Jobs Archive
Director, Gantz Family Collections Center
No closing date stated.
The Field Museum collections are among the top natural history collections in the world for their breadth, scope, and quality. The Field is one of the few institutions with collections that cover planetary origins and the full history of life on Earth with botanical, zoological, geological, and anthropological specimens and artifacts. The Museum’s strategy in Science and Education (S&E) creates a strong opportunity for the Museum to increase the impact of its collections.
The Director of The Field Museum’s Collections Center (the Gantz Family Collections Center) will expand and shape the role that these collections play in global efforts to explore the past, understand the present, and ensure a future rich with biological and cultural diversity. The Director focuses the strategic growth of the collections, broadening their relevance and increasing their accessibility. This leadership position provides general oversight for the Museum's holdings of close to 30 million specimens and objects, in addition to the library and archive collections. The Director works closely with the Center’s leadership (heads of the Anthropological, Botanical, Geological, Zoological, and Library collections) to supervise personnel in collections management, oversee collections-related policies and procedures, and develop the Center’s annual budget. The Director will have active programs in one or more of the Museum’s collection areas, interact with members of the other S&E centers on collaborative initiatives, and develop strong ties with academic institutions locally and worldwide
This position reports to the Vice President of S&E and works as part of a team with the Directors of the Integrative Research, Science Action, and Learning centers to set the vision and agenda for Science and Education at The Field Museum.
Duties and Responsibilities
Provides strategic vision and direction for the Gantz Family Collections Center by:
making museum collections more relevant to research, conservation action, and learning worldwide;
identifying and promoting priorities for Field Museum collections in consultation with S&E leadership and committees of the Board of Trustees;
developing and overseeing implementation of innovative approaches for increasing accessibility and use of Field Museum collections;
and identifying global priorities for natural history collections in cooperation with other museums
Provides oversight for collections growth, care, and use by:
supervising Center’s leadership and overseeing Center’s personnel;
overseeing strategic growth of the collections and collections staff;
overseeing deaccessions, including repatriation;
ensuring the highest standards of collections management;
and overseeing adherence to the Museum’s Collections Management Policy and regularly reviewing and updating policies for approval by Board of Trustees
Serves as the face of collections at The Field Museum by:
fostering relationships with scholars, conservation professionals, and educators worldwide;
supporting collaborations with exhibitions, marketing, and public relations staff;
building networks with museums for training in collections management;
and fostering collaborations between Collections Center staff and communities, citizen scientists, members of the public, and other stakeholders
Oversees finances for the Center by:
developing the annual budget for the Center with S&E and Center’s leadership;
supporting fundraising for the Center;
and helping secure grants for projects that improve the care, growth, access, and use of collections
Qualifications
An accomplished leader with keen knowledge of natural history collections and collections management, and deep appreciation for collections-based science and science communication
A respected scientist with an advanced degree in the biological, geological, or social sciences, or equivalent
At least six years of managing natural history collections with a sound knowledge of best practices, ethics, and AAM accreditation standards
Experience managing a diverse team of professionals in a results-oriented setting
Excellent communication skills
Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and sustain effective teams and collaborations
Experience writing proposals and administering grants
Superb organizational skills and attention to detail
Demonstrated familiarity with museum collections databases.
Natural History Collection Manager
Location: University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
Department: Biological Sciences
Title: Natural History Collection Manager
Classification: Academic staff, exempt
Position Duration: 3 years, commencing no later than January 30, 2016
Salary: $37,277/year + benefits
Supervisor: Dr. Eli Greenbaum, Director, UTEP Biodiversity Collections
Posting: http://admin.utep.edu/Default.aspx?tabid=73912 (Job ID: 2384)
The collection manager for the University of Texas at El Paso Biodiversity Collections (UTEP-BC, natural history collections) will administer a world-class collection of specimens.
The collections consist of fluid-preserved specimens, study skins, herbarium specimens, invertebrate collections, Cenozoic fossils, frozen tissues, wet and dry skeletons, acoustical recordings, digital and film-image archives, and extensive library holdings. The collections have an historical strength in Chihuahuan desert extant and extinct invertebrate and vertebrate specimens, and recent collections have focused on this region, Central and South America, and Central Africa. University curators and students, and national and international scholars use the collections extensively for research and education.
The collections manager is responsible for day-to-day activities in the collection and reports to the director.
Duties:
1. Collections management and conservation (40%)
- Develop and maintain collection database (Arctos), including data migration from other computer programs to Arctos
- Ensure long-term integrity and preservation of collections and collection-storage environment.
- Maintain and improve collection-care protocols.
- Maintain and organize records of collection activity, use, and status for annual reports, grant submittals, and other documentation.
2. Acquisition and collection development (10%)
- Oversee the preparation and staging of newly acquired specimens for their integration into the collection.
- Organize and prepare documentation necessary for specimen accession, including national and international permits and associated documentation.
- Electronically catalog specimens and their associated information.
- Participate in acquisition of specimens for the UTEP-BC by facilitating donations and by occasional fieldwork and expeditions at the direction of the curatorial staff.
3. Museum operational service (30%)
- Process all specimen loans, exchanges, and gifts; incorporate received specimens into the collection; maintain appropriate records of such activities.
- Collaborate with curators to plan and implement divisional goals, priorities, and programs.
- Collaborate with other museum collections managers to achieve high quality collections care and economy of scale in all collections-related activities. Work proactively to place specimens from the UTEP-BC collection into the hands of qualified researchers for study.
- Assist and supervise users of the collections.
- Respond to inquiries from scientists, governmental and consulting agencies, the public, and other users.
- Participate in the museum's public programming by providing information and specimens and assisting in exhibit design; assist in museum public functions.
- Conduct tours for visiting scholars, students, and the public.
4. Supervision (10%)
- Hire, train, and supervise undergraduate assistants.
- Train and supervise volunteers working in the collection.
5. Professional development (5%)
- Work closely with the curators to ensure consistency of practice.
- Participate in collection management training and development through professional societies.
- Undertake research in area of expertise when not in conflict with collection management duties.
- Participate in professional scientific societies.
6. Other duties as appropriate. (5%)
Required qualifications:
- A Master's degree or Ph.D. from an accredited university in museum studies, systematics, botany or invertebrate/vertebrate zoology or bachelor's degree plus a minimum of 2 years experience working with museum collections in a position with similar responsibilities.
- Familiarity with biodiversity informatics, including the database Arctos, web-based applications, and distributed networks.
- Demonstrable knowledge of care and management of natural history collections, with a special emphasis on preventative conservation, collection-storage environments, and techniques pertaining uniquely to fluid-preserved, skeletal, and dry skin collections.
Preferred qualifications:
- Expertise in one or more taxa that constitute divisional strengths and programmatic priorities.
- Working knowledge of the taxonomy and identification of plants, invertebrates, or vertebrates from the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
- International field experience with knowledge of numerous techniques for the collection of botanical, invertebrate, or vertebrate specimens.
- Experience handling cryogenically stored tissue samples.
HOW TO APPLY:
The following application materials should be sent in one PDF file via email to: Cinthia Acuna, UTEP Human Resources, ccacuna@utep.edu
1. Cover Letter
2. Collections Experience Statement (1-2 pages), including any experience with Arctos
3. Academic CV
4. The names and contact information for 3 references
For full consideration, applications should be received by December 4, 2015
Assistant Curator x2
There are two jobs to support the work of the Department of Natural Sciences, based at the National Museums Collections Centre. One will sort and install bird skins, skeletons and eggs into storage facilities while the other will plan and reorder mammal skins and wet specimens. Both roles will also sort vertebrate skeletons into new racking.
Birds:
Specialist Tasks:
• Sort and install passerine bird skins into new trays in new taxonomic sequence
• Sort and install any remaining eggs into new cabinets
• Sort and install bird skeletons into new taxonomic sequence
Specialist Skills:
• Subject-specific taxonomic knowledge based on the current international standard to enable correct ordering and packing of bird skins, skeletons and egg collections
• Planning and project management skills to develop and deliver the reordering of the collection prior and during movement into the new store
• Documenting and updating location of specimens throughout preparation process in accordance with NMS procedures
• Object handling and packing skills to museum standard
Mammals and vertebrate wet collections:
Specialist Tasks:
• Plan and reorder specimens into a single revised taxonomic order based on the current international standard to enable move mapping (mammal skins and wet specimens in tank room)
• Sort and install vertebrate skeletons into new racking
Specialist Skills:
• Subject-specific taxonomic knowledge based on the current international standard to enable correct ordering and packing of mammal collections
• Planning and project management skills to develop and deliver the reordering of the collection prior and during movement into the new store
• Documenting and updating location of specimens throughout preparation process in accordance with NMS procedures
• Object handling and packing skills to museum standard
You will have a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Taxonomic knowledge is vital to the success of this role. You will have knowledge and experience of working with similar collections in a project environment.
You will be organised and methodical, with good verbal and written communication skills and ICT skills in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook. You should also have experience of managing your own time and workload, working to deadlines and handling multiple priorities. A driving licence is desirable.
Please indicate clearly on your application within the Statement of Support, which post/s you wish to be considered for.
The successful candidates are expected to take up post in December 2015.
For further information and to apply online (recommended), please visit www.nms.ac.uk. If you have any queries please email applications@nms.ac.uk or telephone 0131 247 4094 (answerphone), stating reference NMS15/638
Closing date for completed applications is Monday 16 November 2015.
Please note that CVs are not considered as, or as part of, job applications and will not be forwarded to the shortlisting process.
National Museums Scotland is committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Museum Website: https://vacancies.nms.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?MenuID=6Dqy3cKIDOg
Exhibits Developer
The University of Kansas Natural History Museum seeks an exhibits developer to create permanent and temporary exhibits that will inform and engage visitors. As a key staff member in a small department, the exhibits developer’s responsibilities include planning, tracking, design, fabrication, installation and maintenance of permanent and temporary exhibits. This person should be creative, enthusiastic and curious about science and natural history, highly organized with a close attention to detail, have strong communication skills, the ability to work on and complete multiple projects simultaneously, and be motivated and willing to learn.
Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and 3 years professional experience in exhibit or other interpretive development required. Master’s degree and 5 years experience preferred. Salary $41 to 43k. For a full position description and to apply online visit https://employment.ku.edu/staff/4682BR.
KU is an EO/AAE. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, disability, genetic information or protected Veteran status.
Vertebrate Paleontologist
Salary: As per the work related experience and educational qualifications
Role Purpose:-
Collection-based research, field research and scientific input into exhibition planning, with a focus on dinosaurs and Qatar's paleoenvironment
Main Responsibilities:-
1. Dinosaur research - Coordinate/conduct research on QM's dinosaur collection and Arabian dinosaurs. Coordinate/conduct research on animal and plant fossils contemporary with dinosaurs
2.Paleontological surveys - Conducts/coordinates paleontological surveys in Qatar. Collects/coordinates collection of specimens of fossil animals and plants for research and exhibitions. Coordinates reconstructing Qatar's paleoenvironment and paleofauna
3.Curation and conservation - Takes curatorial responsibility for QM's vertebrate palaeontology collections. Plans and supervises conservation of QM's collections of fossils (conservation of objects). Supervises collections management staff. Plans conservation of Qatar's fossil wealth, as part of national, natural heritage conservation program (heritage conservation)
4.Exhibitions - Provides scientific guidance for the temporary dinosaur exhibition. Takes the lead in planning the QMNS permanent dinosaur exhibition. Plans and provides scientific guidance for exhibition(s) on Qatar's and the region's paleoenvironment in a global context.Plans and delivers paleontological training to docents. Promotes outreach and public engagement
Qualifications:-
Education and certification requirements - Advanced degree, usually Ph.D./Dr. in geological and/or biological sciences with specialization in vertebrate paleontology
Experience required -
- At least five years work experience as a palaeontologist (paleontological field and laboratory research, museum exhibitions and fossil conservation)
- Innovative research agenda in vertebrate palaeontology
- Outstanding research record, documented by publication
- Experience of working with Museum collections, including paleontological curation
nthomas@qm.org.qa & cv@qm.org.qa
Company Website :- www.qm.org.qa
Collections Assistant
BUFFALO MUSEUM OF SCIENCE POSITION DESCRIPTION
Collections Assistant
Inspiring curiosity through exploration
Dep’t./Division: Collections
Position Title: Collections Assistant
Primary Reporting Responsibility: Director of Collections
Status: Full time/exempt
Overview: The staff of the Buffalo Museum of Science accomplishes its goals through the implementation of strong team processes and procedures. All staff are recruited, trained, directed and developed with this in mind. While staff will have position descriptions and well-defined reporting responsibilities, they are required to be flexible in both. They will at times be asked to perform as part of project teams or task forces, where their reporting responsibility and work requirements may be different from, while related to, their basic position description. BMS senior staff is committed to identifying, nourishing, and employing the unique strengths and interests each person brings with them to their position here.
Summary of Position: Seeking an organized and energetic individual to manage and develop the Museum’s catalog using PastPerfect Museum Software.
The Collections Assistant will ensure the overall integrity, functionality and security of the Collections Management Database as it relates to the permanent and loaned collection of the Buffalo Museum of Science. In addition to cataloging new acquisitions, the candidate will implement a collection wide inventory and photo documentation project.
Essential Functions:
• Manage and maintain PastPerfect database
• Photo document BMS collection items as assigned
• Implement online access to the Museum’s catalog
• Work closely with Collections Department staff to ensure the proper and consistent entry of data and to develop internal standards for data entry and reporting utilizing approved museum standards
• Work closely with the IT Department to ensure the overall integrity, functionality and security of the data stored within
• Work closely with others utilizing the database to ensure the proper and consistent entry of data
• In conjunction with IT, coordinate maintenance of files and consistent data backup
• Data entry as required
• Perform general administrative duties as required
• Complete special projects and basic research as assigned
• Transition older collection databases into pan-collections catalog using PastPerfect Software
• Supervise volunteers and interns where appropriate
• Participate in team projects as needed
• Facilitate and supervise access to the Museum’s collection
Qualifications, Experience, Skills:
• Minimum of Bachelors degree in museum studies or related field. Masters degree preferred. Advanced coursework in biology or natural sciences recommended.
• Demonstrated experience with database software, specifically PastPerfect, required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Experience in object photography required
• Good people skills – speaking, listening, writing, friendly disposition
• Strong organizational and creative problem-solving skills
• Self-motivator, ability to work independently
Physical Requirements:
• Able to move moderately heavy items
• Position requires sitting at a desk and utilizing a computer for prolonged periods of time and good eye/hand coordination. Vision abilities required by the job include close vision.
Salary:
• Please include salary requirements with application
Please send cover letter, curriculum vitae, salary requirements and names of three references via USPS or email to:
Kathryn H. Leacock
Director of Collections
Buffalo Museum of Science
1020 Humboldt Parkway
Buffalo, NY 14211
Applications will be accepted until November 7th 2015.
Collections Assistant - Slides Collections
Job Type: Part Time
Contract Type: Fixed term
Salary: £21,000 (pro rata)
Closing Date: 02 November 15
The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS) is working with the Quekett Microscopical Club (QMC) to store, conserve, document and digitise the 52,000 microscopic slides in the RCS slide collections.
We are looking to appoint a Collections Assistant to embark upon this project, working within the RCS Conservation Unit with QMC experts.
This unique, exciting opportunity would suit an enthusiastic professional with analytical skills coupled with the ability to work methodically and accurately; and who would relish the experience of working closely with colleagues from allied domains.
The successful candidate will have a relevant degree and have proven experience in collections management and conservation.
You will be able to demonstrate skills using a collections database and be proficient in MS Office. An interest in natural history or knowledge in a histology related area would be an advantage.
You will have the communication skills and confidence to engage with colleagues, stakeholders and users to ensure the success of the project.
For a full job description/person specification and details of how to apply, please visit www.rcseng.ac.uk/about/working.
Documentation Officer
Documents
Employee Specification.pdf
https://jobs.bristol.gov.uk/wd/plsql/wd_portal.view_blob?p_web_site_id=5...
Job Description.pdf
https://jobs.bristol.gov.uk/wd/plsql/wd_portal.view_blob?p_web_site_id=5...
Bristol is a vibrant European city with a lively cultural offer.
Bristol Museums, Galleries and Archives (BMGA) is central to Bristol City Council's Culture Team and at the heart of Bristol's history, identity and global recognition. BMGA is a 'Major Partner Museum' (MPM) receiving funding from Arts Council England (currently assured until April 2018) in addition to its core funding from its governing body, Bristol City Council.
Reporting to the Conservation & Documentation Manager, you will be part of a team (5 conservators and 4 documentation officers) responsible for collection management delivery, ensuring our 1.75million museum and gallery artefacts are accessible and cared for correctly.
You will work closely with the curatorial team which have day to day responsibility for the art, human history and natural science collections in the museums and also with the archivists at the Bristol Record Office.
The successful candidate is likely to be an experienced museum professional with a specialist background in museum documentation.
You will demonstrate a good understanding of the collection management issues facing museums today. BMGA use EMu for the management of museum collections and associated digital media and CALM for the archive collections.
The postholder will play a key role in supporting and training staff in to how to use EMu and in developing documentation procedures in line with current standards.
You will continue to maintain and develop further the elements of EMu which are tailored to BMGA, working closely with KE Software (part of the Axiell Group) and the digital/transformation team at BMGA.
You will explore new ways to improve digitisation workflows, so as to provide access to collections information for staff and visitors, both on-line and in the galleries.
You will work across all staff groups as part of project management.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the knowledge, aptitude and experience detailed in the Employee Specification.
Apply Now
https://jobs.bristol.gov.uk/wd/plsql/wd_portal_cand.form?p_web_site_id=5...
Conservator (Life Collections) - Maternity Cover
Oxford University Museum of Natural History is seeking to recruit a Life Sciences Conservator. The post holder will have responsibility for the conservation of the specimens on display and in store and the maintenance of the Museum’s IPM.
We are seeking a skilled team player with a track record of conservation work on biological materials, including experience in the conservation of spirit collections. A proven ability to manage and prioritise a varied workload in an efficient and co-operative manner is essential.
Grade 5: £24,057 - £28,695. Full- time (part- time hours will be considered)
Fixed term until 31st November 2016
Closing date: 12 noon Wednesday 21st October 2015
Interview date: Monday 2nd November 2015
EU candidates only will be considered
http://www.oum.ox.ac.uk/about/vacancy.htm
Please follow link for more details and contact information
Project Placement - Zoology Collection
Project Placement - Zoology Collection
Leeds Museums & Galleries
UK, England, Leeds
Zoology Collection
What is the Project?
- Part of our bird collection at Leeds Museums and Galleries is almost completely documented and photographed.
- An important collection packed with usable data, it now needs to be beautifully documented and made ready to go online to improve its accessibility.
- A crucial part of the project is to have the collection publicised through regular blog posts and other use of social media as well as completing the documentation.
What's in it for you?
- An experienced professional to mentor you throughout the placement to help you develop your skills.
- Develop digital documentation skills including using industry standard digital collections management software (TMS - The Museum System).
- Experience of recognising conservation issues and flagging these up the conservator.
- Contribution to a social media 'bird season' at Leeds Museums & Galleries.
- Contribution to the delivery of a co-ordinated collections campaign alongside the Digital Media Assistant.
- Become part of a friendly team.
What's involved?
- Attending a two day induction period which will incorporate a site induction, information governance training, social media training and TMS training.
- Throughout the placement, the candidate will be required to keep a log of any activities carried out and photographically document the work in preparation for evaluating the placement as a blog in the final week.
- Attending an assessment at the end of week 1 to receive guidance and give feedback on any concerns to be addressed by the mentor and a second assessment at the halfway mark as a recap of the time period and to receive guidance towards producing a final evaluation as a blog post to be inserted in the Secret Lives Of Objects blog page.
- Working independently, with guidance from the project leader. Photographing, measuring, marking and recording data from the collection.
- Publicising interesting findings in the form of a blog post.
- Passing information of interest to the curators of natural science to tweet about.
- Recognising and flagging up conservation issues with the conservator.
- The final day will consist of an exit interview to mutually share and evaluate the placement and to allow the candidate to share their experience of the placement.
Person specification
- The candidate should be in possession of or be working towards a degree in natural sciences, zoology or other related vocational qualification.
- Strong IT and research skills and an interest in this type of project.
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail; and some experience of object handling would be advantageous.
- Comfortable with using a digital camera.
- Enthusiastic, reliable and eager to gain experience.
- Be able to work with and without supervision as necessary.
- Be willing to abide by the Council's code of conduct as well as the relevant policies and procedures.
Location: Leeds Museum Discovery Centre, Carlisle Road, LS10 1LB
Leeds City Museum Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 8BH
Time commitment: 2-3 days a week
(The main project supervisor works part-time, so availability on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays would be ideal)
Day: To be confirmed
Duration: A maximum of 30 days
Expenses: This is a paid position which will be discussed at interview.
Further info: For further information contact Clare Brown or Rebecca Machin, Curators of Natural Sciences on either clare.brown@leeds.gov.uk or rebecca.machin@leeds.gov.uk
Closing date: 5pm 31 October 2015
If you are interested, please complete the application form on the downloads page of our website http://www.leeds.gov.uk/volunteer and send it by email to: volunteer@leeds.gov.uk or contact Wendy Breakwell, Volunteer Coordinator, on 0113 336 7393 to request an application form.