Jobs Archive

The post-holder will act as Curator for Zoology, and have day-to-day responsibility for the zoological collections in the Museum, along with a second zoology curator already in post. This includes the identification, classification and organisation of specimens. All stages in accession are the responsibility of the Curator – from field collection, acquisition, purchase, data collection, numbering, registration, preparation of catalogues, and production of scientific and popular publications.

The applicant will also be responsible for maintenance of exhibits at the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, Merrion Street, Dublin 2, development of temporary exhibitions, delivery of aspects of public programmes in relation to education and learning, and provision of a zoological enquiries service for the general public and for researchers. The Natural History Museum is scheduled to undergo major refurbishment in 2020-2024 and this project will be a significant task for all staff of the Natural History Division in coming years.

At an exciting time for the organisation, National Museums Scotland offers a unique opportunity to shape a world-class science collection and lead an expert team.

You will be responsible for our rich collection of instruments relating to astronomy, geography, physics, chemistry, biomedicine, computing, and a large photography collection. Material ranges from the miniscule to the massive; from mediaeval to very modern. The collection is housed not only at the National Museum of Scotland but also at other sites, especially the National Museums Collection Centre.

We seek an outstanding candidate to develop these dynamic collections further, especially with new initiatives and contemporary collecting.

You will lead, manage and participate in the research, interpretation and STEM engagement activities of the section.

The post-holder will also work with the Keeper of Science and Technology and the section heads for Technology and Transport to lead the Department in achieving its bold ambitions.

As head of section the Principal Curator will supply a high level of expertise and experience in one or more of the collection areas covered by the section.

You should have acknowledged demonstrable research expertise in a relevant specialist area, and an established reputation in your discipline.

Applicants should have a degree and postgraduate qualification/s in a relevant subject, in addition to proven relevant work experience.

An excellent communicator with a proven track record of research and fundraising, the successful candidate will be organised, methodical, adept at problem solving, a team worker and a strategic thinker.

Experience in managing staff and projects, and good ICT skills are also essential.

A driving licence is desirable.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual for a key role in the Somerset Museums Service curatorial team, to help us deliver our ambitious programme in relation to collections, temporary exhibitions and the public programme. The role will also support our partnership with Weston Museum.

This is a diverse role, which will provide the opportunity to collaborate with staff, volunteers and partner organisations. It will suit someone with a passion for history who is flexible, highly organised and has strong written and verbal communication skills and is looking to develop their skills in a museums and heritage environment.

The Somerset Museums Service is part of the South West Heritage Trust, which delivers a broad range of heritage services across Somerset and Devon. With a turnover exceeding £3.5 million each year, we manage and run three museums (including the Museum of Somerset), 2 Archives and Local Studies services and we look after the historic environment in Somerset, including over 400 acres of reserves. We are a growing organisation, and are seeking to develop our public programme, improve visitor experiences and increase income generation.

Based at the Somerset Heritage Centre in Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton there will be the need for travel to Weston Museum and sites managed by the Trust and presence at events as required.

For further information, please contact Estelle Gilbert, Strategic Development Manager on 07961 674104 or email estelle.gilbert@swheritage.org.uk.

The South West Heritage Trust encourages applications from all sections of the community. We particularly encourage applications from people from those sections of the community which are currently under-represented in the heritage sector including black, ethnic minority, and/or disabled applicants.

For further information and an application form, please download the information below. Applications should be made using the form provided and submitted to recruitment@swheritage.org.uk. CVs are not accepted for this position.

Closing date: 9.00 am, Monday 14 October

Interviews: Thursday 31st October

Kew’s Economic Botany Collection holds over 100,000 useful plant raw materials and products, ranging from ancient Egyptian wreaths to modern herbal medicines.

The Collections Manager has a crucial role in ensuring high standards of curation, and in supporting its very active research, loans and public engagement programme.

Kew is the world’s leading botanic gardens, at the forefront of plant and fungal science, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major visitor attraction.

We want a world where plants and fungi are understood, valued and conserved – because our lives depend on them.

We use the power of our science and the rich diversity of our gardens and collections to provide knowledge, inspiration and understanding of why plants and fungi matter to everyone.

The role of Collections Manager combines hands-on curation of the Economic Botany Collection, working with volunteers and student placements to document and care for its c. 100,000 specimens, and provision of access for users in topics spanning arts, humanities and sciences, ranging from the history of science to ethnobotany.

This role will suit someone with experience in collections management in a research environment, with a meticulous approach to curation, and an enthusiasm for hosting interdisciplinary researchers, and communicating the stories of the Collection to varied audiences. It involves working closely with the Collection’s Senior Research Leader, and with a wide range of staff at Kew and at collaborating institutions.

You will be given active support in developing your curation skills, including through training and participation in museum networks and meetings. This is an exciting time for the Collection, and for this post, with plans at an early stage for a new collections database and storage facility, and the desire to develop a more diverse user community. Knowledge of collections management and an enthusiasm for user communities and public engagement are essential; we welcome applicants from a range of subject backgrounds as botanical training will be provided in post.

The salary will be £25,456 to £28,008 per annum, depending on skills and experience.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a broad range of Learning and Development opportunities, with access to the Civil Service training curriculum, generous annual leave entitlement for new starters, family friendly policies, a choice of competitive pensions and flexible benefits scheme.