Jobs Archive
Digitiser
The eMesozoic project aims to digitise all British Mesozoic vertebrate specimens held at the Natural History Museum. It is a pilot digitisation project to test workflows for digitising palaeontology collections and for capturing high quality metadata associated with the specimens in an efficient manner. The British Mesozoic vertebrate collections present a range of digitisation challenges, which this project seeks to explore and address. These specimens are heavily used by researchers and in public engagement, and the data produced by this project will be available to the public via our online catalogue as well as being used to facilitate effective management of the collections.
The successful applicant will assist with the creation of master lists for British Mesozoic fossil sites, stratigraphy and taxonomy to associate with specimen data. These master lists will be derived from the scientific literature and will be validated by experts. Working as part of a team, the successful candidate will barcode and image individual specimens. This will involve handling very delicate, as well as large, heavy specimens. It will involve working at height in some cases, and with dusty specimens. Finally, the post holder will associate specimen information with catalogue records and images using master lists as well as carrying out direct transcription into a database. Curators and scientists will work closely with the role holder to validate data and refine the workflow. We are looking for self-motivated individuals who show a high degree of attention to detail and have the ability to maintain focus and accuracy.
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 equivalent qualification) in Biological or Earth Sciences (or equivalent relevant experience)
2. Demonstrable understanding of taxonomic, anatomic and stratigraphic principles (e.g., attained from college or university courses in geology, palaeontology, systematics, zoology)
3. Solid experience of carefully handling a wide range of objects from small fragile specimens to large heavy ones
4. Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, with proven experience of manipulating large datasets
5. Significant experience in digital imaging
6. Evidenced experience of reading and accurately transcribing data from handwritten sources into a database
7. Literate and fluent in English, including being familiar with scientific literature
8. Experience of working effectively as part of a team
9. Self-motivated with an ability to remain focussed when completing repetitive tasks
10. High degree of attention to detail
11. Proven ability to follow complex instructions
12. Willingness to work with dusty specimens, at height and to use moving equipment in a collections environment
Online application process: You are required to provide a response to ALL of the role competences listed above within the ‘Other Information’ section of the online application form (up to 140 words per competence). In order to demonstrate how you meet each competence fully, please provide specific examples from your achievements, knowledge, skills and/or experience.
IMPORTANT: The ‘Other Information’ section will ‘timeout’ after 35 minutes and any information not saved during this time will be lost. Please therefore prepare your answers on a separate document before transferring and saving them to your application.
The ‘Additional Questions’ regarding right to work in the UK and age are mandatory questions and any applications received without these answers will not be considered.
Please review your application fully before pressing ‘submit application’ as you will not be able to make any further amends after submitting, and any applications received which have not addressed ALL competences in full and/or the mandatory questions will be rejected.
Collections Assistant - Natural Science
Ref: MSCANS 02/15
This is a 37 hour fixed term post until 31st March 2018 working in our Curatorial Services department.
The Collections Assistant - Natural Science will support the Curator of Natural Science to facilitate access to the Natural Science collection through collections management, enquiries, displays, events and digital platforms.
This role will focus specifically on tackling the historic accessioning backlog in order to achieve Accreditation targets.
The Natural Science collection comprises taxidermy, cabinet skins, shells, osteology, corals, herbaria, entomology, rocks, minerals and fossils.
It also includes several important digital datasets, including biological records and the meteorology database for Weston Park Weather Station.
This role is funded by Arts Council England.
The closing date for applications is 16th March 2015 (noon)
Interviews will take place on 16th April 2015
Apply online at www.museums-sheffield.org.uk/about/working-with-us
or contact sue.wheeler@museums-sheffield.org.uk / 0114 2782620
Please do not send CVs
Curator of Invertebrate Zoology
Ref: GLA00207
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to curate the nationally significant Invertebrate Zoology collections of Glasgow Museums. You will be required to develop an expert knowledge of the collection through research and documentation, to enhance the collection through active collecting and disposal, and to manage the development and delivery of exhibitions and other programmes of public engagement and communication. This post is Temporary for a period up to 18 months.
To apply for this vacancy online please visit www.glasgow.gov.uk.
Closing date is 11.59pm on Sunday 15 March 2015
Information is available in alternative formats, on request.
Phone 0845 270 1078
Museum and Security Assistant
The Natural History Museum Tring is part 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.
We are seeking a permanent Museum & Security Assistant to assist the Management Team with the delivery of the visitor experience offered at the Natural History Museum at Tring.
The Museum & Security Assistant will work as part of a team to provide an excellent service to our visitors and to assist in maintaining the security and safety of the Tring site.
The successful candidate will have experience in a customer facing environment, excellent customer care and communication skills, and have experience of working effectively as part of a team. You will also have a clear understanding of Health and Safety Regulations.
The normal working week is 41 hours (inclusive of a 1 hour daily meal break) and is rostered over a 24 hour shift system (5 days out of 7). This means that Saturday, Sunday and public holidays will come within your conditioned weekly hours.
BEFORE beginning your application - Please read the section on the advert about the ‘Online Application Process’ carefully.
The Museum is an equal opportunity employer, supports a diverse workplace and offers a competitive benefits package including:
•Membership of the civil service pension scheme
•Generous annual leave allowance
•Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions
•Interest-free season ticket loan
•Child care voucher scheme
•Professional & personal development opportunities
•Employee Assistance Programme
•Discounts on food and gift shop purchases
For a full job description and to apply online please visit the Natural History Museum website.
Salary: £19,721 per annum plus benefits (additional £2,840 shift allowance)
Contract: Permanent Appointment
Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 8th March 2015
Paleontology and Geology Collections Manager
Closing date: Open until filled
The University of Washington (UW) is proud to be one of the nation’s premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of achieving excellence in education, research, and community service. Our staff not only enjoys outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities, but also an environment noted for diversity, community involvement, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.
The Burke Museum currently has an outstanding opportunity for a full time Paleontology and Geology Collections Manager. Fossil collections at the Burke Museum are actively growing and include over three million specimens distributed in several subdisciplines: vertebrate paleontology, paleobotany (including pollen and phytoliths), invertebrate paleontology, and micropaleontology. A smaller collection of minerals and meteorites is also part of the divisional holdings. Currently, the fossil collections are managed by three half-time faculty curators and only one Collections Manager. The volume of the collection exceeds proportionally the number of individuals tasked with managing both the specimens and the accompanying digital resources.
This position must support diverse paleontogy collections, to include vertebrate paleontology, invertebrate paleontology, paleobotany, malacology, and geology, on and off-site. Each collection must be managed appropriately, and each set of data is housed in a different database file. There is much work to be done to bring all of the collections under the appropriate level of care and organization, as the use of the collections for research is determined by their accessibility both digitally and tangibly
Requirements
◦Masters Degree in Paleobiology or related field
◦Four to five years related work experience
◦Proficient experience with computer databases and online access of natural history collections
Desired
◦PhD in Paleobiology or related field
◦Experience with GPS mapping and GIS technology
◦Experience with MySQL or related relational database systems
◦Experience writing funded grant proposals
Preparator
No closing date stated.
Vertebrate Paleontology Division at the University of Nebraska State Museum is seeking a qualified individual to perform work as a Preparator or Chief Preparator. The Preparator prepares, conserves, and replicates specimens in support of curator and museum research. Orders lab supplies, supervises and trains students and volunteers. May participate in Vertebrate Paleontology Division field research.
In addition to these duties, the Chief Preparator manages the vertebrate paleontology preparation laboratory, actively recruits students and volunteers to work in the laboratory, and attends professional meetings.
Compensation for the position will be determined at the time of the offer and will depend upon candidate qualifications and the level of the position.
Minimum required qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in the geosciences, biology, zoology, anthropology, museum studies, or related fields. At least two years of experience in the preparation, conservation, and replication (molding and casting) of vertebrate fossils is required. Knowledge of advanced fossil preparation, replication, and conservation techniques is essential. Experience must demonstrate the ability to prepare fossils ranging from delicate microvertebrates that require work under a microscope to large macro fossils. Must also have the ability to make high quality molds and casts of specimens ranging from microvertebrates to large skulls. A working knowledge of vertebrate anatomy is necessary. Background must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively. Must demonstrate the ability to work independently with a strong work ethic. Must have basic computer skills using word processing and spreadsheet software.
Preferred qualifications
Master’s degree preferred. Formal training in vertebrate paleontology with an emphasis on Cenozoic mammals and reptiles. Five years experience in the preparation, conservation, and replication (molding and casting) of vertebrate fossils, with experience supervising students and volunteers. Detailed knowledge of mammal and reptile anatomy is preferred.
Director of Museum Research and Collections
Ref: 498895
Job Summary:
The Director of Museum Research and Collections is responsible for facilitating and promoting the pursuit, discovery and dissemination of knowledge through museum-based research conducted by University faculty, curators, and students as well as outside researchers. The Director will provide oversight for the acquisition of objects for the UA Museums collections and for the management of the collections, including necessary and appropriate documentation, conservation, preservation, protection, preparation, research, exhibition, and interpretation of collections objects belonging to or in the temporary custody of UA Museums.
Additional Department Summary:
The Director will facilitate the activities of the UA Museums Council of Curators as the Chief Curator and will encourage collaborative research efforts and interdisciplinary grant proposals by Museum Curators. The Director is expected to develop and conduct research in his/her own academic discipline and secure external grant funds. Results of research/scholarly work should be published, disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, and/or presented at conferences or symposiums. .
The Director will serve as a Curator in a museum-related discipline such as paleontology, biology, geology, or archaeology.
The Director will supervise staff in carrying out collections care and management. The Director is expected to remain current with regard to developments in the field including relevant state and federal statutes and professional ethical standards.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Doctorate in Biology, Geology, Anthropology, Archaeology, or related field and extensive experience in collections-based research and museum collections management.
Additional Required Department Qualifications:
Valid U.S. driver's license. Must be at least 21 years of age and have an acceptable motor vehicle report as determined by the insurance carrier.
Skills and Knowledge:
Must have strong record of scholarly research and publication in high-quality peer-reviewed academic journals. Must have knowledge and skills in collections management policies and procedures and collections database management. Must have good organizational skills to maintain collections data, loans, general inventory, condition reports, and conservation needs. Ability to organize and direct the work of others and train staff for program specific requirements.
Submit a letter of interest, resume, and names, addresses and phone numbers of at least three references when applying.
Collection Officer - Natural Sciences
The City of Launceston, an award winning Employer of Choice, is currently seeking to fill the position of Collection Officer - Natural Sciences (POS0865).
This position is based in a city rich with built heritage, natural beauty and voted Australia's most 'family friendly' city because of an easy lifestyle with the benefits of being a large regional centre.
In this permanent part-time position (54 hrs per fortnight) working for Australia's largest regional museum, you will be responsible for:
◦Maintaining and caring for the natural sciences collections of the Queen Victoria Museum
◦Facilitating access for customers to Natural Science's physical objects and electronic data
◦Contributing to the delivery of community engagement programs; educational activities, public and research queries, exhibition development and volunteer resources
You will have a relevant tertiary qualification, sound knowledge and understanding of museum collection procedures and specimen preparation techniques, and the ability to safely handle museum objects. You will have strong attention to detail, excellent verbal, written, interpersonal and customer service skills, and be competent using numerous computer applications.
To be effective in the position, you will also need demonstrated ability to coordinate and oversee visitors and volunteers, to work collaboratively, and ideally the ability to conduct research. A drivers' licence is required, and from 1 April 2015, current registration in Tasmania to work with children will also become essential.
Closing date: 6th March 2015 at 5pm
View the Position Description and Advert (pdf)
Scientific Assistant, Paleontology
Closing date: Open until filled
The Scientific Assistant will assist curatorial research and advancement of division's collections and research activities which includes:
- Prepare drawings, photographs and illustrations
- Process digital and other imaging data for illustration
- Works with museum students, postdoctoral fellows and key staff on illustration and photographic techniques.
- Other divisional duties as required.
Required Qualifications
- BS, BF, BFA or commensurate is required,
- Outstanding hand-eye coordination
- Computer skills (Photoshop, Illustrator, Aperture, database/computer record-keeping and image file management, etc.)
- Digital photography and imaging skills, and rendering skills are required.
- Training in art and/or experience in scientific illustration is preferred.
Post-Doctoral: designing a European extraterrestrial sample curation facility
This 2-year Post-Doctoral position available at the Natural History Museum Vienna is part of the Horizon 2020 European Commission Research and Innovation programme, call COMPET-8-2014: "Science in context: sample curation facility and scientific exploitation of data from Mars missions".
The plan of EURO-CARES is to create a roadmap for the implementation of a European Extra-terrestrial Sample Curation Facility (ESCF).
Our aim is to improve European competitiveness in this field by road-mapping the required steps and highlighting areas in which new research and innovation are required in order to create a suitable European ESCF.
After a review of the current state of the art in extraterrestrial sample curation, a plan for terrestrial planetary protection will be developed. The current knowledge and the essential requirements for an ESCF to be built, including building infrastructure, procedures and protocols, security, environmental conditions, documentation and databasing, etc., will be studied and synthesized together with the most suitable instrumentation for sample analysis. Finally, we plan to review suitable portable receiving facilities and to determine the technology required in order to be able to transport samples (including those with a potential biohazard) following return to Earth most effectively.
To summarize, we are investigating the steps that need to be taken to ensure that any possible European ESCF will be suitable for the curation of the samples returned from Solar System exploration missions to the Moon, asteroids, comets, and Mars.
The selected candidate will be mainly co-leading a work package called "Facilities and Infrastructure" within this project, with the objective to define the state of the art facilities required to receive, contain and curate extra-terrestrial samples and guarantee terrestrial planetary protection. All the aspects, from the building design (including the construction, operation, security, etc.) to the storage of the samples (sample holder, monitoring, etc.) as well as the curation (sample handling, storage and database) will be considered. An important part of the selected candidate’s role will be to liaise with other members of the consortium and learn about the many different aspects of planning for the curation of samples return from space. This role provides a unique opportunity to work with world-leading experts from a variety of European countries.
Supervisor: Dr. Ludovic Ferrière (NHM Vienna), in collaboration with Dr. Caroline Smith (NHM London) and several other European colleagues that are involved in this project.
We are seeking a highly-motivated candidate who enjoys working in a multi-disciplinary team environment. The candidate should have a PhD (or be expected to graduate before assuming the position) in the fields of geological, biological or planetary sciences with a strong emphasis on analytical work. Good oral and written proficiency in English is required; knowledge of German is a bonus but not a requirement.