Jobs Archive
Documentation Officer
The Horniman Museum and Gardens in south east London has been open since Victorian times, when the tea trader and philanthropist, Frederick John Horniman first opened his house and extraordinary collection of objects to the local community. Since then, our collection has grown significantly and includes internationally important collections of anthropology and musical instruments, as well as an acclaimed aquarium and natural history gallery - all surrounded by 16 acres of beautiful Gardens offering breathtaking views across London.
Maintaining and developing the documentation of our collections is crucial to the Horniman's work, supporting core activities and a number of projects, including the delivery of online collections and temporary exhibitions.
We are looking for an enthusiastic part-time (19 hours per week to be worked on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday (job share)) Documentation Officer to share the work of helping to develop our documentation services, ensuring that the museum is fully accountable for its objects, and supporting museum projects.
You will work with your job-sharing partner to assist the Documentation Manager with the documentation of the collection, the management and development of the Horniman's inventory and the maintenance of documentation standards and procedures, and the management and development of the Horniman's collections management system (Mimsy XG); and will help prepare data within the collections management system for delivery online.
You will need a relevant degree or equivalent qualification and significant experience of working with museum objects in a documentation role. This will include a good working knowledge and experience of applying museum documentation standards, procedures and controlled terminology to a diverse collection using a sophisticated collections management system. Exemplary data-entry skills, the ability to work on repetitive tasks to tight deadlines without loss of quality, and to be equally happy working as part of a team or in isolation, are also essential to this post.
Herbarium Collections Manager
Kew is the world-leader in plant diversity science, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a major visitor attraction, that shows the importance of plants in all our lives. Kew's mission is to inspire and deliver science-based plant conservation worldwide, enhancing the quality of life.
You will have a relevant first degree or equivalent experience in collections management, be an excellent communicator with the flexibility to manage your own activities and those of a small team.
This role requires attention to detail, a proven ability to follow precise procedures and accurately document and track specimen records through appropriate IT tools.
You will contribute towards developing policy in order to attain Museum Accreditation, have knowledge of the SPECTRUM collections management standard and an understanding of relevant legislation governing the movement of plant genetic resources.
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.
Collections Assistant (Natural Science)
A 37 hour fixed term post for six months working as part of our Curatorial Team.
Museums Sheffield has been awarded funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to deliver the Weston Park Museum: A Bright Future project.
The project will bring more of Sheffield's collections to more people and create inspiring, sustainable new displays, allowing audiences to engage with their heritage.
This post will work closely with the Curator of Natural Science to champion access to the collections through new displays in the What on Earth gallery at Weston Park Museum.
This will involve documentation, research and preparation of the collections as well as supporting the Curator working with communities.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, flexible and knowledgeable individual, with experience of collections management.
They will be comfortable working a busy environment and to tight deadlines whilst always acting as an advocate for the organisation.
They will have excellent interpersonal, communication and computer skills as well as being able to work well both individually and as part of a team.
The closing date for applications is 4th January 2015 (noon)
Interviews will take place on 4th February 2015
Director, Gantz Family Collections Center
No closing date stated.
The Field Museum collections are among the top natural history collections in the world for their breadth, scope, and quality. The Field is one of the few institutions with collections that cover planetary origins and the full history of life on Earth with botanical, zoological, geological, and anthropological specimens and artifacts. The Museum’s strategy in Science and Education (S&E) creates a strong opportunity for the Museum to increase the impact of its collections.
The Director of The Field Museum’s Collections Center (the Gantz Family Collections Center) will expand and shape the role that these collections play in global efforts to explore the past, understand the present, and ensure a future rich with biological and cultural diversity. The Director focuses the strategic growth of the collections, broadening their relevance and increasing their accessibility. This leadership position provides general oversight for the Museum's holdings of close to 30 million specimens and objects, in addition to the library and archive collections. The Director works closely with the Center’s leadership (heads of the Anthropological, Botanical, Geological, Zoological, and Library collections) to supervise personnel in collections management, oversee collections-related policies and procedures, and develop the Center’s annual budget. The Director will have active programs in one or more of the Museum’s collection areas, interact with members of the other S&E centers on collaborative initiatives, and develop strong ties with academic institutions locally and worldwide
This position reports to the Vice President of S&E and works as part of a team with the Directors of the Integrative Research, Science Action, and Learning centers to set the vision and agenda for Science and Education at The Field Museum.
Duties and Responsibilities
Provides strategic vision and direction for the Gantz Family Collections Center by:
making museum collections more relevant to research, conservation action, and learning worldwide;
identifying and promoting priorities for Field Museum collections in consultation with S&E leadership and committees of the Board of Trustees;
developing and overseeing implementation of innovative approaches for increasing accessibility and use of Field Museum collections;
and identifying global priorities for natural history collections in cooperation with other museums
Provides oversight for collections growth, care, and use by:
supervising Center’s leadership and overseeing Center’s personnel;
overseeing strategic growth of the collections and collections staff;
overseeing deaccessions, including repatriation;
ensuring the highest standards of collections management;
and overseeing adherence to the Museum’s Collections Management Policy and regularly reviewing and updating policies for approval by Board of Trustees
Serves as the face of collections at The Field Museum by:
fostering relationships with scholars, conservation professionals, and educators worldwide;
supporting collaborations with exhibitions, marketing, and public relations staff;
building networks with museums for training in collections management;
and fostering collaborations between Collections Center staff and communities, citizen scientists, members of the public, and other stakeholders
Oversees finances for the Center by:
developing the annual budget for the Center with S&E and Center’s leadership;
supporting fundraising for the Center;
and helping secure grants for projects that improve the care, growth, access, and use of collections
Qualifications
An accomplished leader with keen knowledge of natural history collections and collections management, and deep appreciation for collections-based science and science communication
A respected scientist with an advanced degree in the biological, geological, or social sciences, or equivalent
At least six years of managing natural history collections with a sound knowledge of best practices, ethics, and AAM accreditation standards
Experience managing a diverse team of professionals in a results-oriented setting
Excellent communication skills
Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and sustain effective teams and collaborations
Experience writing proposals and administering grants
Superb organizational skills and attention to detail
Demonstrated familiarity with museum collections databases.
Natural History Collection Manager
Location: University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
Department: Biological Sciences
Title: Natural History Collection Manager
Classification: Academic staff, exempt
Position Duration: 3 years, commencing no later than January 30, 2016
Salary: $37,277/year + benefits
Supervisor: Dr. Eli Greenbaum, Director, UTEP Biodiversity Collections
Posting: http://admin.utep.edu/Default.aspx?tabid=73912 (Job ID: 2384)
The collection manager for the University of Texas at El Paso Biodiversity Collections (UTEP-BC, natural history collections) will administer a world-class collection of specimens.
The collections consist of fluid-preserved specimens, study skins, herbarium specimens, invertebrate collections, Cenozoic fossils, frozen tissues, wet and dry skeletons, acoustical recordings, digital and film-image archives, and extensive library holdings. The collections have an historical strength in Chihuahuan desert extant and extinct invertebrate and vertebrate specimens, and recent collections have focused on this region, Central and South America, and Central Africa. University curators and students, and national and international scholars use the collections extensively for research and education.
The collections manager is responsible for day-to-day activities in the collection and reports to the director.
Duties:
1. Collections management and conservation (40%)
- Develop and maintain collection database (Arctos), including data migration from other computer programs to Arctos
- Ensure long-term integrity and preservation of collections and collection-storage environment.
- Maintain and improve collection-care protocols.
- Maintain and organize records of collection activity, use, and status for annual reports, grant submittals, and other documentation.
2. Acquisition and collection development (10%)
- Oversee the preparation and staging of newly acquired specimens for their integration into the collection.
- Organize and prepare documentation necessary for specimen accession, including national and international permits and associated documentation.
- Electronically catalog specimens and their associated information.
- Participate in acquisition of specimens for the UTEP-BC by facilitating donations and by occasional fieldwork and expeditions at the direction of the curatorial staff.
3. Museum operational service (30%)
- Process all specimen loans, exchanges, and gifts; incorporate received specimens into the collection; maintain appropriate records of such activities.
- Collaborate with curators to plan and implement divisional goals, priorities, and programs.
- Collaborate with other museum collections managers to achieve high quality collections care and economy of scale in all collections-related activities. Work proactively to place specimens from the UTEP-BC collection into the hands of qualified researchers for study.
- Assist and supervise users of the collections.
- Respond to inquiries from scientists, governmental and consulting agencies, the public, and other users.
- Participate in the museum's public programming by providing information and specimens and assisting in exhibit design; assist in museum public functions.
- Conduct tours for visiting scholars, students, and the public.
4. Supervision (10%)
- Hire, train, and supervise undergraduate assistants.
- Train and supervise volunteers working in the collection.
5. Professional development (5%)
- Work closely with the curators to ensure consistency of practice.
- Participate in collection management training and development through professional societies.
- Undertake research in area of expertise when not in conflict with collection management duties.
- Participate in professional scientific societies.
6. Other duties as appropriate. (5%)
Required qualifications:
- A Master's degree or Ph.D. from an accredited university in museum studies, systematics, botany or invertebrate/vertebrate zoology or bachelor's degree plus a minimum of 2 years experience working with museum collections in a position with similar responsibilities.
- Familiarity with biodiversity informatics, including the database Arctos, web-based applications, and distributed networks.
- Demonstrable knowledge of care and management of natural history collections, with a special emphasis on preventative conservation, collection-storage environments, and techniques pertaining uniquely to fluid-preserved, skeletal, and dry skin collections.
Preferred qualifications:
- Expertise in one or more taxa that constitute divisional strengths and programmatic priorities.
- Working knowledge of the taxonomy and identification of plants, invertebrates, or vertebrates from the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
- International field experience with knowledge of numerous techniques for the collection of botanical, invertebrate, or vertebrate specimens.
- Experience handling cryogenically stored tissue samples.
HOW TO APPLY:
The following application materials should be sent in one PDF file via email to: Cinthia Acuna, UTEP Human Resources, ccacuna@utep.edu
1. Cover Letter
2. Collections Experience Statement (1-2 pages), including any experience with Arctos
3. Academic CV
4. The names and contact information for 3 references
For full consideration, applications should be received by December 4, 2015
Assistant Curator x2
There are two jobs to support the work of the Department of Natural Sciences, based at the National Museums Collections Centre. One will sort and install bird skins, skeletons and eggs into storage facilities while the other will plan and reorder mammal skins and wet specimens. Both roles will also sort vertebrate skeletons into new racking.
Birds:
Specialist Tasks:
• Sort and install passerine bird skins into new trays in new taxonomic sequence
• Sort and install any remaining eggs into new cabinets
• Sort and install bird skeletons into new taxonomic sequence
Specialist Skills:
• Subject-specific taxonomic knowledge based on the current international standard to enable correct ordering and packing of bird skins, skeletons and egg collections
• Planning and project management skills to develop and deliver the reordering of the collection prior and during movement into the new store
• Documenting and updating location of specimens throughout preparation process in accordance with NMS procedures
• Object handling and packing skills to museum standard
Mammals and vertebrate wet collections:
Specialist Tasks:
• Plan and reorder specimens into a single revised taxonomic order based on the current international standard to enable move mapping (mammal skins and wet specimens in tank room)
• Sort and install vertebrate skeletons into new racking
Specialist Skills:
• Subject-specific taxonomic knowledge based on the current international standard to enable correct ordering and packing of mammal collections
• Planning and project management skills to develop and deliver the reordering of the collection prior and during movement into the new store
• Documenting and updating location of specimens throughout preparation process in accordance with NMS procedures
• Object handling and packing skills to museum standard
You will have a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Taxonomic knowledge is vital to the success of this role. You will have knowledge and experience of working with similar collections in a project environment.
You will be organised and methodical, with good verbal and written communication skills and ICT skills in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook. You should also have experience of managing your own time and workload, working to deadlines and handling multiple priorities. A driving licence is desirable.
Please indicate clearly on your application within the Statement of Support, which post/s you wish to be considered for.
The successful candidates are expected to take up post in December 2015.
For further information and to apply online (recommended), please visit www.nms.ac.uk. If you have any queries please email applications@nms.ac.uk or telephone 0131 247 4094 (answerphone), stating reference NMS15/638
Closing date for completed applications is Monday 16 November 2015.
Please note that CVs are not considered as, or as part of, job applications and will not be forwarded to the shortlisting process.
National Museums Scotland is committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Museum Website: https://vacancies.nms.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?MenuID=6Dqy3cKIDOg
Exhibits Developer
The University of Kansas Natural History Museum seeks an exhibits developer to create permanent and temporary exhibits that will inform and engage visitors. As a key staff member in a small department, the exhibits developer’s responsibilities include planning, tracking, design, fabrication, installation and maintenance of permanent and temporary exhibits. This person should be creative, enthusiastic and curious about science and natural history, highly organized with a close attention to detail, have strong communication skills, the ability to work on and complete multiple projects simultaneously, and be motivated and willing to learn.
Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and 3 years professional experience in exhibit or other interpretive development required. Master’s degree and 5 years experience preferred. Salary $41 to 43k. For a full position description and to apply online visit https://employment.ku.edu/staff/4682BR.
KU is an EO/AAE. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, disability, genetic information or protected Veteran status.
Vertebrate Paleontologist
Salary: As per the work related experience and educational qualifications
Role Purpose:-
Collection-based research, field research and scientific input into exhibition planning, with a focus on dinosaurs and Qatar's paleoenvironment
Main Responsibilities:-
1. Dinosaur research - Coordinate/conduct research on QM's dinosaur collection and Arabian dinosaurs. Coordinate/conduct research on animal and plant fossils contemporary with dinosaurs
2.Paleontological surveys - Conducts/coordinates paleontological surveys in Qatar. Collects/coordinates collection of specimens of fossil animals and plants for research and exhibitions. Coordinates reconstructing Qatar's paleoenvironment and paleofauna
3.Curation and conservation - Takes curatorial responsibility for QM's vertebrate palaeontology collections. Plans and supervises conservation of QM's collections of fossils (conservation of objects). Supervises collections management staff. Plans conservation of Qatar's fossil wealth, as part of national, natural heritage conservation program (heritage conservation)
4.Exhibitions - Provides scientific guidance for the temporary dinosaur exhibition. Takes the lead in planning the QMNS permanent dinosaur exhibition. Plans and provides scientific guidance for exhibition(s) on Qatar's and the region's paleoenvironment in a global context.Plans and delivers paleontological training to docents. Promotes outreach and public engagement
Qualifications:-
Education and certification requirements - Advanced degree, usually Ph.D./Dr. in geological and/or biological sciences with specialization in vertebrate paleontology
Experience required -
- At least five years work experience as a palaeontologist (paleontological field and laboratory research, museum exhibitions and fossil conservation)
- Innovative research agenda in vertebrate palaeontology
- Outstanding research record, documented by publication
- Experience of working with Museum collections, including paleontological curation
nthomas@qm.org.qa & cv@qm.org.qa
Company Website :- www.qm.org.qa
Collections Assistant
BUFFALO MUSEUM OF SCIENCE POSITION DESCRIPTION
Collections Assistant
Inspiring curiosity through exploration
Dep’t./Division: Collections
Position Title: Collections Assistant
Primary Reporting Responsibility: Director of Collections
Status: Full time/exempt
Overview: The staff of the Buffalo Museum of Science accomplishes its goals through the implementation of strong team processes and procedures. All staff are recruited, trained, directed and developed with this in mind. While staff will have position descriptions and well-defined reporting responsibilities, they are required to be flexible in both. They will at times be asked to perform as part of project teams or task forces, where their reporting responsibility and work requirements may be different from, while related to, their basic position description. BMS senior staff is committed to identifying, nourishing, and employing the unique strengths and interests each person brings with them to their position here.
Summary of Position: Seeking an organized and energetic individual to manage and develop the Museum’s catalog using PastPerfect Museum Software.
The Collections Assistant will ensure the overall integrity, functionality and security of the Collections Management Database as it relates to the permanent and loaned collection of the Buffalo Museum of Science. In addition to cataloging new acquisitions, the candidate will implement a collection wide inventory and photo documentation project.
Essential Functions:
• Manage and maintain PastPerfect database
• Photo document BMS collection items as assigned
• Implement online access to the Museum’s catalog
• Work closely with Collections Department staff to ensure the proper and consistent entry of data and to develop internal standards for data entry and reporting utilizing approved museum standards
• Work closely with the IT Department to ensure the overall integrity, functionality and security of the data stored within
• Work closely with others utilizing the database to ensure the proper and consistent entry of data
• In conjunction with IT, coordinate maintenance of files and consistent data backup
• Data entry as required
• Perform general administrative duties as required
• Complete special projects and basic research as assigned
• Transition older collection databases into pan-collections catalog using PastPerfect Software
• Supervise volunteers and interns where appropriate
• Participate in team projects as needed
• Facilitate and supervise access to the Museum’s collection
Qualifications, Experience, Skills:
• Minimum of Bachelors degree in museum studies or related field. Masters degree preferred. Advanced coursework in biology or natural sciences recommended.
• Demonstrated experience with database software, specifically PastPerfect, required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Experience in object photography required
• Good people skills – speaking, listening, writing, friendly disposition
• Strong organizational and creative problem-solving skills
• Self-motivator, ability to work independently
Physical Requirements:
• Able to move moderately heavy items
• Position requires sitting at a desk and utilizing a computer for prolonged periods of time and good eye/hand coordination. Vision abilities required by the job include close vision.
Salary:
• Please include salary requirements with application
Please send cover letter, curriculum vitae, salary requirements and names of three references via USPS or email to:
Kathryn H. Leacock
Director of Collections
Buffalo Museum of Science
1020 Humboldt Parkway
Buffalo, NY 14211
Applications will be accepted until November 7th 2015.
Collections Assistant - Slides Collections
Job Type: Part Time
Contract Type: Fixed term
Salary: £21,000 (pro rata)
Closing Date: 02 November 15
The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS) is working with the Quekett Microscopical Club (QMC) to store, conserve, document and digitise the 52,000 microscopic slides in the RCS slide collections.
We are looking to appoint a Collections Assistant to embark upon this project, working within the RCS Conservation Unit with QMC experts.
This unique, exciting opportunity would suit an enthusiastic professional with analytical skills coupled with the ability to work methodically and accurately; and who would relish the experience of working closely with colleagues from allied domains.
The successful candidate will have a relevant degree and have proven experience in collections management and conservation.
You will be able to demonstrate skills using a collections database and be proficient in MS Office. An interest in natural history or knowledge in a histology related area would be an advantage.
You will have the communication skills and confidence to engage with colleagues, stakeholders and users to ensure the success of the project.
For a full job description/person specification and details of how to apply, please visit www.rcseng.ac.uk/about/working.