Curator (Assistant or Associate), Dinosaur Institute
Start date: 1st July 2015
Closing date: Open until filled
Applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, salary history, and the full contact information of at least three professional references to thayden@nhm.org, Dinosaur Institute Curatorial Search, Research & Collections, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) seeks a Curator (Assistant or Associate level) specializing in the study of non-avian dinosaurs to conduct collection-based research in evolutionary biology including taxonomy, systematics, ontogeny, functional morphology, and biogeography. The NHM, the largest natural history museum in the western United States, has recently finished a dramatic transformation including new ground-breaking exhibitions and a 3 ½ acre wildlife garden. The NHM’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 NHM holds important collections of non-avian dinosaurs and other Mesozoic tetrapods. These collections afford a huge potential for a broad array of research and public programs and are continuously growing through ongoing field efforts. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing a dynamic, productive, and scientifically significant program of research to build a growing scientific and public profile, 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.
Requirements
The successful candidate will have a record of outstanding research and publications as well as excellent communication skills, a talent for collaboration across disciplines and an innate ability to engage and enthuse the public and stakeholders through his/her work.
The successful candidate will have a Ph.D., a strong track record of published research, and experience in generating funding to support research.
His/her demonstrated talent for successful public communication will enhance collaborations with non-scientists in the NHM’s Education and Exhibits, Marketing and Communications, and Advancement Departments.
Experience in collections management would be an advantage, as would an interest in creative ways of engaging the public in research (e.g., citizen science).
The Curator will be expected to develop an active and publically engaging research program, develop working relationships with local universities, mentor students and postdoctoral fellows, and maintain research through obtaining competitive grants and/or funding from other external sources.
The candidate must have the vision and capability to build a research program that can be integrated within the NHM’s ongoing efforts to understand the evolution of dinosaurs. He/she will manage the collection’s growth and undertake research in ways that increase both its scientific and public appeal.
The ability to communicate effectively and engage with a wide variety of audiences, including the public and the NHM’s various stakeholders is paramount.
The successful candidate will be expected to help oversee staff and supervise the NHM’s dinosaur programs including collections and field efforts.
He/she will actively participate in a broad range of museum activities, such as exhibits, education, outreach, training of educators, public communications including, but not limited to, media interactions, and fundraising.
The Curator will also be responsible for building productive ties with local universities, professional associations, educators, and other relevant organizations within the scientific and general community.
Applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, salary history, and the full contact information of at least three professional references to thayden@nhm.org, Dinosaur Institute Curatorial Search, Research & Collections, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA.