Jobs Archive
Curatorial Assistant, Brachiopods
The Natural History Museum is one of the world’s leading museums, internationally recognised for its dual role as a centre of excellence in scientific research and as a leader in the presentation of natural history through exhibitions, public programmes, publications and the web.
A key aim of the museum strategy is to digitise the collections and maximise the scientific potential of the specimens in our care. This exciting vacancy involves taking the first steps to realising the full potential of our fossil brachiopod collections by conducting a collections survey; maximising their scientific utility; identifying those specimens that have most scientific potential; and identifying those that should be prioritised for digitisation.
The successful candidate will work with the Curator of Brachiopods and researchers in the department to document the condition and scientific potential of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic brachiopod collections, identify those specimens that have most scientific utility and should be prioritised for digitisation, enhance and update the quality and quantity of associated metadata, including stratigraphic and geographic occurrence data and readying the highest priority areas of the collection for further anaylsis and digitisation.
To be successful you will have a BSc or higher in Geology, Palaeontology, Zoology or other related field (or equivalent experience), successfully carried out a collections survey, specimen-based project or detailed analysis of a museum collection with familiarity with brachiopod taxonomy, anatomy and fossil preservation.
Salary: £24,018 per annum plus benefits
Contract: 12 months fixed term appointment
Closing date: 9am on Monday 14 September 2015
Interview date: w/c Monday 5 October 2015
Role competences:
BEFORE beginning your application - Please read the section below about the ‘Online Application Process’ carefully.
If you wish to be considered for this role you will need to address each of the following competences in the ‘other information’ section of your online application:
1. BSc or higher in Geology, Palaeontology, Zoology or other related field.
2. Proven experience in successfully carrying out a collections survey, specimen-based project or detailed analysis of a museum collection.
3. Familiarity with brachiopod taxonomy, anatomy and fossil preservation.
4. Experience in maintaining a database of fossil specimens
5. Highly proficient in the use of Microsoft office, particularly Excel.
6. Demonstrable experience of handling museum objects
7. Experience of working successfully both as part of a team and individually.
8. Self-motivated with an ability to remain focussed when completing repetitive tasks
9. High degree of attention to detail and ability to follow complex instructions
10. Literate and fluent in both written and verbal English.
Metadata Digitisation Officer
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.
The Library Art and Archives (LAA) at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, are responsible for organising and managing one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of botanical literature, art, illustrations and archives, which form an unparalleled resource for a large and increasingly diverse global user community.
We are seeking to recruit a Metadata Digitisation Officer who will be responsible for inputting metadata onto Kew’s Digital Asset Management System (Digifolia), increasing access to collections, and contributing to the dissemination of botanical knowledge worldwide.
You will have solid communication skills, a broad knowledge of managing data and images, and an ability to work meticulously, with close attention to detail. This is a great opportunity to develop your skills in a unique and inspiring organisation.
Benefits include 30 days holiday per year, a choice of pensions, a flexible benefits scheme as well as a great working environment.
Conservator
The Natural History Museum is one of the world’s leading museums, internationally recognised for its dual role as a centre of excellence in scientific research and as a leader in the presentation of natural history through exhibitions, public programmes, publications and the web.
The Conservation Centre in our Core Research Laboratories department is looking to recruit a preventive Conservator to assist the Senior Conservator with the implementation of preventive conservation strategies for all NHM sites and collections. The successful candidate will be monitoring environments and therefore maintenance of monitoring systems will be a key part of this role. You will also be expected to support the NHM public engagement program by assisting with all exhibitions related preventive conservation activities.
To be successful, you will have a degree in Conservation or a related science degree with demonstrable collection monitoring experience and understanding, with an ability to interpret data. You will have a keen interest in monitoring systems and software with a willingness to learn how to problem solve issues. You are comfortable with conservation cleaning techniques applicable to Natural History Specimens and have some knowledge of Museum database systems.
Interview date: w/c Monday 21 September 2015
Role competences:
BEFORE beginning your application - Please read the section below about the ‘Online Application Process’ carefully.
If you wish to be considered for this role you will need to address each of the following competences in the ‘other information’ section of your online application:
1. Degree in Conservation or related science degree
2. Demonstrable collection monitoring experience and understanding plus an ability to interpret data.
3. Keen interest in monitoring systems and software and a willingness to learn how to problem solving issues.
4. A methodical and accurate approach to work activities with good time management.
5. Experience of conservation cleaning techniques applicable to Natural History Specimens.
6. Knowledge and understanding of conservation analytical techniques including Oddy testing.
7. Demonstrable ability to produce a high standard of conservation documentation including use of museum database systems.
8. Ability to make effective decisions within established procedures.
9. Knowledge of health and safety legislation and able to produce risk assessments.
10. Effective communication skills.
Assistant Curator (Retrospective Documentation) (2 Posts)
A unique opportunity to be part of a specialist team dedicated to the documentation, care and promotion of Bradford’s historic museum collections. To be part of a project that aims to rediscover the potential of the collections as a source of inspiration for the benefit of the present and to enrich the future.
The successful candidate should have experience of working with a high degree of accuracy across a range of activities and a working knowledge of museum procedures and national documentation standards, SPECTRUM. A degree or equivalent in a relevant subject and/or post-graduate qualification in museum studies would be advantageous.
For further information regarding this post please contact Gavin Edwards on 01274 431294 or email g.edwards@bradford.gov.uk
Curator (Registrar)
Based at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery
A unique opportunity to be part of a specialist team dedicated to the documentation, care and promotion of Bradford’s historic museum collections. To be part of a project that aims to rediscover the potential of the collections as a source of inspiration for the benefit of the present and to enrich the future.
The successful candidate must have a detailed knowledge of museum procedures and experience of working to national documentation standards, SPECTRUM, and working with collections management systems in particular MODES Complete. A degree or equivalent in a relevant subject and/or post-graduate qualification in museum studies would be advantageous but they should have at least 4-5 years experience working in a museum e.g. involving collections documentation.
For further information regarding this post please contact Gavin Edwards on 01274 431294 or email g.edwards@bradford.gov.uk
Senior Postdoctorial Research Assistant – PREDICTS2
Brief Summary of Role
This NERC-funded project aims to collate data from published before-and-after comparisons of how sites’ ecological assemblages changed when land use changed, and to integrate them with new datasets on species’ functional ecology and phylogeny in order to estimate how global land-use change affects local biodiversity, ecosystem structure and ecosystem function. It builds on the successful PREDICTS project (www.predicts.org.uk), extending it by considering ‘biotic lag’ and ecosystem function.
The role involves extending the PREDICTS database schema to hold before-and-after comparisons, estimating phylogenies for major taxa in the database, developing a reproducible workflow for statistical analyses (mixed-effects models and phylogenetic comparative models) and using it to analyse the data, writing manuscripts and reports, and co-supervising project students working on the project. The post is based with Prof Andy Purvis at the Natural History Museum but with one day per week at UNEP-WCMC in Cambridge.
Ideally this person would start with us no later than October 2015.
Salary: Up to £34,000 per annum (dependant on experience) plus benefits
Closing Date: Midnight on Sunday 23rd August 2015
Interviews: Stagnated interviews: Early round of submissions will interview week commencing 17th August and closing submissions will interview week commencing 7th September 2015
Role competences:
BEFORE beginning your application - Please read the section below about the ‘Online Application Process’ carefully as we will ask you to attach a CV and Covering Letter.
If you wish to be considered for this role you will need to address all of the following competences in your ‘cover letter’:
1. PhD in statistical conservation ecology or a similar discipline.
2. Up to 4 years of postdoctoral experience.
3. Statistical modeling of complexly-structured data (mixed-effects models)
4. Phylogenetic comparative analyses
5. Phylogeny estimation
6. Functional trait approaches to ecology/biodiversity
7. Database design
8. Ability to evaluate biodiversity survey design
9. Experience of analysing time-series data
10. GIS, using both local and global data
11. R programming essential
12. Python scripting desirable
13. Reproducible workflows
14. Writing publication-quality manuscripts
15. Supervision of project students and junior staff
16. Experience of science-policy interface
17. Experience of working in a large team
Science Communicator (x3 positions)
The role of the Science Communicator is to develop and deliver creative, high quality science communication content, activities and events for a range of public audiences including adults, families and school students. Science Communication activities are delivered in a range of formats and locations (e.g. debates in the Attenborough Studio, on-gallery dialogues with scientists, digital bite-size video, outreach to schools, and through the annual Science Uncovered event.) Science Communicators work collaboratively with colleagues in different teams across the Museum including Science, Public Engagement, Visitor Engagement and Learning & Outreach to ensure there is a skilled and professional interaction between scientists and public audiences, encouraging questions, dialogue and debate. The role includes the requirement to work regular evenings and weekends.
The role sits within the Content Team and reports to the Science Communication Manager.
Role competences:
BEFORE beginning your application - Please read the section below about the ‘Online Application Process’ carefully.
If you wish to be considered for this role you will need to address each of the following competences in the ‘other information’ section of your online application:
1. A first degree in natural sciences or equivalent experience, and a demonstrable interest and enthusiasm for the natural world
2. MSc in Science Communication, or equivalent knowledge and experience of best practice in this area
3. Extensive experience of designing and delivering face-to-face science communication for the public in a museum, science centre or similar.
4. Proven experience of targeting or adapting science communication activities or events to different audiences and experience levels, including adults, families and school students
5. Experience of planning and delivering engaging science communication content in digital formats (e.g. bite-size content, features)
6. Substantial experience of providing an interface between scientists and members of the public, developing positive and effective working relationships
7. Proven experience of providing advice or training to scientists in science communication or other public engagement activities
8. Demonstrable strong organisational skills and attention to detail
9. Excellent knowledge and experience of using PowerPoint and Microsoft Office packages
10. A track record as an excellent team player, with the proven ability to develop and maintain effective and positive working relationships with colleagues in different teams
11. Demonstrable experience of prioritising and delivering workloads across a number of different concurrent projects, ensuring deadlines are met
12. Excellent verbal and written communication skills across a range of formats (e.g. face-to-face presentations, creating written listings for Museum events)
Curator Microlepidoptera
Role competences:
BEFORE beginning your application - Please read the section below about the ‘Online Application Process’ carefully as we will ask you to attach a CV and Covering Letter.
If you wish to be considered for this role you will need to address all of the following competences in your ‘cover letter’:
1. Relevant undergraduate degree (or equivalent experience)
2. Post-graduate or other qualification in Museum Studies or insect taxonomy (or equivalent experience)
3. Considerable experience of working with institutional Lepidoptera collections
4. Demonstrable specialist knowledge of
- Microlepidoptera
- British and Irish Microlepidoptera
5. Demonstrable ability to dissect Lepidoptera Type specimens for genitalia preparations and molecular work
6. Demonstrable knowledge and experience of KE EMu or other collections database software
7. Proven ability at scientific outreach (spoken, written and online)
8. Experience of
- Dealing with visitors to the collection
- Managing and supporting the work of volunteers
- Works to deadlines, is well organised and able to cope with a number of tasks
9. Demonstrable experience working in/with research teams
10. Understanding of digital photography and specimen digitisation
11. Familiar with the rules of zoological nomenclature, understands the concept of, and different kinds of, type specimens
12. Has a demonstrable understanding of the kinds of users of a major insect collection, and their expected needs and requirements
Postdoctoral Research Assistant - Forams
This NERC-funded project aims to test whether adaptive zones have been important in shaping macroevolution, by focusing on the clade with the most detailed fossil record – macroperforate planktonic foraminifera – over the last 23 million years.
This role involves three main tasks. First, existing IODP cores will be stitched together to provide continuous synthetic stratigraphic columns through the Neogene in each of two widely-separated subtropical gyres. Second, these columns will be sampled at regular intervals, with the foraminiferal community characterized by complete assemblage counts and 2-D morphometrics. Third, the resulting data will be analysed using community phylogenetic and phylogenetic comparative approaches to test a range of predictions, and the results written up for publication.
The post is based with Prof Andy Purvis at the Natural History Museum in London. Some training is available on foraminiferal systematics and R programming, but a reasonable baseline of knowledge is required.
Role competences:
If you wish to be considered for this role you will need to address all of the following competences in your ‘cover letter’:
1. PhD in micropaleontology, comparative biology or a similar discipline
2. Up to 3 years of postdoctoral experience
3. Micropaleontology:
- Considerable experience with planktonic foraminifera is essential
- Expertise in taxonomy of Neogene planktonic foraminifera is desirable
- Ability to rapidly and accurately identify specimens to species is highly desirable
- Experience of assemblage counts is desirable
- Experience mounting, imaging and measuring specimens is desirable
4. Statistical computing:
- Considerable experience with R is essential
- Experience of morphometrics is desirable
- Experience of community phylogenetics is desirable
- Experience of phylogenetic comparative analysis of trait evolution is desirable
- Experience of writing R functions and packages is desirable
5. Other:
- Sufficient knowledge of sedimentology, including preservation and dating, to design the synthetic stratigraphic columns is highly desirable
- Experience of writing publication-quality manuscripts is essential
- Experience with specimen-level databases or Scratchpads is highly desirable
- Experience of stable isotope geochemistry is desirable
- Experience of supervising Masters project students is desirable
Research Assistant, Vertebrate Palaeontology
"TERRA. 375 Million Years of the Diversification of Life on Land: Shifting the Paradigm?"
School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham
A research assistant position in vertebrate palaeontology is now available based within the research group of Dr Richard Butler, within the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences. The role would suit a recent graduate with a background in palaeontology or geology, who wishes to build experience and skills in palaeontological research.
The successful applicant will be employed for one year to work as part of a European Research Council-funded team focused on testing the spatial and temporal patterns and abiotic and biotic drivers of the diversification of terrestrial tetrapods over the Phanerozoic. The research assistant will be primarily focused on developing spatially and temporally comprehensive datasets of fossil vertebrate taxonomy and occurrences. They will need to conduct comprehensive literature searches to recover and extract from the scientific literature information on fossil vertebrate distribution, which they will then incorporate into the online Paleobiology Database. Some travel outside of Birmingham (e.g. to London) may be necessary to acquire key scientific literature. Opportunities may be available to attend relevant training courses and conferences, and to collaborate on research publications with other members of the research team.
The researcher will join a very active community of palaeobiologists and palaeoclimatologists, associated with a significant geological museum and collection (the Lapworth Museum of Geology), and will be part of the broader Geosystems research group of the School.