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.
Position Description
Performs a wide range of curatorial assistant duties requiring specialized knowledge of Recent, non-insect terrestrial invertebrates specifically Arachnida and Myriapoda. Maintains the order and is responsible for assisting in the curation, digitization, and storage of a large collection of fluid-preserved non-insect terrestrial invertebrates, specifically the Arachnida and Myriapoda. Verifies Type specimens and taxonomic names utilizing the departmental libraries and other resources. Catalogs and enters relevant taxonomic and collections data into MCZbase. Re-houses specimens according to modern standards. Organizes specimens within general collection. Responsible for proper fixation and preservation of specimens in collection. Assists in preparing and maintaining specimen loans. Serves as a source of information on the collection to visiting scholars, faculty, staff, and students. Supervises and trains visitors in use of the collection. Responds to technical inquiries and composes correspondence related to the collection. Maintains clerical functions incidental to curatorial activities. Performs related duties as required.
Basic Qualifications
College background in a biology field with an emphasis in Invertebrate Zoology required. Minimum of three years experience in a museum collection, particularly in Arachnology and/or Myriapodology. Experience and proficiency with spreadsheets and database software.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Master’s degree in Arachnology preferable. 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 arachnid 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.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to stand for extended periods, walk, climb or balance, stoop, reach, kneel and/or crouch, often on uneven terrain or wet surfaces. Must be able to lift and/or move objects weighing 50 pounds.
Working Conditions
Office and collection setting.
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
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.
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