Jobs Archive

Science Educator

Deadline: 
Wednesday, September 3, 2014 - 23:30
Employer: 
The Natural History Museum
Contract Type: 
1 Full Time, 1 Part Time, 2 Weekend
Contract Duration: 
Permanent
Salary: 
£23,480 (FT), £11,740 (PT)

Vacancy reference: KR/NHM/SE
Location: South Kensington
Employment type: Any
Job family: Science
Area of business: Public Engagement

Role description: We are looking for several highly skilled Science Educators to join our Visitor Experience, Learning and Outreach team.

As a Science Educator you will join a diverse team of science communicators who deliver an exciting array of high quality face to face natural history and science learning experiences to a range of Museum visitors tailored to the learning agendas of the visitors.

As part of the Visitor Engagement Learning and Outreach Team, Science Educators make learning accessible and memorable across the Museum by engaging with visitors (especially children); utilising a number of different formats to encourage scientific enquiry, questioning and dialogue. For example, facilitating learning in dedicated hands-on learning spaces such as ‘Investigate’, delivering workshops and hosting drop-in specimen handling sessions in the galleries. The Learning and Outreach Team aspires to become a leader in the field of face to face museum learning, especially in terms of quality and effectiveness.

Science Educators are at the face of the Museum and act as ambassadors alongside our colleagues in Visitor Engagement to ensure high standards of visitor experience. The primary function of the role is delivering the large and diverse learning offer. There are also opportunities to work alongside colleagues in specialist learning audience teams to assist in the development and subsequent delivery of new and innovative programmes and events for visitors.

A passion for science, especially natural history, and excellent face to face communication skills are essential for this post. Previous experience of delivering learning opportunities for a variety of audiences, encouraging questioning and dialogue, is also essential.

Salary:
-1 Full Time Role - 41 including lunch breaks - £23,480 per annum plus benefits
-1 Part Time Role - 18 excluding lunch breaks - £11,740 per annum plus benefits
-2 Weekend Roles - 9.33 excluding lunch breaks - £6,085.23 per annum plus benefits

Contract: Permanent Appointment

Closing Date: Midnight on Wednesday 3 September 2014

Role competences:
1. Educated to degree level (or equivalent qualification) in a natural science, or equivalent experience
2. Teaching qualification (PGCE), or equivalent experience
3. Able to demonstrate a passion for natural history and an ability to inspire others
4. Broad experience of delivering high quality face to face learning opportunities for schools and families, particularly in natural history or science education
5. An in depth understanding of education theory and how people learn, with a working knowledge of what makes a quality museum learning experience
6. Demonstratable experience of checking and monitoring health and safety issues
7. An awareness and understanding of a broad range of access issues
8. Highly developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and confidently to visitors, staff, peers and managers, both individually and in groups
9. Significant understanding of the nature of science and scientific processes
10. An awareness of current science education research and best practice
11. A track record as an excellent team player with a proven ability to make a difference
12. Extensive experience of working with the public and excellent customer care skills

Online application process:
Completing the online application form.

You are required to address each criterion from the competences (requirements) section of the role specification (section 3).

Please provide specific examples from your achievements, knowledge, skills or experience to demonstrate how you meet each of these competences for the role.

Please use one field per competence and using no more than 140 words per field, provide us with the information of how you meet this competence.

Tenure-Track Faculty Candidate (Assistant Professor / Curator of Paleontology)

Deadline: 
Friday, October 31, 2014 - 17:30
Employer: 
The Museum of Paleontology, University of Michigan
Contract Type: 
Full Time
Contract Duration: 
-
Salary: 
-

The Museum of Paleontology and the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan are searching for a tenure-track faculty candidate in the field of Paleontology. This is a university year appointment with an expected start date of September 1, 2015. We anticipate an appointment at the assistant professor/assistant curator level, but applications at other levels will be considered.

We seek applicants who have broad research and teaching interests within developing areas of evolutionary or environmental paleobiology, including, but not restricted to, macroevolution, interactions of developmental biology and evolution, extinction dynamics, paleoecology, organismal paleobiology, and biotic responses to global change. The Museum and Department will consider outstanding applicants in any of these areas. Taxonomic expertise is expected, but the specific area is open.

The successful candidate is expected to establish a leading research program and contribute to both undergraduate and graduate teaching. The appointment in the Museum of Paleontology involves shared curatorial responsibility for a major research collection, now on the threshold of significant enhancement of its online footprint.

Applicants must have a PhD and should submit a CV, a statement of current and future research plans, a statement of teaching philosophy and experience, evidence of teaching excellence, and names of at least four persons who can provide letters of recommendation. Further information about the Museum of Paleontology and the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences can be found at: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/paleontology/ and http://www.lsa.umich.edu/earth, respectively.

To apply please go to http://www.earth.lsa.umich.edu/paleofacultysearch/newapplicant, complete the online form, and upload the required application documents as a single PDF file. If you have any questions or comments, please send an email message to: Michigan-paleo-search@umich.edu.

The application deadline is October 31, 2014 for full consideration, but applications will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The University is supportive of the needs of dual-career couples. The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Science Administrator

Deadline: 
Sunday, September 7, 2014 - 17:30
Employer: 
The Natural History Museum
Contract Type: 
Full Time
Contract Duration: 
23 Month Fixed Period
Salary: 
£23,480 per annum + benefits

Vacancy reference: KR/NHM/SA

Location: South Kensington

Role description: The role of Science Administrator will be split between Research and Consulting Office (RCO) and the Science Administration Team (SAT) both of which are in Science Resources. This will require having a split location in the South Kensington site.

RCO provide financial administrative support and project management for externally funded grant awards and consultancy contracts, monitor and provide pre-award grant applications support.

SAT provide centralised financial administrative support across Science Group, as well as managing and maintaining core budgets.

The post holder will be required to provide administrative support to RCO and SAT operations, work closely with the Museum’s internal departments such as Finance, HR and department operations team administrators and perform general administration and tasks for Science Group.

Role competences:
1. Educated to Degree level or significant experience in a similar role.
2. Excellent communication skills both verbal and written, with the ability to interact with museum staff at all levels
3. Experience of dealing with external customers including those that do not have English as a first language
4. Good problem solving skills
5. Ability to organise, plan and prioritise own workload effectively
6. Strong customer focus, with a proven ability to build positive working relationships
7. Excellent IT skills – particularly MS Excel
8. Significant experience in an office administration role
9. Prior experience of working in an academic environment with an interest in science
10. Proactive team player, with the ability to make positive contributions to a team
11. A Flexible approach to work, with the ability to work well in a fast paced, fluid environment, whilst maintaining a professional manner at all times

Online application process: Completing the online application form.

You are required to address each criterion from the competences (requirements) section of the role specification (section 3).

Please provide specific examples from your achievements, knowledge, skills or experience to demonstrate how you meet each of these competences for the role.

Please use one field per competence and using no more than 140 words per field, provide us with the information of how you meet this competence.

Program Manager

Deadline: 
Wednesday, August 27, 2014 - 17:30
Employer: 
Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lab of Ornithology
Contract Type: 
-
Contract Duration: 
Annual term appointment with possibility of renewal based upon performance and availability of funding.
Salary: 
-

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is the world's leading resource for conservation, research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. The Lab is a vibrant unit within Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), where twelve world-class, mission-driven programs are directed by full-time faculty and other renowned professionals. Lab staff teach undergraduate courses, advise graduate students, collect and disseminate world-famous digital resources on biodiversity, and engage with partner organizations and citizens around the world to conduct scientific research and conservation actions. Our management and staff are committed to the highest standards of ethics and excellence in all areas of our work, and our Board leadership includes faculty from Cornell and other universities, successful entrepreneurs and managers from the business and non-profit sectors, and conservation-minded citizens from the United States and beyond.

The Macaulay Library (ML) at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (the Lab) is the world’s largest (over 250,000 media assets) and oldest (started in 1929) scientific archive of biodiversity media recordings (audio, video and photos); it is the most heavily used archive of its kind in the world. ML assets are media-based biological specimens, much like the specimens in more traditional biological collections, but that uniquely capture the behavioral traits of living organisms. ML media specimens are used extensively in scientific research, having been cited for use in over 600 scientific publications. They are also used for a diversity of non-scientific purposes, including museum exhibits, educational resources, phone/tablet “apps”, commercial products and numerous artistic productions (e.g., Hollywood and documentary films, broadcast television, musical compositions and other high-visibility endeavors). Altogether, ML processes over 350 requests for media per year from outside clients (scientists, educators, museums, artists, etc.), with many of the requests custom tailored and being for hundreds, sometimes thousands, of individual media assets. ML media assets are also used extensively by other units within Cornell University and other Lab programs, for example in media-rich websites. With an annual operating budget that exceeds $1.5 million, ML is involved in a complex mixture of organized and departmental collection, production, outreach, educational and research activities.

The Macaulay Library Program at the Lab is currently seeking a Program Manager. Duties include:
• Oversee the continued development and implementation of ML’s overall collection strategy and will supervise and lead the management of all administrative, operational and collection activities of ML.
• Represent ML from a management perspective in meetings and other interactions within the Lab and the University.
• Ensure that the management, administrative and collection functions of ML operate smoothly and according to Lab and University policy.
• Collaborate with other ML Leadership Team members to implement and communicate the vision of the Program Director and the objectives of ML’s strategic plan into a formulated operating plan, including annual and long-term goals, strategies and finances.
• Collaborate on the setting of activities, projects and strategies that align with ML’s mission and Lab priorities.
• Provide direction and accountability for all day to day collections operations.
• Ensure that priorities are set and met for the development of ML collections, management of media submissions, management of media-specimen preparation and preservation, metadata record creation and enhancement and media distribution.
• Facilitate interdisciplinary dialog and collaboration among the multiple functional areas of ML, such as collections development, collections management, research and interpretation, media engineering, and software/database development.
• Working with the Senior Director of Administration and Operations, oversee the creation, planning, scheduling, and coordination of program and project budgets, the monitoring of expenses, and the facilitation of long-term financial planning which includes assessing risks and benefits of expending program funds with regards to personnel, research, training, productions, collection initiatives, technology, and general program management.
• Collaborate with other Program Directors and Administrators in the Lab to meet the goals and objectives of Lab’s strategic plan and explore opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Provide regular and accurate administrative and financial status reports on program operations to the Lab Administration.
• Collaborate with Human Resources and other supervisors in ML to oversee personnel needs and manage personnel issues including conflict resolution and performance improvement plans.
• Represent and act as programmatic liaison for ML with other institutions, organizations and individuals, within and outside of the United States.
Annual term appointment with possibility of renewal based upon performance and availability of funding.

Applicants to provide cover letter, resume, contact information for 3 references.

Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree; 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent.
• Proven project management, resource management, and supervisory experience and the ability to coalesce staff and resources around a common goal.
• Prior experience working in a library, museum, or similar setting with understanding of the importance of collections and collections management procedures/technology.
• Significant knowledge of, and experience using, media technology; including audiovisual collection development, editing and manipulation technology.
• Must have excellent time-management and negotiation skills.
• Must have a record of successfully meeting schedules and milestones of projects involving multiple stages, participants and stakeholders.
• Must provide high level customer service skills and demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships with a diverse clientele.
• Proven ability to work in a team environment and independently to accomplish required tasks to achieve program objectives while creating a high-quality and respectful work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to present ideas clearly and concisely in oral and written form to a broad range of people.
• Ability to establish and maintain a safe, productive and respectful working environment.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and facilitate meetings.
• Proven ability to work effectively with researchers, curators, and archivists in a dynamic, creative, multi-disciplinary environment.
• Must be logical and analytical with ability to develop new or revised systems, procedures and work flows.
• Experience working on multiple projects on tight timeframes with multiple stakeholders and ability to hold people accountable for expectations.
• Demonstrated ability to assess the risks and benefits of different options and using sound business practices, make decisions that protect the interest and further the mission of ML and Lab.
• Ability to quickly understand and translate business needs as expressed by stakeholders.
• Ability to balance the goals of the Program with financial stability and sustainability of the Program.
• Must be fluent with modern computers and applications including project management tools, report generation, presentation graphics tools, word processing, spreadsheets and graphs, email, internet browsing.
• Proven budget and grant management skills.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a valid NYS driver’s license.
• Ability to work weekends or evening when required in order to meet pressing deadlines.
• Ability to travel when necessary.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Advanced degree with at least 6 years of management and collections experience.
• Advanced knowledge of digital media technology and digital asset management.
• Strong interest in advancing the cause of scientific conservation and the Lab of Ornithology’s mission of applying research to interpret and conserve the earth's biological diversity.
• Experience in managing scientific or research projects.
• Working knowledge of accounting and other administrative functions.

Background check may be required. No relocation assistance is provided for this position.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the new Cornell Tech campus to be built on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We’re an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

Job-Library/Museum
Primary Location-Ithaca
Organization-Laboratory of Ornithology
Schedule-Full-time

Travel-No
Job Type-Standard
Overtime Status-Exempt

Contact Name-Susan Taggart
Number of Openings-1

University Job Title-Library Administrator III
Level-F
Sector*-Contract College

Curator of Entomology

Deadline: 
Sunday, September 7, 2014 - 17:00
Employer: 
University of Glasgow
Contract Type: 
Part Time
Contract Duration: 
Permanent
Salary: 
£33,342 - £37,394

Job Reference: 008854

Job Purpose
To care for, interpret, encourage and facilitate use of the entomological collections belonging to The Hunterian. The post holder will also be required to assist with other invertebrate zoology collections as part of their duties. The post holder will be active in the development of research and other scholarly initiatives on these collections and engage in teaching and learning activity.

Main Duties and Responsibilities
1 To ensure that the collections are efficiently managed and documented for their long-term well being.

2 To undertake, facilitate and collaborate in research into The Hunterian entomological collections; to publish research findings in leading journals and through other appropriate media. (20% of time jointly devoted to research/teaching activity).

3 To assist, as required curating the other invertebrate collections and to support the Curator of Zoology in the wider operation of the Zoological collections.

4 To acquire and update subject related knowledge and provide, as appropriate, expert advice to UoG and related organisations on matters pertaining to the collections, and to participate in national and international activities related to the collections.

5 To identify potential sources of funding and secure such funds either as an individual or a team member. To manage these resources effectively and be accountable for their use in relation to the collection.

6 To contribute to University teaching as appropriate, both in established courses with the assistance of a mentor if required, and by collaborating with colleagues to develop new modules, demonstrations and other delivery formats with appropriate assessment mechanisms to meet defined learning objectives. (20% of time jointly devoted to research/teaching activity).

7 To facilitate physical and intellectual access to the collections for HE and other groups and to encourage use of the collections by the widest possible learning audiences, including dissemination though exhibition, digital media and other means.

8 To assist in the development of the collections in accordance with The Hunterian’s strategic development plans.

9 To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, Glasgow 2020 – A Global Vision
http://www.gla.ac.uk/media/media_180610_en.pdf
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential
A1 Degree and post-graduate qualification in an appropriate subject area i.e. Zoology, Entomology or similar with relevant experience as noted below
A2 An appropriate level of knowledge in the discipline of entomology

Desirable
B1 Postgraduate qualification in Museum studies or working towards membership of a relevant professional body or equivalent post-university museum experience
B2 An appropriate knowledge of research methods
B3 A clean full driving licence

Skills
Essential
C1 Excellent organisational skills including time and project management skills, including meeting deadlines and targets
C2 Good level of IT competence in particular familiarity with databases
C3 Excellent research skills
C4 Ability to work independently or as part of a team
C5 Excellent oral and written communication skills, including ability to communicate information of a specialist or highly technical nature clearly
C6 Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills
C7 Ability to engage the interest and enthusiasm of students to inspire learning and to apply appropriate approaches to teaching
C8 Ability to handle collections safely, assessing risk and making decisions accordingly

Experience
Essential
E1 Minimum of 3-5 years' experience of working with entomological collections in a museum, with qualifications above, or evidence of progression and development gained through 7-10 years relevant work experience without qualifications above
E2 Experience in collecting and preserving insects as part of scientific investigation
E3 Experience of museum records management/data entry/digitisation
E4 Research experience and output, particularly collections-based research
E5 Higher Education teaching experience

Desirable
F1 Experience of raising external funding
F2 Experience of working in other types of Zoological collections
Job Features
Dimensions
Responsible for The Hunterian’s collection of ca 600,000 insects from the 18th century onwards, and associated records/archives/library. Working with the Curator of Zoology, part responsibility as required for other invertebrate collections.
The role will actively contribute to The Hunterian’s strategic development, undertaking appropriate teaching, especially at post-grad level, including project supervision as required, as well as research for acquisition, curation, display and publication.

Opportunities exist to engage with cognate research institutes (primarily the Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, http://www.gla.ac.uk/researchinstitutes/bahcm/) to generate research projects and funding.

Planning and Organising
Plan and manage curatorial activities, use and development of the collection and teaching and research activities
Initiate, prepare and submit funding applications both as an individual and as part of a team.
Propose plan and manage exhibition projects.

Decision making
Decide on acquisition and usage of the entomology collections.
Identify and engage expert opinion as required.
Decide on collections research plan with reference to PDR and institutional strategies.
Take responsibility for organisation and use of resources as appropriate.

Internal/external relationships
Internal
Work closely with the Curator of Zoology.
Liaise with line manager [Senior Curator Hunterian Museum], the Hunterian management and other Hunterian colleagues as appropriate.
Collaborate with colleagues and students in appropriate University subjects, schools and colleges and work with other University Services departments as required.
External
Liaise with national and international expertise in this subject to facilitate best practice and research.
Collaborate and contribute to local, national and international bodies appropriate to the subject.
Work with funding sources as appropriate.
Work with the public.

Problem Solving
Understanding historical data to resolve issues in establishing reliable provenances and background information on specimens.
Contribute to resolving issues in the collections management, conservation, storage and documentation of the collection.
Resolving issues arising in pursuit of research objectives.
Resolving issues regarding funding applications.
Answer public and other queries e.g.on identification of specimens.
Assist subject areas and students to resolve teaching and learning related issues.

Other
It is desirable that the postholder has a full clean driving licence and would be required to sit and pass the University Garage Driving Test that permits usage of University vehicles. Entomological Collections (ca 600,000 specimens)
Zoology Collections (ca 100,000 specimens)

William Hunter’s (1718-1783) own collection of insects numbers about 7,600 specimens containing c.500 primary types. It is extremely important historically as an intact C18th collection that was used by contemporary scientists such as Johann Christian Fabricius (1745-1808), primary entomological pupil of Carl von Linnaeus (1707-1778) and the Paris naturalist Guillaume Antoine Olivier (1756-1814). Major donations from two local collectors Thomas George Bishop (1846-1922) and James Joseph Francis Xavier King (1855-1933) and other acquisitions over the years make the university’s collection a substantial resource. The physical well-being of the collections is being developed substantially using the latest storage and retrieval units for collection management.

The whole collection is strong in the Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera and Hemiptera and there is good representation in other orders. The specimens are world-wide in origin. Recent field work has added high quality material from some ecological and taxonomic research projects.

Amongst other terrestrial invertebrates spiders are well-represented and the molluscs are worldwide and with considerable historical interest through their connection with William Hunter.Standard Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions

Salary will be on the Management, Professional and Administrative Grade, level 7, £33,242 - £37,394 per annum, pro rata (21 hours per week).

New entrants to the University will be required to serve a probationary period of 6 months.

The successful applicant will be eligible to join the Universities’ Superannuation Scheme. Further information regarding the scheme is available from the Superannuation Officer, who is also prepared to advise on questions relating to the transfer of Superannuation benefits.

Ref: 008854, closing date 7 September 2014.

Research Assistant Senior 1

Deadline: 
Tuesday, September 30, 2014 - 23:30
Employer: 
Vertebrate Paleontology group at Oklahoma State University
Contract Type: 
Full Time
Contract Duration: 
Permanent
Salary: 
$39,996-$45,000

Closing date: Open until filled

We are hiring again at OSU-CHS in Tulsa! Below please find the advertisement for a Research Assistant in the Vertebrate Paleontology group at Oklahoma State University. We have a dynamic and growing program, and need help to support four research labs with varied (and fascinating) research foci. Tulsa itself is a fun and lively place to live - cost of living is low, and there are many concerts, art shows, sporting events, and performances to attend. There are trails for bicycling and running, many civic improvements in progress, and no, those F5 tornados haven't come anywhere near us. If you know someone who might be interested but is not on the list, please forward the advertisement below!

The Vertebrate Paleontology laboratories in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at OSU's Center for Health Sciences seek a Research Assistant to conduct and facilitate academic research in support of four faculty members. The work is varied and includes: running a volunteer program; training students and volunteers; managing laboratories; preparing specimens, including paleohistological specimens; and a significant public outreach component.

The Research Assistant must have strong osteological knowledge, with broad experience across Vertebrata. Must be able to use petrographic and binocular dissecting microscopes. Must be able to work independently in the laboratory and as part of a team, good communications skills are key. Should be familiar with general lab safety practices, able to use power tools, and comfortable with chemical preparation, or be willing to learn. If not already proficient with an SEM, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, and specialized analysis software, then should be motivated to learn. Prior experience in a vertebrate paleontology lab, collection, and/or museum is desirable. Creativity and initiative are a must. There may be opportunities to assist with field work but it is not required

Must apply online: https://jobs.okstate.edu, job # 10679.

Graduate Research Opportunity

Deadline: 
Tuesday, September 30, 2014 - 23:30
Employer: 
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
Contract Duration: 
One Year in first instance
Salary: 
Stipend & tuition support

Academic-year stipend support and partial tuition remission are available through the SDSM&T Museum of Geology for graduate students interested in pursuing conservation paleobiology research using invertebrates and/or microfauna focusing on Miocene – Recent coastal and marine ecosystems.

Opportunities to extend funding beyond the first academic year for up to 2.5 additional years may be provided based on student performance. In addition to research mentorship, the student will receive training in natural-history collections and archives digitization, and online and public floor museum exhibit development.

The Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at SDSM&T offers MS degree programs in Geology and Geological Engineering and in Paleontology, and a PhD in Geology and Geological Engineering.

Interested candidates may contact Drs. Laurie Anderson (Laurie.Anderson@sdsmt.edu) or Christina Belanger (Christina.Belanger@sdsmt.edu) for additional information

Geology Grant Project Assistant

Deadline: 
Tuesday, September 30, 2014 - 23:30
Employer: 
Milwaukee Public Museum
Contract Type: 
Part Time 19-25hrs per week
Contract Duration: 
Limited Term
Salary: 
Competitive

Closing date: None stated

Education:

Post secondary education with background in paleontology. Some experience in collection management practices through apprenticeship or internship would be most desired.

Responsibilities:

To fulfill the requirements for a 3-year IMLS grant to assist with the digitization of MPM's Silurian fossil collections. Work under the direction of the Geology Collections Manager on written and digital documentation of the collection. Will work with other staff on improved intellectual controls for the collection.

The Milwaukee Public Museum seeks an assertive, responsible, dependable, and highly organized grant project assistant to be a part of our collection improvement team on a limited-term part-time I basis (up to 19 or 19-24 hours per week).

Responsibilities include labeling/moving drawers in the paleontology collections, enhancement of catalogue data & record verification, digital imaging, processing digital image files, computer/data base work and specimen inventory.

Assistants will oversee project workload, and once fully trained perform most tasks independently, keeping the Geology Collections Manager informed of progress at all times.

Knowledge of computer applications is essential. Experience in digital photography of objects is desired. A competitive pay is offered.

Curatorial Associate, Vertebrate Paleontology

Deadline: 
Friday, October 3, 2014 - 23:30
Employer: 
Harvard University, Museum of Comparative Zoology
Salary: 
-

Closing date: None stated

In conjunction with the Director, Collections Operations and the Faculty Curator, the Curatorial Associate (CA) will determine short- and long-term collection priorities. Assists with development of policies and processes conforming to best practice standards for the long term preservation and conservation of specimens within the collections in accordance with and as defined by natural history museum associations (e.g., Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections, The American Alliance of Museums). Supervises the daily curatorial activities of the curatorial staff assigned to the collections, temporary staff and students. The CA also oversees the activities of academic and non-academic visitors, researchers and students using the collections. Management responsibilities include building and developing a diverse and effective team; planning and delegating work effectively; communicating and monitoring performance expectations; motivating and developing direct reports; and ensuring compliance with Harvard-wide, FAS and MCZ policies and procedures, as well as local, state and federal laws and regulations.

Is responsible for managing the curation of existing and new collections.
Oversees and processes all incoming/outgoing loans of specimens, including
proper documentation for import/export permits. Identifies new acquisitions
through fieldwork, donations, etc and oversees the proper accessioning with the appropriate documents, including capture in the database and maintenance of departmental accession files. Provides oversight and is responsible for the accurate input, data enhancement and updating of computerized specimen database. Prepares and monitors departmental budgets, and orders collection-related supplies necessary for the overall activities of the collections. Consults on the development of work/research areas and collection housing space within the collections spaces for specimens. May assist in preparation of grant proposals for collection or facilities improvement. Participates in museum-wide initiatives and collaborative projects, including with other MCZ collections. Assists the public with questions.

Basic Qualifications

Master’s Degree required in paleontology, geology or biology; with an emphasis in vertebrate paleontology and/or natural history museum studies with experience in handling specimens highly desirable. At least 7+ years of curatorial experience in a paleontology collection (or equivalent); knowledge of vertebrate systematics; 3-5 years of supervisory experience.

Additional Qualifications

Demonstrated writing, public speaking, and organizational skills; excellent computer skills, including database management. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills required, as well as the ability to both work independently and in a busy team environment.

Additional information

When applying for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter in our preferred format as one combined document (resume followed by cover letter).

Harvard University is unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship for this staff position.

Assistant Curator, Paleontology

Deadline: 
Saturday, November 1, 2014 - 23:30
Employer: 
Virginia Museum of Natural History
Contract Type: 
Full Time
Contract Duration: 
Permanent
Salary: 
$42,000-$44,000 Starting Pay

An exceptional job opportunity with the Virginia Museum of Natural History is now available. The mission of the Virginia Museum of Natural History is to interpret Virginia’s natural heritage within a global context in ways that are relevant to all the citizens of the Commonwealth.

If you meet the qualifications for Assistant Curator – Paleontology, we invite you to apply to join our staff. The starting date for this position is July 1, 2015.

We seek a dynamic individual to conduct integrative, field- and collections-based research in paleontology. The successful candidate will be expected to obtain external funding to support their research efforts. Area of specialization is open, but an active interest in extant museum collections (Cenozoic marine vertebrates and/or invertebrates, Triassic vertebrates and/or insects, paleobotany) is a plus. VMNH is located in Martinsville VA, close to an important Triassic lagerstätte (Solite Quarry). VMNH is also actively involved in the excavation of an important Miocene marine mammal location on the Coastal Plain.

The state-of-the-art fossil preparation lab has full-time technical support and an active core of trained volunteers. VMNH also maintains a range of sterographic and petrographic microscopes, modern collections databases and a research library. Additional facilities are available at Virginia Tech less than 2 hours away. Most curators maintain active adjunct faculty appointments at Virginia Tech. This allows, among other things, internet access to the Virginia Tech library.

General competence in field collection, preparation, care, and management of fossil collections is required, along with the ability to interface with outside scientists requesting access to the collections. Ph.D. in paleontology required.

Duties for this position also include interaction with other museum departments such as education, outreach, exhibits, and advancement. The ability to effectively communicate scientific knowledge to a wide spectrum of audiences is an important qualification.

Only online applications are accepted. In addition to the online application, applicants must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of research and curatorial interests and goals, a list of publications relevant to the application, and names and contact information of at least three references. These documents may be attached to the online application.
Application review will begin 1 November 2014 and continue until the position is filled.

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