Field Museum of Natural History
Chicago, IL USA
The Field Museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of biological specimens. The Insect Collection’s holdings of worldwide Arthropoda (excluding Crustacea) rank fifth in overall size among North American collections with over 12.5 million specimens and are of worldwide importance for many groups. The collection presently includes roughly 4.2 million pinned insects plus 8.4 million specimens or lots in alcohol or on microscope slides. In addition, there are over 17,000 partly sorted “bulk samples” from traps or leaf-litter extractions. The collection receives heavy use by Field Museum scientists and US and international research visitors and borrowers as well as extensive educational use.
Applications should be submitted by February 1, 2019.
Applicants should include a CV, which includes names and contact information for three references, as well as a cover letter that further explains their qualifications and experience that make them uniquely qualified for this position, as well as their vision for the position.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Collection Manager reports to the Head of Zoological collections and will supervise a staff managing day-to day activities in the insect collection. The Collection Manager will work jointly with curators to set long and short-term priorities for management of the Insect collections. The Collection Manager will also interact with other collections areas, research scientists, exhibits, and education staff. The Collection Manager will have opportunities to seek funding for collections improvements and specimen-based research projects. The successful candidate will be evaluated on their ability to promote, study, build, care for, and ensure accessibility to the great wealth of specimens in the collection.
- Managing digitization efforts; including transcription of label data, imaging specimens, georeferencing, species inventory, and development and evaluation of workflows and standards to ensure best practices
- Oversight of incorporating new material into the collection, preparing, sorting, and identifying specimens
- Tracking and reporting metrics of collection use and growth
- Managing the insects collection budget
- Coordinating an active loan program and on-site use of the collection by researchers
- Support for the museum’s public programming and promoting the mission of the museum and its fundraising goals
- Training, mentorship, and supervision of staff, interns, and volunteers in the collection
Qualifications:
PhD (with an emphasis in Entomology) with collections experience is preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience, e.g., Masters in Biology (with an emphasis in Entomology) with at least 3 year’s collections experience,
A well-versed background in Entomology is required, including familiarity with other Entomology collections and research,
Knowledge of taxonomic principles and Entomology collection management,
Strong organizational skills necessary to keep collection accessibleAmple experience with collection databases, imaging systems, and data aggregators is required, as well as a strong history of managing digitization projects,
Working knowledge of international and domestic regulations for shipment of specimens and requirements for packing loans,
Strong history of building and managing a diverse team of staff, interns, and volunteers;
Training, mentorship, and supervision of staff, interns, and volunteers in their collection-related duties,
Developing grant proposals for collections projects in collaboration with curators
Incorporating new material into a collection, including preparing, sorting and identifying newly collected material, labeling and integration of specimens.
To apply, go to https://www.fieldmuseum.org/about/careers
