Curatorial Assistant II

at  Harvard University

JOB SUMMARY

The Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ) is seeking to hire a part-time Curatorial Assistant II to work with the Departments of Entomology, Invertebrate Zoology, and Malacology. Reporting to the Curatorial Associate in Malacology, this position supports the Rehousing and Digitization of the Museum of Comparative Zoology Recent Invertebrate Microscope Slide Collections grant with PIs: Mansi Srivastava and Naomi Pierce. The Museum of Comparative Zoology aims to be an inclusive environment that welcomes 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

Job specific duties are as follows:

• Locates, rehouses, and rehabilitates microscope slides from their existing locations in the invertebrate collections into new slide cabinets.
• Transcribes uncatalogued specimen metadata from microscope slide labels for invertebrate specimens into the museum-wide database (MCZbase) and applies barcode numbers.
• Images type specimens of invertebrates using a slide scanner.
• Photographs microscope slides using an SLR camera for subsequent transcription.
• Makes occasional identifications, requiring specialized knowledge of differences between invertebrate taxa.
• Compares data of cataloged records for accuracy and completeness, then corrects data as needed in consultation with the Curatorial Associates.
• Assists with verifying taxonomy and georeferencing localities through the use of online resources.

This position is part-time (17.50 hours per week).

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma or equivalent and 1+ years of experience of working in a museum collection required. Experience with data processing, spreadsheet and database software.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

BA/BS preferred. College background in biology, invertebrate zoology, entomology, museum studies preferred. Ability to work independently and in collaboration with student interns with minimal supervision. Experience working with collection database management programs (e.g., MCZbase, GeoLocate) and web interface preferred. Familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel in addition to demonstrated comfort with learning new software applications. The ideal candidate will show great attention to detail, including deciphering historical handwriting on labels, be self-motivated, and have the ability to work as part of a team. Should be able to demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. Experience with handling microscope slides and invertebrate imaging systems, including focus-stacking software is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to lift 30 lbs., comfortable using a step ladder, and standing for long periods of time.

ABOUT US

The Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ) is a preeminent center for contemporary zoological research and teaching. Its permanent collections comprise approximately 21 million specimens of extant and fossil invertebrates and vertebrates, as well as frozen tissues, microscope slides and other associated objects, such as the Blaschka glass invertebrates.
We invite individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities to be a part of our community.

• Locates, rehouses, and rehabilitates microscope slides from their existing locations in the invertebrate collections into new slide cabinets.
• Transcribes uncatalogued specimen metadata from microscope slide labels for invertebrate specimens into the museum-wide database (MCZbase) and applies barcode numbers.
• Images type specimens of invertebrates using a slide scanner.
• Photographs microscope slides using an SLR camera for subsequent transcription.
• Makes occasional identifications, requiring specialized knowledge of differences between invertebrate taxa.
• Compares data of cataloged records for accuracy and completeness, then corrects data as needed in consultation with the Curatorial Associates.
• Assists with verifying taxonomy and georeferencing localities through the use of online resources