where plants and fungi are understood, valued and conserved – because our lives depend on them.
We use the power of our science and the rich diversity of our gardens and collections to provide knowledge, inspiration and understanding of why plants and fungi matter to everyone.
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with excellent organisational skills and the ability to undertake repetitive tasks through to completion. You will be keen to work as part of a team, but also have the ability to work alone and make independent decisions when preparing specimens.
The successful candidate will have good manual dexterity and an ability to work quickly and precisely. They will learn new skills, be able to demonstrate the specimen preparation process to others and be confident interacting with the public and visitors in an engaging manner.
The salary will be £18,135 per annum.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a broad range of Learning and Development opportunities, with access to the Civil Service training curriculum, generous annual leave entitlement for new starters, family friendly policies, a choice of competitive pensions and flexible benefits scheme.
We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
No agencies please.
Science Engagement Director
The International Centre for Life is a pioneering science village based in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne. It brings together over 500 researchers, clinicians, business people and education and science engagement professionals, who are all united in their passion for science. Life is home to Newcastle University's Institute of Genetic Medicine and two NHS clinics, including a Fertility Centre. Life has achieved several world firsts and is renowned internationally for its work in regenerative medicine.
The Life Science Centre, which opened in May 2000, is the only purpose-built science centre in the North, attracting up to 300,000 visitors per year. The centre's innovative engagement programme attracts a broad audience of primarily families but also adults, pre-schoolers and teenagers. It also has one of the biggest programme of science workshops for schoolchildren in Europe.
We want to appoint a Science Engagement Director, who will be a key member of the senior management team.
Reporting to the Chief Executive, your primary responsibilities will be to contribute with energy and enthusiasm to the mission, to manage a comprehensive science engagement programme and to develop further Life's international reputation for science engagement.
Science in the 21st century is fast moving, potentially life-enhancing and certainly controversial.
As someone who is a forward looking and an experienced science communications professional, you will excel in offering cutting edge science in a form that is easily accessible to everyone.
You will be an inspirational leader, capable of developing a team that is both creative and effective.
You will develop strategic alliances and partnerships with cultural and commercial organisations and will have the vision and experience to create long term plans for exhibitions, programmes and education.
The successful candidate will have a proven track record at a senior level in a science centre or museum.
You will ideally have a post-graduate qualification in an appropriate science discipline, have excellent people management and organisational skills and be a team player.
This role offers an exciting opportunity for someone looking for a senior position with new challenges in an innovative organisation that is passionate about science.
Interpretation Developer
The Natural History Museum at Tring was once the personal collection of Lionel Walter, the second Lord Rothschild, upon Lord Rothschild's death in 1937, the Museum and his collections were presented to the Nation to become part of the Natural History Museum. The Public Museum at Tring is part of the Natural History Museum. All Museum staff provide a wide range of services to both Museum visitors and internal customers.
The Interpretation Developer is responsible for developing and delivering interpretation for the Natural History Museum at Tring's temporary exhibitions, and occasionally, other interpretation projects, ensuring they are in line with our Public Engagement Strategy.
It is an exciting role that is based at the NHM's Tring site and liaises closely with the wider creative team in South Kensington that is responsible for developing content and delivering exhibitions for the Museum.
Working closely with colleagues across the Museum, including researchers and curators, as well as external stakeholders and lenders, you will lead on developing exhibition content, making sure it is based on relevant science and research.
You will lead on shaping and developing the interpretation for our temporary exhibitions.
This involves shaping concepts, narratives, interpretation methods, as well as specimen selection, ensuring we make best use of the Museum's world class collections and, where appropriate arrange loans of material in close liaison with the Museum's registrar team.
Using an audience focused approach and knowledge of best practice in interpretation, you will shape key messages and visitor outcomes.
You will develop interpretation methods that engage intended target audiences, ensuring that our exhibitions and galleries are accessible, interesting, informative and appealing, and suit our audiences' needs.
You will work closely with colleagues across the Museum, particularly within Technical Production, Design, Science, Audience Development, Learning and the Project Office, as well as external stakeholders.
Ideally, you will have an understanding of the exhibition design development process.
As part of a small public programme team based in Tring, you'll need enthusiasm, creativity, and attention to detail to see projects to completion.
The successful candidate will have previous experience in Museum (or similar) content and interpretation development and familiarity with exhibition processes.
Some off-site travel may be required. A UK driving licence is desirable.
Curator, Insects
Embedded within the Insects Division of the Department of Life Sciences, the Curator of social insects or beetles (depending on the skills of the successful applicant) will manage a collection of over a million insect specimens, ensuring best practice in collections care and providing access to natural history specimens in their taxonomic area. Specimens are to be acquired, curated and made available to facilitate research, teaching, training, reference and exhibitions. An emerging expert in their field of collections-based science, the curator will demonstrate ability in scholarship science (e.g. taxonomy, systematics, organismal biology) and have proven expertise in taxonomy and identification of either ants, termites or beetles. The curator works with other curators within either the Hymenoptera, Small Orders or Coleoptera sections within the Insects division. This post line is managed by the relevant Senior Curator in Charge (SCiC).
Curator of Natural History
Portsmouth Museums Service contributes to the council’s vision for Portsmouth as ‘the great waterfront city’. Our collections are inspiring, accessible and relevant, supporting learning, skills development, health and wellbeing.
We operate six museums in the city: Portsmouth Museum, Charles Dickens' Birthplace, The D-Day Story, Southsea Castle, Portsmouth Natural History Museum and Eastney Beam Engine House, and attract some 300,000 visits per year.
The postholder will be responsible for delivery of Wild about Portsmouth. With the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, this project will transform access to the city's natural history collection through better documentation, by involving volunteers and specialists, by delivering a programme of collection-based activities to engage a broad audience and by raising awareness through use of social media.
Working in partnership with wildlife organisations and other stakeholders, from families to specialists, will be fundamental to the success of the project.
AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Studentship: “The origins of object-led teaching in the nineteenth-century university and connect this to the current resurgence of interest in the use of museum collections as a teaching resource.”
The School of Philosophy, Religion and the History of Science, University of Leeds, in collaboration with Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology are pleased to announce the availability of a fully funded 3-year PhD studentship to explore the origins of object-led teaching in the nineteenth-century university and connect this to the current resurgence of interest in the use of museum collections as a teaching resource.
This studentship is funded through the AHRC’s Collaborative Doctoral Partnership scheme (see http://www.ahrc-cdp.org/about/). Collaboration between a Higher Education Institution and a museum, library, archive, or heritage organisation is the essential feature of these studentships.
It is a fully funded research studentship covering 3 years of tuition fees and maintenance (living costs), with additional funds available to support some research costs. There is also the option to apply for up to 6 months additional funding for related professional development (see http://www.ahrc-cdp.org/resources/). The studentship is covered by standard AHRC eligibility rules.
The student will be jointly supervised by Dr Jonathan Topham (University of Leeds), Ms Eliza Howlett and Ms Kathleen Diston (Oxford University Museum of Natural History) and Dr Jim Harris (Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology). The student will be enrolled at, and will receive their PhD from, the University of Leeds, but will be expected to spend time in both Leeds and Oxford, as well as becoming part of the wider cohort of AHRC CDP students across the UK.
The successful candidate will begin their PhD in October 2018. They will be primarily based at the University of Leeds Centre for the History and Philosophy of Science, one of the leading groups in the UK for the history of science and technology. They will also work in partnership with Oxford University Museum of Natural History, one of the oldest natural history museums in the world, and the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, which is world-famous for its University Engagement Programme and the place where Buckland did his own object-based teaching.
The Project
In recent years there has been a ‘material turn’ in the humanities and social sciences that encourages researchers to look at the roles that objects play in human action as well as signification. Many university museums have sought to exploit this shift in order to reassert the importance of their collections – and objects more broadly – as a teaching resource. This study situates such modern initiatives in a larger historical frame, exploring the origins of object-led teaching in the early nineteenth-century, when Oxford’s first Reader in geology, William Buckland, routinely employed objects and illustrations in his lectures. Focusing on Buckland and his successor, John Phillips, the project draws on a wide range of evidence to analyse the ways in which they used these materials to teach and develop the science of geology.
The project is rooted in the extensive source materials in the OUMNH relating to the history of geological teaching, including collections of specimens, models and large-scale lecture diagrams as well as lecture notes, correspondence, and institutional records. This detailed work on Oxford will be contextualized through extensive comparative research on coeval developments in the universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cambridge, and London, the Geological Survey’s Museum of Practical Geology, and provincial museums such as that of the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society. The project will investigate the role both of both university teaching and of material and visual culture in the development of the disciplinary sciences, with a particular focus on geology. It will thus encourage a reappraisal of the approaches used in the teaching of this discipline today, including comparisons between nineteenth-century illustrative materials and modern-day digital visualisations such as virtual reality.
In addition to producing a thesis in the history of geological science, the student will work with museum staff to put the research findings to practical use. In the Museum of Natural History, the student will contribute to an online catalogue showcasing key images and objects from the historic teaching collections and exploring their biography from the nineteenth-century to the present day. Objects and images researched during the project will also be used to develop sessions for Oxford, Leeds and other Higher Education students through a partnership between the Museum of Natural History and the Ashmolean University, in which the student will be involved. The student will also be encouraged to participate in public engagement activities based on the objects and their findings.
Financial Support
Subject to standard AHRC eligibility criteria, the studentship will cover tuition fees at home/EU rate and provide a maintenance award at RCUK rates for a maximum of 3 years of full-time doctoral study from 1st October 2018 with the option of up to 6 months additional funding for related professional development (see http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/media/news/160125/).
In addition, the Oxford University Museum of Natural History will provide research expenses of up to £2,000 to the student each year, to a maximum of £6,000 over the duration of the studentship, to cover costs associated with undertaking research in Oxford.
The University of Leeds, the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology will supply appropriate facilities to support the research project and limited additional funds for archive visits and conferences.
Eligibility
We are looking for a highly promising and suitably qualified student who will value the opportunity of combining academic research with close involvement in the work of a leading British museum. Applicants should have a strong academic record including a high Merit or Distinction (or equivalent) at Masters level in a relevant discipline such as history (especially history of science or education), museum/heritage studies, or visual culture studies, along with a willingness to work across these disciplines while being based primarily in a history of science context. Previous experience of work in museums or archives would be an advantage but is not essential.
Please note that all applicants must meet the AHRC’s academic criteria and residency requirements (see http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/documents/guides/research-funding-guide/).
Candidates should:
1. Hold a Masters degree.
2. Be a resident of the UK or European Economic Area (EEA).
In general, full studentships are available to students who are settled in the UK and have been ordinarily resident for a period of at least three years before the start of postgraduate studies. Fees-only awards are generally available to EU nationals resident in the EEA. International applicants are normally not eligible to apply for this studentship
The successful applicant will be expected to reside in Leeds when not undertaking work at the Oxford museums or research elsewhere.
How to Apply
Candidates should apply by the deadline of 5pm on Monday 23 April 2018 via the University of Leeds research postgraduate web application service (www.leeds.ac.uk/info/130206/applying/91/). Your application must include:
• Copies of all transcripts and degree certificates.
• A writing sample of your work. This should be a relevant academic essay on a question of your choice which must be no less than 3–4,000 words.
• A letter of application (maximum 1000 words) explaining how your current academic interests relate to the doctoral project, your reasons for applying for the studentship, and how your prior education and other experiences have equipped you to undertake the project. Please note: this should be entered in the application process in place of the Research Proposal.
• Three academic references in support of your application. The names and contact details of your referees should be entered in the Referees section of the application form. Your referees should be qualified to comment on your academic ability and should not be from people related to you by blood or marriage. You are responsible for contacting your referees and ensuring that all necessary references are received. References can be submitted on headed paper or using the referee's report form. Your referees should return their references by email to prhspgr@leeds.ac.uk or in sealed envelopes to Postgraduate Administrator, School of PRHS, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT.
Interviews will be held in Oxford on Tuesday 1 May 2018 for shortlisted applicants.
Further Information
Informal enquiries relating to the project can be directed to Dr Jon Topham j.r.topham@leeds.ac.uk.
Further information about the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science at the University of Leeds is available at https://www.leeds.ac.uk/arts/info/20042/.
Further information about graduate admissions at Leeds is available at http://www.leeds.ac.uk/arts/info/125022/postgraduate.
Further information about Oxford University Museums is available at:
https://www.glam.ox.ac.uk/home .
For any other information please contact Dr Harriet Warburton, Oxford University Museums Research Facilitator harriet.warburton@ashmus.ox.ac.uk.
Postdoctoral Researcher, Martian Meteorites
This is an opportunity to take up a research post in world-renowned institution with a unique scientific mission and public profile.
The successful applicant will join a large science group that comprises a group of approximately 300 scientists, that houses some of the largest and most significant scientific collections in the world, that is home to an internationally important natural history library, that includes a suite of advanced analytical and imaging facilities, and that has the opportunity to communicate science to a huge national and international audience.
Applications are open to researchers in the field of meteoritics and planetary sciences, or a related field. The successful applicant will work on a project with the goal of helping to refine the source location of martian meteorites.
Areas of particular interest include (but are not restricted to):
- Mineralogy and geochemistry of martian meteorites
- Mars science
- Hyperspectral data processing and analysis
- Spectral unmixing techniques
- Machine learning
Appointees will join the Division of Mineral and Planetary Sciences that sits in the Department of Earth Sciences. The appointee will report to Dr Peter Grindrod, Research Leader at the NHM, and will be part of a group involved in the ExoMars 2016 Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) and 2020 Rover missions.
Archaeobotanist
MOLA is seeking to recruit an archaeobotanist based at our London office.
The successful candidate will contribute to and develop understanding of the past through the identification, recording, analysis, interpretation and reporting of botanical macrofossil assemblages, including charcoal.
Applicants should have a degree in in archaeobotany or a relevant subject.
They should have demonstrable experience of identifying seeds and other plant remains in waterlogged, charred and mineralised states and experience of assessing and analysing archaeobotanical assemblages and reporting on the results.
Applicant should also have an understanding and awareness of current academic research within the specialism.
This post offers an opportunity to work with a team of other specialists on a wide range of exciting projects.
For full details of the required competencies and experience please see the Job Description and Personal Specification.
Employee Benefits
We offer a range of benefits to our employees including the following:
- 30 days annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata, rising based on service length
- Company pension scheme
- Life Assurance and Sickness Income Protection Policies
- Free health care cash plan (including dependent children)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Payment of relevant professional memberships e.g. CIFA
- Cycle Scheme
- Season interest-free travel loan
MOLA have a policy of mentoring and training for staff at all levels in order to develop individual capability and enhance career prospects.
For more information about this role and how to apply, please visit http://www.mola.org.uk/about-us/careers where you will be able to download a full job description and application form.
Applications without an application form will not be considered. Please state clearly on your application form which position you are applying for.
The closing date for applications is 18th March 2018 at 23:59