The Natural History Museum preserves, researches, and presents its extensive collections in a building designed as a total work of art. It conveys the diversity of nature, the evolution of planet Earth and life, and the related cultural development of mankind, offering an inspiring meeting place. The earliest collections are over 250 years old, and today, some 30 million objects are under scientific care. In order to do justice to the significance of insects and the collections, which comprise around 11 million specimens, these are to be further developed for science and society. This requires well-founded, methodologically broad-based taxonomic expertise and access to social requirements such as digital transformation (handling databases, e-services) and the involvement of society (citizen science, media work). The collections are to be used for own research as well as to be made accessible to the national and international research community. Beginning from 1 May 2025, we are looking for an Academic Curator.
Tasks and areas of responsibility
* Collection care and development
- Curatorial care of the Microlepidoptera collection (estimated more than one million specimens), including loan transactions, scientific advice, and guest relations
- Development of the Microlepidoptera collection in terms of quality and quantity
- Expansion of the Lepidoptera specialist library
- Implementation of digital transformation
* Research
- Independent research on Microlepidoptera, especially in the fields of taxonomy and systematics
- Planning and implementation of research projects
- Acquisition of third-party funding
- Publication of results in national and international journals
- Presentation of research at international congresses and workshops
- Interdisciplinary cooperation within the Natural History Museum as well as with national and international research institutions
* Education and public outreach
- Cooperation within the educational mission of the museum (national and international exhibitions, popular science publications) in coordination with the Departments of Science Communication and Exhibition
- Guided tours and lectures to professional audiences as well as the general public
- Collaboration in the museum’s citizen science activities
- Cooperation with media and educational institutions (interviews, consulting, projects, etc.) in cooperation with the Departments Press and Marketing & Sales
Required qualifications and skills
* Completed studies (PhD) in biology or equivalent
* Relevant scientific experience in taxonomy and systematics of Microlepidoptera, preferably in different zoogeographical regions
* Experience with entomological collections
* Relevant methodological knowledge (e.g., imaging techniques, genetics, data processing)
* Taxonomic and systematic publications in international journals
* Experience in designing and implementing international research projects
* Experience in communicating biological knowledge
* Ability to work in a team
* Very good language skills in German or English
* Willingness to learn the German language, if this is not the applicant’s first language
We offer
* A responsible, exciting, and varied area of responsibility
* Insights into one of the largest museums in Austria
* Flat hierarchies, open communication, and a good working atmosphere
* Flexible working time
* An office in the centre of Vienna with good public transport accessibility
Please note the benefits provided by the NHM as an employer available at this link. Depending on your qualifications and experience, the salary is EUR 3,080 gross salary for 37.5 hours per week, 14 times a year, i.e. EUR 43,120 pa. If we have aroused your interest, we look forward to receiving your detailed application by 31 December 2024. Please note that applications can only be submitted via the NHM application portal at this link. Your contact person for further questions: Sabine Burger-Koch.
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