Jobs Archive
Senior Postdoctorial Research Assistant – PREDICTS2
Brief Summary of Role
This NERC-funded project aims to collate data from published before-and-after comparisons of how sites’ ecological assemblages changed when land use changed, and to integrate them with new datasets on species’ functional ecology and phylogeny in order to estimate how global land-use change affects local biodiversity, ecosystem structure and ecosystem function. It builds on the successful PREDICTS project (www.predicts.org.uk), extending it by considering ‘biotic lag’ and ecosystem function.
The role involves extending the PREDICTS database schema to hold before-and-after comparisons, estimating phylogenies for major taxa in the database, developing a reproducible workflow for statistical analyses (mixed-effects models and phylogenetic comparative models) and using it to analyse the data, writing manuscripts and reports, and co-supervising project students working on the project. The post is based with Prof Andy Purvis at the Natural History Museum but with one day per week at UNEP-WCMC in Cambridge.
Ideally this person would start with us no later than October 2015.
Salary: Up to £34,000 per annum (dependant on experience) plus benefits
Closing Date: Midnight on Sunday 23rd August 2015
Interviews: Stagnated interviews: Early round of submissions will interview week commencing 17th August and closing submissions will interview week commencing 7th September 2015
Role competences:
BEFORE beginning your application - Please read the section below about the ‘Online Application Process’ carefully as we will ask you to attach a CV and Covering Letter.
If you wish to be considered for this role you will need to address all of the following competences in your ‘cover letter’:
1. PhD in statistical conservation ecology or a similar discipline.
2. Up to 4 years of postdoctoral experience.
3. Statistical modeling of complexly-structured data (mixed-effects models)
4. Phylogenetic comparative analyses
5. Phylogeny estimation
6. Functional trait approaches to ecology/biodiversity
7. Database design
8. Ability to evaluate biodiversity survey design
9. Experience of analysing time-series data
10. GIS, using both local and global data
11. R programming essential
12. Python scripting desirable
13. Reproducible workflows
14. Writing publication-quality manuscripts
15. Supervision of project students and junior staff
16. Experience of science-policy interface
17. Experience of working in a large team
Science Communicator (x3 positions)
The role of the Science Communicator is to develop and deliver creative, high quality science communication content, activities and events for a range of public audiences including adults, families and school students. Science Communication activities are delivered in a range of formats and locations (e.g. debates in the Attenborough Studio, on-gallery dialogues with scientists, digital bite-size video, outreach to schools, and through the annual Science Uncovered event.) Science Communicators work collaboratively with colleagues in different teams across the Museum including Science, Public Engagement, Visitor Engagement and Learning & Outreach to ensure there is a skilled and professional interaction between scientists and public audiences, encouraging questions, dialogue and debate. The role includes the requirement to work regular evenings and weekends.
The role sits within the Content Team and reports to the Science Communication Manager.
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. A first degree in natural sciences or equivalent experience, and a demonstrable interest and enthusiasm for the natural world
2. MSc in Science Communication, or equivalent knowledge and experience of best practice in this area
3. Extensive experience of designing and delivering face-to-face science communication for the public in a museum, science centre or similar.
4. Proven experience of targeting or adapting science communication activities or events to different audiences and experience levels, including adults, families and school students
5. Experience of planning and delivering engaging science communication content in digital formats (e.g. bite-size content, features)
6. Substantial experience of providing an interface between scientists and members of the public, developing positive and effective working relationships
7. Proven experience of providing advice or training to scientists in science communication or other public engagement activities
8. Demonstrable strong organisational skills and attention to detail
9. Excellent knowledge and experience of using PowerPoint and Microsoft Office packages
10. A track record as an excellent team player, with the proven ability to develop and maintain effective and positive working relationships with colleagues in different teams
11. Demonstrable experience of prioritising and delivering workloads across a number of different concurrent projects, ensuring deadlines are met
12. Excellent verbal and written communication skills across a range of formats (e.g. face-to-face presentations, creating written listings for Museum events)
Curator Microlepidoptera
Role competences:
BEFORE beginning your application - Please read the section below about the ‘Online Application Process’ carefully as we will ask you to attach a CV and Covering Letter.
If you wish to be considered for this role you will need to address all of the following competences in your ‘cover letter’:
1. Relevant undergraduate degree (or equivalent experience)
2. Post-graduate or other qualification in Museum Studies or insect taxonomy (or equivalent experience)
3. Considerable experience of working with institutional Lepidoptera collections
4. Demonstrable specialist knowledge of
- Microlepidoptera
- British and Irish Microlepidoptera
5. Demonstrable ability to dissect Lepidoptera Type specimens for genitalia preparations and molecular work
6. Demonstrable knowledge and experience of KE EMu or other collections database software
7. Proven ability at scientific outreach (spoken, written and online)
8. Experience of
- Dealing with visitors to the collection
- Managing and supporting the work of volunteers
- Works to deadlines, is well organised and able to cope with a number of tasks
9. Demonstrable experience working in/with research teams
10. Understanding of digital photography and specimen digitisation
11. Familiar with the rules of zoological nomenclature, understands the concept of, and different kinds of, type specimens
12. Has a demonstrable understanding of the kinds of users of a major insect collection, and their expected needs and requirements
Postdoctoral Research Assistant - Forams
This NERC-funded project aims to test whether adaptive zones have been important in shaping macroevolution, by focusing on the clade with the most detailed fossil record – macroperforate planktonic foraminifera – over the last 23 million years.
This role involves three main tasks. First, existing IODP cores will be stitched together to provide continuous synthetic stratigraphic columns through the Neogene in each of two widely-separated subtropical gyres. Second, these columns will be sampled at regular intervals, with the foraminiferal community characterized by complete assemblage counts and 2-D morphometrics. Third, the resulting data will be analysed using community phylogenetic and phylogenetic comparative approaches to test a range of predictions, and the results written up for publication.
The post is based with Prof Andy Purvis at the Natural History Museum in London. Some training is available on foraminiferal systematics and R programming, but a reasonable baseline of knowledge is required.
Role competences:
If you wish to be considered for this role you will need to address all of the following competences in your ‘cover letter’:
1. PhD in micropaleontology, comparative biology or a similar discipline
2. Up to 3 years of postdoctoral experience
3. Micropaleontology:
- Considerable experience with planktonic foraminifera is essential
- Expertise in taxonomy of Neogene planktonic foraminifera is desirable
- Ability to rapidly and accurately identify specimens to species is highly desirable
- Experience of assemblage counts is desirable
- Experience mounting, imaging and measuring specimens is desirable
4. Statistical computing:
- Considerable experience with R is essential
- Experience of morphometrics is desirable
- Experience of community phylogenetics is desirable
- Experience of phylogenetic comparative analysis of trait evolution is desirable
- Experience of writing R functions and packages is desirable
5. Other:
- Sufficient knowledge of sedimentology, including preservation and dating, to design the synthetic stratigraphic columns is highly desirable
- Experience of writing publication-quality manuscripts is essential
- Experience with specimen-level databases or Scratchpads is highly desirable
- Experience of stable isotope geochemistry is desirable
- Experience of supervising Masters project students is desirable
Research Assistant, Vertebrate Palaeontology
"TERRA. 375 Million Years of the Diversification of Life on Land: Shifting the Paradigm?"
School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham
A research assistant position in vertebrate palaeontology is now available based within the research group of Dr Richard Butler, within the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences. The role would suit a recent graduate with a background in palaeontology or geology, who wishes to build experience and skills in palaeontological research.
The successful applicant will be employed for one year to work as part of a European Research Council-funded team focused on testing the spatial and temporal patterns and abiotic and biotic drivers of the diversification of terrestrial tetrapods over the Phanerozoic. The research assistant will be primarily focused on developing spatially and temporally comprehensive datasets of fossil vertebrate taxonomy and occurrences. They will need to conduct comprehensive literature searches to recover and extract from the scientific literature information on fossil vertebrate distribution, which they will then incorporate into the online Paleobiology Database. Some travel outside of Birmingham (e.g. to London) may be necessary to acquire key scientific literature. Opportunities may be available to attend relevant training courses and conferences, and to collaborate on research publications with other members of the research team.
The researcher will join a very active community of palaeobiologists and palaeoclimatologists, associated with a significant geological museum and collection (the Lapworth Museum of Geology), and will be part of the broader Geosystems research group of the School.
UK Flora Collections Assistant
This diverse and interesting role in Kew's Conservation Science Department requires excellent organisation skills, a working knowledge of the UK flora and a high level of attention to detail. Your time will be divided between fieldwork, laboratory work and desk-based tasks. You will be a good team-player and communicator. The role offers an opportunity to work with colleagues across Kew and partners within the plant conservation community towards ensuring that high quality seed collections from the UK flora are conserved at the Millennium Seed Bank.
Curator of Natural Sciences
Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery Trust, Carlisle is looking to recruit an enthusiastic, experienced and highly organised individual who is passionate about the care, curation, learning potential and development of natural sciences collections to join the Collections & Programming team at Tullie House in Carlisle.
The postholder will lead on the development of the Natural Sciences Collection (which are subject to a current Designation application) in relation to engagement activities, acquisitions, collections care projects, research, exhibitions and collection displays. This will involve working in collaboration within the Trust and external organisations.
Candidates must have demonstrable knowledge and experience of Natural Sciences collections, developing engagement activity and exhibitions and liaison with internal and external stakeholders.
This role requires a degree in a relevant subject and a postgraduate qualification in museum/gallery studies and/or an AMA or equivalent experience. Knowledge of documentation systems and experience of working with volunteers will also be essential, as will excellent communication skills.
Closing date 12pm Monday 10 August 2015. Application form and more information from http://www.tulliehouse.co.uk/about-us/vacancies
Senior Science Administrator
Role description:
The Natural History Museum is one 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.
A great opportunity has arisen for a part time vacancy in our Science Resources team for a Senior Science Administrator. Working under the direction of the Head of Science Administration and in liaison with the Head of Science Resources and other Department management teams, the Senior Science Administrator (SSA) supports the delivery of an effective financial and administrative service to the Science Group.
The post holder will manage and authorise expenditure requests, exercise budget control, produce financial regular reports for Department management teams and work closely with the Finance Department to meet best practice guidelines; advocating administrative efficiency through regular and appropriate process reviews.
To be successful in this role, you will have an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification/experience, preferably in a science discipline. You will have excellent financial awareness and proven ability working in a financially administrative environment. You will be highly organised, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and good relationship building skills.
Salary: £13,411.50 (£26,823 full time equivalent) per annum plus benefits
Hours: 18 hours to be agreed between Monday-Friday
Closing date: 9am on Monday 20 July 2015
Interviewing: w/c Monday 27 July 2015
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. GCSE Maths and English at minimum Grade C (or equivalent)
2. Undergraduate degree (or equivalent qualification/experience), preferably in a science discipline
3. Excellent financial awareness and proven ability to work in a financially administrative environment
4. High degree of numeracy
5. Ability to work independently and as part of a team
6. Ability and confidence to communicate effectively at all levels. Excellent verbal and written communication skills
7. The ability to build good working relationships and trust with peers and senior staff within Science Group and across the Museum
8. Ability to manage and prioritise multiple tasks to meet deadlines
9. Proven analytical skills with a systematic approach to problem solving
10. Ability to seek out new and improved ways of working by attaining and assessing feedback to make process improvement recommendations
11. Strong attention to detail and the ability to consistently produce work to a high level of accuracy
12. Excellent IT skills and ability to learn new software packages quickly.
Desirable (Please highlight if you meet any of these criteria by attaching a word document in the supporting documentation section of our online application portal):
1. Experience of working with financial software
2. Project Management qualification or experience
3. Experience of working in an administrative capacity in an academic environment
4. Line management experience
Micro-CT Scanning Specialist
Role description:
The Natural History Museum is one 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.
An exciting opportunity has arisen in our Imaging and Analysis Centre (part of the Core Research Laboratories Department) for a Micro-CT Scanning Specialist. The post holder will work with the CT Lab manager and will be expected to operate and maintain the Micro-CT facilities at the Natural History Museum for the benefit of Museum scientists and other NHM colleagues, scientific visitors and commercial customers.
The post holder will contribute to the health and safety management of the Micro-CT laboratory by completing necessary documentation, risk assessments and COSHH. You will also oversee the training and supervision of internal and external scientific users to a high level of skill and sample/data interpretation.
Contributing to, and participating in scientific research relevant to the Museum’s science strategy, Micro-CT and its application to the examination of naturally occurring samples, you will also support income generation via grants and commercial activities.
To be successful, you will preferably have a PhD / degree level or equivalent qualification in a relevant science subject, or you could have extensive evidence of relevant experience in the application of Micro-CT to naturally occurring samples. Demonstrable and evidence based theoretical knowledge and recent practical experience of geological and biological X-ray Micro-CT scanning techniques is required.
Salary: £28,188 per annum plus benefits
Contract: Permanent appointment
Closing date: 9am on Monday 27 July 2015
Interviews expected: w/c Monday 3 August 2015
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. Educated to degree level (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant science subject, or extensive evidence of relevant experience in the application of micro-CT to naturally occurring samples
2. Demonstrable and evidence based theoretical knowledge and recent practical experience of geological and biological X-ray micro-CT scanning techniques
3. Significant demonstrable experience in a range of relevant image processing techniques and software, including Drishti, Avizo or VG Studio Max
4. Knowledge of health and safety procedures relevant to micro-CT techniques and sample preparation. Experience in writing risk assessments and COSHH documents.
5. Proven ability to operate as a successful member of a team in a laboratory environment.
6. Evidenced ability to contribute to laboratory-based research
7. Proven methodical approach to data collection, handling and interpretation
8. Experience of 1st line trouble shooting/maintenance of X-ray micro-CT instrumentation
Dawnosaurs Programme Co-ordinator
Role description:
The Natural History Museum is committed to grow as an international centre of excellence for informal science learning, and continued to be considered as such by our audiences, peers, academics and supporters. Our aim is to build on our position as a provider of high quality learning experiences. Our public and school programme will continue to provide access to extraordinary specimens, and we will work with our audiences to create programmes that are relevant to them, responding to and enhancing the ways in which people learn and harness their creativity.
An exciting opportunity has presented itself to be actively involved as a Dawnosaurs Programme Coordinator, leading a new programme that will engage families and children with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC). This programme will offer exclusive early access at the Museum and provide tailored opening hours for families with children with ASC and their carers, removing current barriers to access and sharing the Museum and its collections with a wider audience.
To be successful in this role, you will have an understanding of the Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and the effects this may have on gallery visitation, with a good understanding of legislation around equity and inclusion. Some experience in developing and delivering operational plans, activities and events for an audiences with special needs and experience in developing Risk Assessments would be beneficial.
Salary: £10,729.20 (£26,823 full time equivalent) per annum plus benefits
Contract: 36 months fixed term appointment
Hours: 14.4 hours (2 days) per week with some weekend working required
Closing date: 9am on Wednesday 22 July 2015
Interviewing: w/c Monday 3 August 2015
Role competences:
BEFORE beginning your application - Please read the section on the advert about the ‘Online Application Process’ carefully.
If you wish to be considered for this role you will need to address each of the following competencies in the 'other information' section of your online application:
1. Educated to degree level or equivalent qualification and/or proven relevant experience
2. Significant, demonstrable experience and a practical working knowledge of legislation relating to equality and inclusion
3. An excellent understanding of Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and how this relates to the museum experience
4. Significant experience of developing and delivering accessible programming for different audiences
5. Demonstrable experience in developing and delivering training programmes
6. Proven experience of working collaboratively across an organisation, and the ability to work effectively with a wide group of stakeholders
7. The ability to act as an advocate for the Dawnosaurs programme, both internally and externally
8. Able to work effectively and independently using own initiative as well as part of a team
9. Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage demanding workloads and prioritise multiple tasks.