Please visit Curatorial Assistant III for complete job posting and application instructions.
***Please note, Harvard University will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Job Summary
The Museum of Comparative Zoology Curatorial Assistant III reports to the Curatorial Associate in the Department of Invertebrate Zoology.
The Museum of Comparative Zoology and the Department of Invertebrate Zoology aim to be inclusive environments that welcome colleagues of all backgrounds to work in a respectful and collegial environment. Candidates will interact with researchers, students, and the public and we seek candidates who value all these interactions.
Job-Specific Responsibilities
The candidate is asked to perform a wide range of curatorial duties requiring knowledge of recent marine invertebrates and/or non-insect terrestrial invertebrates. These include: maintaining the order and is responsible for assisting in the curation, digitization, and storage of a large collection of fluid and dry preserved invertebrates; verifying type specimens and taxonomic names utilizing the departmental libraries and other resources; cataloging and entering relevant taxonomic and collections data into MCZbase; re-housing specimens according to modern standards; organizing specimens within general collection; responsible for proper fixation and preservation of specimens in collection; assisting in preparing and maintaining specimen loans; serving as a source of information on the collection to visiting scholars, faculty, staff, and students; supervising and training visitors in use of the collection; responding to technical inquiries and composes correspondence related to the collection.; maintaining clerical functions incidental to curatorial activities; performing related duties as required. This work is done in the context of a collaborative and supportive team in the Department of Invertebrate Zoology.
Basic Qualifications
College background required in a biology field with an emphasis in Invertebrate Zoology. Minimum of 2 years of experience in a museum collection.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in a biology field with an emphasis in Invertebrate Zoology and three-plus years’ experience working in a natural history collection. Experience and proficiency with spreadsheets and database software. General knowledge of museum procedures, protocols, and best-practice standards is required, as well as knowledge of systematic collections and collection databases. Detail-oriented with a high level of organization, ability to handle a variety of tasks, shifting priorities, and to work independently as well as part of a team. Ideal candidates will have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Specialized knowledge could include background in invertebrate identification, taxonomy, systematics, and anatomy. Good knowledge of world geography is necessary. General knowledge of laboratory safety. Knowledge of shipping expected quantities: flammables, corrosive and common fixatives, dry ice shipping. Photographic skills and photo-editing software knowledge is helpful. Extensive specialized experience with species concepts, taxonomic nomenclature, and very good knowledge of invertebrates, their biology, and various morphological structures for invertebrate identification.
The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s COVID-19 Vaccine Information webpage: www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/
Additional Information
In order to be considered for this position, a cover letter and resume must be submitted.
***All formal written offers will be made by FAS HR.
We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
With rich collections comprised of more than 21 million extant and fossil invertebrate and vertebrate specimens, the Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ) at Harvard University has been a center for research and education focused on advancing evolutionary biology and biodiversity science since its founding in 1859.
Harvard offers an outstanding benefits package including:
- Time Off: 3- 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
- Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
- Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
- Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.
- Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
- Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation and complimentary health services.
- Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.