Jobs Archive
Curator, Fossil Bryozoans, Sponges, Worms and Trace Fossils
Working within the Invertebrates and Plants Palaeobiology curatorial team, the Curator of Fossil Bryozoans, Sponges, Worms and Trace Fossils will have curatorial responsibility within the Natural History Museum’s historically important collection. The role will work closely with those responsible for the equivalent recent collections. The collections are frequently accessed by external researchers and are also used for the NHM’s public engagement activities, including income-generating exhibitions and events for the general public and media.
The curator will:
- Be responsible for collections management, development, care and identification of conservation needs within the named collections area
- Identify areas suitable for development and facilitate donations and acquisitions as appropriate
- Work closely with the NHM Unlocked delivery team to document, organise, sort and prepare the collections to ensure the move to a new site in Reading is both safe and beneficial for the fossil invertebrate collections
- Ensure best practice in collections care, understand approaches to due diligence and collections Registry policy such as Spectrum Museum standards and apply them to the area of responsibility
- Provide the information needed to maintain, develop, make accessible and use the collections, particularly by the development of digital records in the collections management system
- Facilitate research access to the collection and answer enquiries
- Contribute to scholarly outputs in appropriate outlets (journals, monographs, technical reports, scientific articles, etc)
- Seek and apply for funding to support projects
Senior Curator-Botanist (Africa)
This is an excellent opportunity to join the Herbarium Curation team in Science Collections as a Senior Curator-Botanist (Africa). The successful candidate will curate the Herbarium collections to a high standard, which includes processing new acquisitions, preparing loans, welcoming visitors and working with Kew's Integrated Collections Management System. In addition to this, the role includes facilitating access for our many visitors to the collections from around the world, identifying specimens collected from Africa and providing research support within Kew Science.
Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience) and with a proven background in a similar role with significant experience in curation, our ideal candidate will be a team player who can manage multiple priorities of the Africa Curation team, whilst being able to adapt to changing processes across curation. This position will also have the added flexibility to work across the geographical teams when needed providing management to curation projects during the New Herbarium planning. They will enjoy teamwork, and have some supervision, mentoring or management experience; have experience of working with herbarium specimens and be familiar working with databases and curation procedures.
This role is based at Kew with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.
Digitisation Officer
Essential skills and experience include handling collections or working with fragile and delicate material, data entry and imaging skills along with a strong interest in Biodiversity, its sustainable use and conservation. The position will require attention to detail and a high level of motivation.
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.
We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history.
Join us on our journey as protectors of the world’s plants and fungi.
The salary will be £24,252 per annum (pro rata).
Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.
Collections Manager, Mineral Sciences
The Natural History Museum of LA County (NHMLAC) seeks a Collections Manager of Mineral Sciences. NHMLAC’s Mineral Sciences collection includes approximately 150,000 specimens, including minerals, rocks, meteorites, gems, and related synthetic materials. The collection is worldwide in scope but has particular strengths in minerals from California, native gold, and gem crystals. Approximately half of all known mineral species are represented in the collection, which is actively used for both research and exhibitions.
The Collections Manager will oversee the day-to-day operations of the mineral sciences collection, maintain and improve database records, conserve and organize specimens, improve and enhance the collection through physical improvements and digitization projects, facilitate the use of the collection by researchers and other users, train and supervise volunteers and students, and support the needs of other NHMLA departments including Exhibitions, Education and Programming, Communications, and Advancement. This position is directly supervised by the Curator of Mineral Sciences.
The NHMLA values and endeavors to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and access within its organization and communities. Candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC), neurodiverse, a person with a disability, a veteran, and/or a part of the LGBTQAI+ community are welcome and encouraged to apply. NHMLA is especially interested in candidates whose background and experience have prepared them to contribute to our commitment to engage and include culturally diverse audiences in museums and in science.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Cares for the collection and manages activities on a day-¬to¬-day basis, including organizing, storing, securing, and conserving objects. Proposes, develops, and oversees plans for collection growth, improvement, and reorganization. Processes all incoming and outgoing objects and/or materials including purchases, donations, exchanges, field collections, and loans, serving as a liaison between donors, lenders, and the Registrar’s Office.
• Provides documentation for the collection, including cataloging, entering and updating database records, inventorying, enhancing documentation through digitization, and researching object, specimen, and/or material information.
• Responds to requests for information about the collection; facilitates visits and access to objects and data by researchers and others using the collection. Uses modern analytical techniques (e.g. XRF, XRD, Raman) for mineral identification and to assist visiting and remote researchers.
• Participates in education and other public program activities of the Museum including but not limited to collection tours, supporting exhibitions, and participation in public museum events. Trains, supervises, and manages students and volunteers.
• Stays current with professional topics relevant to the management of the collection, including trends and techniques in collections management, analytical methods, collection-based research, conservation, digitization, government regulations, and documentation.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• 3-5 years experience in the collection, organization, care and/or conservation of mineral science, geology, or related museum collections; relevant experience may have been gained through work as a student or professional. We expect qualified applicants will have either a substantial history of museum work or a bachelor’s or graduate degree in a related field and some museum work experience, but we encourage applicants in their cover letters to explain how their particular combination of education and experience qualifies them for the position.
• Working knowledge of factors important to the management of the collection, such as mineral classification, gemology, geological formations, and community standards and existing best practices in the care of minerals, gems, and other collection objects.
• Working knowledge of international, federal, and state regulations governing the collection and the use of its objects.
• Experience writing reports, grants, professional correspondence, and/or procedure manuals.
• Experience effectively presenting information to and responding to questions from individuals or groups of managers, scientists, and the general public.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience with database software typically used in natural history or similar museum collections; working knowledge of common principles of informatics and external data repositories common in these fields.
• Experience with analytical techniques in mineralogy, such as X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy.
• Experience supervising a diverse team of staff, volunteers, and students.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, access and inclusion.
OTHER INFORMATION
Annual salary for this position is $64,500. This is a full-time, regular, exempt position with excellent benefits.
The application deadline is September 1, 2023. Submit a current resume, a cover letter describing how your experience, knowledge, and interest qualify you for this position, and the names and contact information of three professional references using the link on the Museum’s employment site at https://nhm.org/careers-our-museums/careers-natural-history-museum.
The primary location for this job is at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, in Exposition Park in Los Angeles, California. Some offsite travel will be required.
Applicants and employees are invited to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made to assist them to perform the essential functions of the position they seek or occupy. The incumbent must be able to perform this job safely, with reasonable accommodation if necessary, without endangering the health or safety of him/herself or others.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please contact jobs@nhm.org for any application inquiries.
Assistant Conservator
The University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge is seeking a full-time fixed-term Assistant Conservator. The post-holder will provide practical and preventative specialist conservation advice and treatment across the collections.
The role offers a unique opportunity to work as part of a fast-paced team building practical experience working with natural history collections. Core activities will include providing conservation treatments to the permanent exhibits as well as upcoming exhibitions and stored collections. They will be responsible for the care of the collections through monitoring and improving upon environmental and storage conditions, including pest management. They will promote and develop best practice in conservation and collections care. The postholder will also be expected to work on the Museum's spirit-preserved specimens.
It is essential the successful candidate is able to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues as well as have the ability to work effectively to deadlines.
Collections Assistant (Natural History)
Gallery Oldham is looking for a freelance Collections Assistant to work with our collections of natural history. This role will oversee the ongoing documentation and packing of natural history collections to prepare for a store move in 2024. It will also support our Natural History Curator to carry out much of the day-to-day work on these collections.
This opportunity is a freelance position working 3 days per week at a rate of £110 per day. The initial appointment would be for 6 months. Please email a CV and covering letter including details of two professional references on no more than three pages to karen.heatley@oldham.gov.uk by 9am on Monday 21st August. Use the subject line ‘YOUR NAME – Collections Assistant (Natural History). Shortlisting will take place on 22nd August and interviews will be held on Tuesday 29th August.
To discuss any aspect of this role please contact Patricia Francis, Exhibition and Collection Co-ordinator – patricia.francis@oldham.gov.uk
Visit our website for the job description and more details: https://galleryoldham.org.uk/about-gallery-oldham/support-us/
Quality Assurance Officer
We are seeking to appoint an individual with high attention to detail and experience of transcribing and imaging Natural History or museum specimens to assist with the development and documentation of Quality Assurance protocols. They will also be responsible for reporting where digital outputs of Herbarium or Fungarium specimens do not meet agreed standards.
Essential skills include ability to check image and data quality against defined standards, write protocols, a competent understanding of taxonomy, nomenclature and geography and Excellent IT Skills.
This role is based at Kew with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.
We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history.
Join us on our journey as protectors of the world’s plants and fungi.
Curator and Researcher, Microlepidoptera
The African Natural History Research Trust (ANHRT) is a charitable research trust and museum focused on African entomology. Our research is aimed at increasing the scientific knowledge of African insects with an emphasis on Lepidoptera. We are looking for a full-time Curator and Researcher to work on the Afrotropical Microlepidoptera held at the African Natural History Research Trust (ANHRT). The incredibly diverse Microlepidoptera are in general under-collected and poorly studied and the rich material held at the ANHRT is the ideal starting point for taxonomic investigations into the Afrotropical fauna, utilising molecular as well as traditional morphological approaches. Familiarity in Microlepidopteran families and experience in genitalia dissections is preferable but not essential; all necessary training in the required techniques will be provided.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
• Develop and curate the Afrotropical Microlepidoptera collections.
• Sort unidentified material of the relevant families, with genus-level identification of all collected material and species-level identification for some groups based on investigation of primary types and/or relevant literature.
• Initiate independent research projects in collections-based systematics and biogeography of the Afrotropical Microlepidoptera.
• Publish scientific results of relevant projects.
• Liaise with relevant sections of the international scientific community concerning ongoing research projects.
• Incorporate all relevant Collections Management Policies and Procedures into daily work.
Conservation Exhibition Assistant
The Conservation Centre leads, manages and delivers conservation work across the Museum and oversees quality control and standards in conservation for the collections.
The successful applicant will work within the conservation team reporting to a Conservator providing support for the documentation, preservation, care and display of natural history specimens for an upcoming temporary exhibition
About you
Educated to degree level (or equivalent qualification) in Conservation.
Demonstrable manual dexterity for handling small and fragile objects. Willingness to handle fragile as well as large and/or heavy specimens. (Equipment and training will be provided).
Experience in remedial conservation methods and packaging techniques.
Experience in remedial conservation of taxidermy and life science specimens.
Experience of evaluating specimen stability.
Experience in the documentation of conservation processes.
Understanding of preventive conservation principals including pest management.
Familiarity of materials used in conservation.
Awareness of H&S protocols for handling, moving, and treating Natural Science Collections. (Training will be provided).
Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, including collections staff, distributed teams and non-NHM contractors.
About Us
We are a world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre. We use the Museum's unique collections and our unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. We care for more than 80 million objects spanning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually and 16 million visits to our website.
Today the Museum is more relevant and influential than ever. By attracting people from a range of backgrounds to work for us, we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things.
We employ 900 staff in a variety of roles, all united by our vision of a future where people and planet thrive. We need everyone to have the passion and drive to help us with our mission to create advocates for our planet and inspire millions to care about the natural world.
Curator of Entomology
Could you help Manchester Museum harness the power of natural sciences collections to build a more sustainable world?
As part of our collections team, you’ll be responsible for our significant and loved collections of insects and other arthropods, consisting of over 2 and a half million specimens. They show how humanity’s past, present and future is intwined with the natural world. You’ll bring your commitment to widening access to - and driving engagement with - collections, demonstrating how they can answer urgent questions and influence environmental action.
Manchester Museum’s mission is to build understanding between cultures and a more sustainable world. We are the world’s first Carbon Literate museum and our Top Floor provides an environmental action hub where people come together to share ideas and make plans. You’ll bring your entomological knowledge and curatorial experience into that mix. We are seeking a collaborative Curator of Entomology who can make the most of the museum’s convening power, able to forge networks and co-develop impactful work with researchers, co-workers, artists and more. You will work as part of a team encompassing a wide range of specialisms, experiences and skills and be excited about maximising the potential of that context.
We reopened Manchester Museum on 18 February 2023 after a £15 million transformation into a more inclusive, imaginative and caring museum. Your creativity will be critical to enlivening our new Exhibition Hall, and developing inclusive public programmes within and beyond our walls. Care underpins the work of curators and - alongside working with colleagues to provide for the day-to-day care and management of the collections – you’ll extend care to people, perspectives and relationships connected to those collections.
Manchester Museum is part of the University of Manchester and is one of the world’s leading university museums. You’ll thrive in this context, contributing imaginatively to teaching and developing strategic research relationships and projects. You’ll also be a brilliant communicator, able to talk about complex ideas to wide ranging audiences and to engage positively with contemporary debates.
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here
Blended working arrangements may be considered