Entomology Preparator, Management of Collections from African Project

Vacancy reference: KR/NHM/EPAP
Location: South Kensington
Area of business: Life Sciences

Role description: Working at the Natural History Museum site in South Kensington, under the direct supervision of the Collections Manager of Coleoptera, the Entomological Preparator will work alongside another preparator, who together will take responsibility for the efficient processing, from field samples to fully prepared specimens, of a large entomological collection made on a series of expeditions to East Africa.

Most of the material is in alcohol and will need to be mounted, labelled, and added to the project database, which already stands at some 28,000 records. Mounted and labelled material will need to be identified and labelled with identifications, or sent to specialists for identification, before being incorporated into the collections of the Natural History Museum.

Although the primary focus of the role is in specimen preparation and identification, the successful applicant will have opportunities to participate in fieldwork, to contribute to or lead on publications based on the material processed, and to participate in Public Outreach.

As part of a larger team, the successful applicant will also be expected to play an appropriate part in the activities of the section, department and the Museum.

Role competences: 1. Educated to degree level in a biological sciences subject, or equivalent experience
2. Demonstrable experience of working with Museum insect collections
3. Skilled at mounting and labelling insect specimens (different techniques)
4. Significant experience in species level identification, with the ability to accurately identify Coleoptera to family
5. Computer literacy and experience of using relational databases
6. Skilled at collecting Coleoptera in tropical environments
7. Familiar with the rules of zoological nomenclature with an understanding of the concept of type specimens
8. Experienced fieldworker, practised in use of a wide range of fieldwork techniques to collect insects in a variety of habitats and environments
9. Demonstrable knowledge about the theory and practice of collecting, including the history of, and the reasons for, entomological collecting
10. Ability to carry projects to completion or publication (as part of this competence, please provide a list of your selected relevant publications or of completed projects – you may also wish to provide this by uploading an additional document to your application)

Online application process: Completing the online application form.

You are required to address each criterion from the competences (requirements) section of the role specification (section 3).

Please provide specific examples from your achievements, knowledge, skills or experience to demonstrate how you meet each of these competences for the role.