A unique and exciting opportunity to work in the most biodiverse county in England with both a nationally Designated museum collection and one of the largest and oldest biodiversity data centres in the UK.
The Museum's Natural Science collection is Designated for a reason - it is a comprehensive, scientifically important, and nationally significant collection of 300,000+ specimens that represent the flora, fauna and geology of Cumbria. Together with the 2m+ records held by the Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre (CBDC), this exciting new post, funded by the Headley Trust, represents an extraordinary opportunity to work within one of the most important natural science collections in the UK.
The Museum and CBDC will be combining these two major collections to create a 'Natural Sciences Unit', which will develop awareness and raise the profile of the natural world in Cumbria and beyond. This key post will contribute to moving this agenda forward but will also undertake collections development work, public programming and research and development of the combined collections for Project Tullie¸ the Museum's major new capital development programme.
Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery Trust is a major independent regional museum welcoming over 200,000 visitors every year. We are the lead organisation of the Cumbria Museum Consortium, an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. As part of our Manifesto we strive to engage our local community at every level: we aim to provide a third space that anchors the community, using our internationally significant collections, to inspire our diverse audiences.
We are looking for a candidate with strong natural science knowledge, great communication skills, a passion for sharing this with audiences. Whilst welcomed, collections management experience is not essential to this role as training can be provided on the job.
Purpose of the Role
- To work as part of the Collections Team and with the Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre to embed an understanding of biodiversity and environmental sustainability into museum activity, and advocate internally and externally for increased work in this field, in collaboration with local and national partners.
- To curate and manage the Natural Science collection to recognised professional standards, under the direction of the Curatorial Manager, and to increase access to this collection for research, engagement and income generation.
- To work with colleagues across the organisation - in particular the Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre and the Learning and Exhibition teams - to develop innovative projects, exhibitions and events focusing on the Natural Sciences collection in order to support the museum's Audience Development Plan, and to identify funding sources to support these.
Position is Fixed Term: January 2021 - January 2023
If you are inspired by the role and would like to apply for the position, please visit www.tulliehouse.co.uk/vacancies and return a completed application form to by 5pm Wednesday 28th October.