Assistant Curator x2

There are two jobs to support the work of the Department of Natural Sciences, based at the National Museums Collections Centre. One will sort and install bird skins, skeletons and eggs into storage facilities while the other will plan and reorder mammal skins and wet specimens. Both roles will also sort vertebrate skeletons into new racking.

Birds:

Specialist Tasks:
• Sort and install passerine bird skins into new trays in new taxonomic sequence
• Sort and install any remaining eggs into new cabinets
• Sort and install bird skeletons into new taxonomic sequence

Specialist Skills:
• Subject-specific taxonomic knowledge based on the current international standard to enable correct ordering and packing of bird skins, skeletons and egg collections
• Planning and project management skills to develop and deliver the reordering of the collection prior and during movement into the new store
• Documenting and updating location of specimens throughout preparation process in accordance with NMS procedures
• Object handling and packing skills to museum standard

Mammals and vertebrate wet collections:

Specialist Tasks:
• Plan and reorder specimens into a single revised taxonomic order based on the current international standard to enable move mapping (mammal skins and wet specimens in tank room)
• Sort and install vertebrate skeletons into new racking

Specialist Skills:
• Subject-specific taxonomic knowledge based on the current international standard to enable correct ordering and packing of mammal collections
• Planning and project management skills to develop and deliver the reordering of the collection prior and during movement into the new store
• Documenting and updating location of specimens throughout preparation process in accordance with NMS procedures
• Object handling and packing skills to museum standard

You will have a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Taxonomic knowledge is vital to the success of this role. You will have knowledge and experience of working with similar collections in a project environment.

You will be organised and methodical, with good verbal and written communication skills and ICT skills in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook. You should also have experience of managing your own time and workload, working to deadlines and handling multiple priorities. A driving licence is desirable.

Please indicate clearly on your application within the Statement of Support, which post/s you wish to be considered for.

The successful candidates are expected to take up post in December 2015.

For further information and to apply online (recommended), please visit www.nms.ac.uk. If you have any queries please email applications@nms.ac.uk or telephone 0131 247 4094 (answerphone), stating reference NMS15/638

Closing date for completed applications is Monday 16 November 2015.

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.
Museum Website: https://vacancies.nms.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?MenuID=6Dqy3cKIDOg