Curatorial Assistant, Brachiopods

The Natural History Museum is one of the world’s leading museums, internationally recognised for its dual role as a centre of excellence in scientific research and as a leader in the presentation of natural history through exhibitions, public programmes, publications and the web.

A key aim of the museum strategy is to digitise the collections and maximise the scientific potential of the specimens in our care. This exciting vacancy involves taking the first steps to realising the full potential of our fossil brachiopod collections by conducting a collections survey; maximising their scientific utility; identifying those specimens that have most scientific potential; and identifying those that should be prioritised for digitisation.

The successful candidate will work with the Curator of Brachiopods and researchers in the department to document the condition and scientific potential of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic brachiopod collections, identify those specimens that have most scientific utility and should be prioritised for digitisation, enhance and update the quality and quantity of associated metadata, including stratigraphic and geographic occurrence data and readying the highest priority areas of the collection for further anaylsis and digitisation.

To be successful you will have a BSc or higher in Geology, Palaeontology, Zoology or other related field (or equivalent experience), successfully carried out a collections survey, specimen-based project or detailed analysis of a museum collection with familiarity with brachiopod taxonomy, anatomy and fossil preservation.

Salary: £24,018 per annum plus benefits

Contract: 12 months fixed term appointment

Closing date: 9am on Monday 14 September 2015

Interview date: w/c Monday 5 October 2015

Role competences:
BEFORE beginning your application - Please read the section below about the ‘Online Application Process’ carefully.

If you wish to be considered for this role you will need to address each of the following competences in the ‘other information’ section of your online application:

1. BSc or higher in Geology, Palaeontology, Zoology or other related field.
2. Proven experience in successfully carrying out a collections survey, specimen-based project or detailed analysis of a museum collection.
3. Familiarity with brachiopod taxonomy, anatomy and fossil preservation.
4. Experience in maintaining a database of fossil specimens
5. Highly proficient in the use of Microsoft office, particularly Excel.
6. Demonstrable experience of handling museum objects
7. Experience of working successfully both as part of a team and individually.
8. Self-motivated with an ability to remain focussed when completing repetitive tasks
9. High degree of attention to detail and ability to follow complex instructions
10. Literate and fluent in both written and verbal English.