Curator of Ornithology

Location: Museum
Job Code: 476
# of openings: 1

Description

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS) invites applications for a Curator of Ornithology in the Research and Collections Division, Department of Zoology. We seek a scientist whose field and collections-based research addresses fundamental questions in modern avian evolutionary biology with some focus on the Rocky Mountain region. The successful candidate will 1) conduct and support original field and collections-based scientific research in areas of specialty such as avian systematics, evolutionary genetics/genomics, ecology, bioinformatics, and/or related fields, with an established track record of publications and extramural funding; 2) actively curate and continue to grow a large and important ornithology collection, and 3) help inspire public understanding of, and involvement in, science by supporting museum-based programming, exhibitry, and external outreach.

The DMNS has 14 active curators and support staff spanning the fields of anthropology, earth sciences, health sciences, space sciences, and zoology. We have recently completed a state-of-the-art collections facility with modern collections workspaces and room for growth (http://www.dmns.org/morgridge-family-exploration-center/). Additional facilities and resources include a core genetics lab, digital imaging equipment, a fleet of field vehicles, and field equipment. The museum has outstanding conservation, volunteer management, and library staff. The museum has strong local public support and close collaborations with local organizations and universities. Numerous opportunities are available to engage with the general public through educational programming and exhibits and to work with a large, highly trained volunteer corps. We are situated in an ideal geographic location for conducting regional fieldwork and research.

The Department of Zoology is an outwardly focused and collegial team that engages in research with a strong regional focus in the Rocky Mountain and Great Plains. Current staff expertise is in arachnology, entomology, and mammalogy. The ornithology collection (~55,000 specimens, including eggs and nests) is sizeable, with excellent geographic, temporal, and taxonomic coverage, and continues to grow; it can be searched here: http://arctos.database.museum/home.cfm. The Department has a full-time collections manager, office manager, grant-funded curatorial assistants, associates, and about 140 zoology volunteers who engage in science, collections, and outreach. Additional information about the DMNS Research and Collections Division and the Department of Zoology can be found here: http://www.dmns.org/science/.

A PhD is required at the start of the position and postdoctoral experience is preferred. The starting date of the position is flexible.

Application Instructions:

To apply, submit a single PDF file, which contains all of the following on single-spaced, single-sided pages in 12-point or larger font by October 31, 2014:

- A one-page cover letter that outlines your interest in the position, experience, and personal objectives.

- A statement (three pages max.) that addresses the following equally: 1) your research interests, accomplishments, and future research/funding plans that include a regional focus; 2) your plans to dovetail your scholarship with the existing ornithology collection at the DMNS, and to continue to build and steward the ornithology collection; and 3) a summary of outreach areas where you are currently most effective, ways to leverage your skills within and beyond the museum to improve the public's understanding of science, and innovative approaches for leveraging the DMNS platform to effectively engage the general public and catalyze the next generation of scientifically literate youth.

- A complete curriculum vitae which lists your in-press or published peer-reviewed publications, funding history, record of collections experience, and outreach.

- A list of contact information for three professional references.

Be advised that due to the high volume of applicants, we are only able to directly contact those candidates whose skills and background best fit the needs of the position, however please check your inbox and junk mail for any correspondence. If you are a returning applicant, please note that cover letters must be deleted, edited and then reattached to correspond with the position. No phone calls please.

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is an equal opportunity employer Gender/Minority/Veterans/Disabled. The Museum is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse staff committed to serving the needs of all our visitors and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Apply
http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH06/ats/careers/apply.jsp?org=DMNS&cws=1&rid=476