Jobs Archive
Preparator
No closing date stated.
Vertebrate Paleontology Division at the University of Nebraska State Museum is seeking a qualified individual to perform work as a Preparator or Chief Preparator. The Preparator prepares, conserves, and replicates specimens in support of curator and museum research. Orders lab supplies, supervises and trains students and volunteers. May participate in Vertebrate Paleontology Division field research.
In addition to these duties, the Chief Preparator manages the vertebrate paleontology preparation laboratory, actively recruits students and volunteers to work in the laboratory, and attends professional meetings.
Compensation for the position will be determined at the time of the offer and will depend upon candidate qualifications and the level of the position.
Minimum required qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in the geosciences, biology, zoology, anthropology, museum studies, or related fields. At least two years of experience in the preparation, conservation, and replication (molding and casting) of vertebrate fossils is required. Knowledge of advanced fossil preparation, replication, and conservation techniques is essential. Experience must demonstrate the ability to prepare fossils ranging from delicate microvertebrates that require work under a microscope to large macro fossils. Must also have the ability to make high quality molds and casts of specimens ranging from microvertebrates to large skulls. A working knowledge of vertebrate anatomy is necessary. Background must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively. Must demonstrate the ability to work independently with a strong work ethic. Must have basic computer skills using word processing and spreadsheet software.
Preferred qualifications
Master’s degree preferred. Formal training in vertebrate paleontology with an emphasis on Cenozoic mammals and reptiles. Five years experience in the preparation, conservation, and replication (molding and casting) of vertebrate fossils, with experience supervising students and volunteers. Detailed knowledge of mammal and reptile anatomy is preferred.
Director of Museum Research and Collections
Ref: 498895
Job Summary:
The Director of Museum Research and Collections is responsible for facilitating and promoting the pursuit, discovery and dissemination of knowledge through museum-based research conducted by University faculty, curators, and students as well as outside researchers. The Director will provide oversight for the acquisition of objects for the UA Museums collections and for the management of the collections, including necessary and appropriate documentation, conservation, preservation, protection, preparation, research, exhibition, and interpretation of collections objects belonging to or in the temporary custody of UA Museums.
Additional Department Summary:
The Director will facilitate the activities of the UA Museums Council of Curators as the Chief Curator and will encourage collaborative research efforts and interdisciplinary grant proposals by Museum Curators. The Director is expected to develop and conduct research in his/her own academic discipline and secure external grant funds. Results of research/scholarly work should be published, disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, and/or presented at conferences or symposiums. .
The Director will serve as a Curator in a museum-related discipline such as paleontology, biology, geology, or archaeology.
The Director will supervise staff in carrying out collections care and management. The Director is expected to remain current with regard to developments in the field including relevant state and federal statutes and professional ethical standards.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Doctorate in Biology, Geology, Anthropology, Archaeology, or related field and extensive experience in collections-based research and museum collections management.
Additional Required Department Qualifications:
Valid U.S. driver's license. Must be at least 21 years of age and have an acceptable motor vehicle report as determined by the insurance carrier.
Skills and Knowledge:
Must have strong record of scholarly research and publication in high-quality peer-reviewed academic journals. Must have knowledge and skills in collections management policies and procedures and collections database management. Must have good organizational skills to maintain collections data, loans, general inventory, condition reports, and conservation needs. Ability to organize and direct the work of others and train staff for program specific requirements.
Submit a letter of interest, resume, and names, addresses and phone numbers of at least three references when applying.
Collection Officer - Natural Sciences
The City of Launceston, an award winning Employer of Choice, is currently seeking to fill the position of Collection Officer - Natural Sciences (POS0865).
This position is based in a city rich with built heritage, natural beauty and voted Australia's most 'family friendly' city because of an easy lifestyle with the benefits of being a large regional centre.
In this permanent part-time position (54 hrs per fortnight) working for Australia's largest regional museum, you will be responsible for:
◦Maintaining and caring for the natural sciences collections of the Queen Victoria Museum
◦Facilitating access for customers to Natural Science's physical objects and electronic data
◦Contributing to the delivery of community engagement programs; educational activities, public and research queries, exhibition development and volunteer resources
You will have a relevant tertiary qualification, sound knowledge and understanding of museum collection procedures and specimen preparation techniques, and the ability to safely handle museum objects. You will have strong attention to detail, excellent verbal, written, interpersonal and customer service skills, and be competent using numerous computer applications.
To be effective in the position, you will also need demonstrated ability to coordinate and oversee visitors and volunteers, to work collaboratively, and ideally the ability to conduct research. A drivers' licence is required, and from 1 April 2015, current registration in Tasmania to work with children will also become essential.
Closing date: 6th March 2015 at 5pm
View the Position Description and Advert (pdf)
Scientific Assistant, Paleontology
Closing date: Open until filled
The Scientific Assistant will assist curatorial research and advancement of division's collections and research activities which includes:
- Prepare drawings, photographs and illustrations
- Process digital and other imaging data for illustration
- Works with museum students, postdoctoral fellows and key staff on illustration and photographic techniques.
- Other divisional duties as required.
Required Qualifications
- BS, BF, BFA or commensurate is required,
- Outstanding hand-eye coordination
- Computer skills (Photoshop, Illustrator, Aperture, database/computer record-keeping and image file management, etc.)
- Digital photography and imaging skills, and rendering skills are required.
- Training in art and/or experience in scientific illustration is preferred.
Post-Doctoral: designing a European extraterrestrial sample curation facility
This 2-year Post-Doctoral position available at the Natural History Museum Vienna is part of the Horizon 2020 European Commission Research and Innovation programme, call COMPET-8-2014: "Science in context: sample curation facility and scientific exploitation of data from Mars missions".
The plan of EURO-CARES is to create a roadmap for the implementation of a European Extra-terrestrial Sample Curation Facility (ESCF).
Our aim is to improve European competitiveness in this field by road-mapping the required steps and highlighting areas in which new research and innovation are required in order to create a suitable European ESCF.
After a review of the current state of the art in extraterrestrial sample curation, a plan for terrestrial planetary protection will be developed. The current knowledge and the essential requirements for an ESCF to be built, including building infrastructure, procedures and protocols, security, environmental conditions, documentation and databasing, etc., will be studied and synthesized together with the most suitable instrumentation for sample analysis. Finally, we plan to review suitable portable receiving facilities and to determine the technology required in order to be able to transport samples (including those with a potential biohazard) following return to Earth most effectively.
To summarize, we are investigating the steps that need to be taken to ensure that any possible European ESCF will be suitable for the curation of the samples returned from Solar System exploration missions to the Moon, asteroids, comets, and Mars.
The selected candidate will be mainly co-leading a work package called "Facilities and Infrastructure" within this project, with the objective to define the state of the art facilities required to receive, contain and curate extra-terrestrial samples and guarantee terrestrial planetary protection. All the aspects, from the building design (including the construction, operation, security, etc.) to the storage of the samples (sample holder, monitoring, etc.) as well as the curation (sample handling, storage and database) will be considered. An important part of the selected candidate’s role will be to liaise with other members of the consortium and learn about the many different aspects of planning for the curation of samples return from space. This role provides a unique opportunity to work with world-leading experts from a variety of European countries.
Supervisor: Dr. Ludovic Ferrière (NHM Vienna), in collaboration with Dr. Caroline Smith (NHM London) and several other European colleagues that are involved in this project.
We are seeking a highly-motivated candidate who enjoys working in a multi-disciplinary team environment. The candidate should have a PhD (or be expected to graduate before assuming the position) in the fields of geological, biological or planetary sciences with a strong emphasis on analytical work. Good oral and written proficiency in English is required; knowledge of German is a bonus but not a requirement.
Head of Earth Science / Chief Researcher
Duties:
The Head of Earth Science/Chief Researcher is accountable for leading the Earth Sciences Section of the Museum’s Science,Research and Collections function which comprises mineralogy and palaeontology.
The Head of Earth Science/Chief Researcher has overall responsibility for this collection area, its conservation, access and acquisition.
The incumbent will lead the section's research activity, grant applications, publication and communication of research findings in the fields of mineralogy and paleontology, while also sourcing external funding for and undertaking their own individual research and publication of findings specific to mineralogy.
Essential Minimum Qualifications:
An earned Doctorate in the field of mineralogy.
Special Conditions:
It is anticipated that additional duties may be required to fulfil the responsibilities of Executive Head of Research and Collections for which an allowance may be paid.
Some out of hours work will be required to fulfil the responsibilities of the role.
Intra state, interstate and possibly international travel may be required.
Use of hazardous materials requiring special work procedures and protocols.
Speaking and lecturing as required.
Further details and application : online (.doc)
Visit the museum website / job description via: South Australian Government's Notice of Vacancies website Enquiries to: Steve Cooper, Head of Biological Science, South Australian Museum, telephone 8313 5575, email Steve.Cooper@samuseum.sa.gov.au
Applications to: Alysha Brown, HR Consultant, Human Resources, Department of State Development, GPO Box 320, Adelaide, 5001, telephone 8303 2226 , email DSDApplication@sa.gov.au
PDRA – STFC Mars
The Department of Earth Sciences at the NHM is seeking a talented, energetic postdoctoral researcher to join our team of internationally recognised meteoritics and planetary science researchers. The suitably qualified PDRA will investigate the geochemistry, mineralogy/petrology and habitability of the Martian subsurface utilising the world-class Meteorite Collection, analytical infrastructure and expertise that the Museum offers.
The project will require analysis of Martian meteorite samples primarily using electron microscopy (e.g. TEM/SEM/EPMA) and x-ray tomography (e.g. micro- and nano-CT-scanning and synchrotron), including relevant sample preparation techniques. The ideal candidate will have demonstrable expertise in one or more of these techniques and experience in meteoritics. However, candidates with proven experience analysing relevant terrestrial igneous samples using similar techniques are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Meteoritics and Planetary Science team enthusiastically participates in education and public outreach activities at the NHM and throughout the UK. While the post is primarily a research position, science communication is considered an important and necessary aspect and opportunity associated with this role.
Main tasks
◦Acquire, manage and interpret data from X - ray micro - CT and electron microscope.
◦Use geochemical, mineralogical and structural information to interpret petrology and aqueous alteration
◦Present results at s cientific meetings at the NHM, nationally and internationally.
◦Lead , or contribute significantly to , the production of research papers reporting the science results in professional journals
◦Travel on occasion to external labs and conferences
◦Engage in publ ic outreach at the NHM
Curatorial Assistant (Entomology)
National Museums Scotland has a substantial and important collection of insects from all over the world that has recently been moved to a new building. As Curatorial Assistant (Entomology), you will provide technical support for the curatorial management and development of our insect collection, and assist with the production and maintenance of research specimens.
In particular, you will provide support in the re-curation of the collection of parasitic wasps and the rehousing of insects across several groups, including butterflies, moths and beetles.
For the parasitic wasp collection, you will be involved in rehousing, labelling and (where required) looking up original references of type specimens, as well as incorporating into the main collection a significant amount of material that has been on loan and consequently added to and developed by entomologists from around the world. Rehousing our insect collection will include moving pinned specimens into new, standardised drawers, and arranging them in taxonomic sequence and with appropriate labelling.
Previous experience of working with pinned insects and handling and mounting individual specimens is essential. You will be knowledgeable and enthusiastic about working with insect collections and able to demonstrate best practice in collections management. Good ICT skills, including experience of Microsoft Office and collections databases, are required.
For further details of this post, and to apply online (recommended), please visit the link below. If you experience any difficulties please email applications@nms.ac.uk or telephone 0131 247 4094 (answerphone), stating reference NMS14/579.
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.
Assistant/Associate Curator - Mineral Sciences
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) seeks a Curator (Assistant or Associate level) for its mineral and gem collections, which are among the largest and finest in the United States. NHM, the largest natural history museum in the western United States, has recently finished a dramatic transformation including new ground-breaking exhibitions and a 3½ acre wildlife garden. The Museum’s mission is to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds. Our strategic intent—"To be the best at communicating how our planet and life on it changes over time and why this matters"—guides our priorities for the next decade.
The successful candidate will have a Ph.D., a strong track record of published research, experience in generating funding through competitive grants and/or other external sources, and the ability to lead a dynamic and productive research program that increases both the scientific and public appeal of our collections.
The Curator will be responsible for overseeing the development and curation of important collections, maintaining and strengthening the NHM’s presence in key professional and governmental networks, and establishing active internal NHM collaborations—especially with the Education and Exhibits, Marketing and Communications, and Advancement Departments.
The successful candidate will be expected to provide intellectual leadership for the development of a new permanent hall at the NHM. An extensive and thorough knowledge of minerals is essential; experience in collections management is important; an interest in making the results of scientific research accessible to the public is crucial. The Curator will be expected to develop working relationships with local universities and to mentor students and postdoctoral fellows.
The ability to communicate effectively and engage with a wide variety of audiences, including the public and the NHM's various stakeholders, is paramount. In addition to leading a strong research program, the successful candidate will actively participate in a broad range of museum activities, such as exhibits, education, outreach, training of educators, and public communications including, but not limited to, media interactions and fundraising.
Curator II
1. JOB PURPOSE
The Bob Campbell Geology Museum (BCGM) Curator is a critical position for the BCGM/SCBG (SC Botanical Gardens) to ensure the persistence of our mission and strategic plan. The BCGM hosts thousands of University students, public school groups and visitors from the general public annually and is the largest and only regional exhibit to focus on geology and paleontology. The BCGM has been without a professional geologist/curator for nearly three years and the development of new exhibits/growth, proper maintenance of collections as well as research has been greatly impacted by this vacancy. For the continued maintenance of the incredibly important resources of the BCGM this position must be re-established.
2. JOB FUNCTIONS
COLLABORATION
The BCGM curator is expected to continue an active research program with anticipated collaboration with University faculty and students. Research will be effectively communicated through publication in scientific and popular media and through exhibits at the BCGM, and SCBG publications and media. E/40%
EXHIBITS/COLLECTIONS
This position is responsible for maintaining the collections (both archival research collections and public collections) and maintaining the exhibit space in a safe, educational, innovative, aesthetically appealing and inviting manner. Design and implementation of new exhibits in the public space is expected on a twice-annual basis. E/20%
PROGRAMS
This position is responsible for interacting with the general public and school/University groups to ensure a fun educational experience for the visitor. The position is also expected to develop educational programming, participate in educational programming and collaborate with SCBG education staff in the areas of public education that pertain to geology or the BCGM. This position will also work on public submissions of specimens for identification to ensure that timely responses and positive identifications are provided for this service. E/20%
SUPERVISORY
This position is responsible for managing student and volunteer labor in the BCGM and gift shop. E/10%
GIFT SHOP
Working in collaboration with the SCBG retail manager and director, the BCGM curator will oversee the stocking of the gift shop and day-to-day gift shop transactions. E/10%
3. QUALIFICATIONS:
- MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
A bachelor's degree in history, museology or a related field and related experience.
PREFERRED IN ADDITION TO THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelors Degree in geology or a related field, with advanced degree preferred and experience in curation, identification and research. Experience in educational programming and public museum operations and background in vertebrate paleontology. Knowledge of regional geology and paleontology preferred.
- KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Knowledge of regional geology and paleontology.
Excellent written and oral communication skills essential.
Excellent customer service skills. Ability to develop educational programs. Must have ability to supervise volunteers and student workforce.
Must work well independently with limited supervision. Must be able to plan and execute daily workload effectively and efficiently. Proven ability to interact with varied audiences.
- PHYSICAL FACTORS:
The position will require the applicant to be physically capable of working outside in adverse weather conditions and may require lifting, stooping and bending.