Posted:  6 August 2014

 

Assistant Curator – Paleontology

(Role Title: Scientist II)

 

Salary Range: Pay Band 5                                                                                                      Location: Martinsville, VA

Minimum Starting Pay:  $42,000-$44,000

 

Position #00089

 

An exceptional job opportunity with the Virginia Museum of Natural History is now available.  The mission of the Virginia Museum of Natural History is to interpret Virginia’s natural heritage within a global context in ways that are relevant to all the citizens of the Commonwealth. 

 

If you meet the qualifications for Assistant Curator – Paleontology, we invite you to apply to join our staff.  The starting date for this position is 1 July 2015.

 

We seek a dynamic individual to conduct integrative, field- and collections-based research in paleontology. The successful candidate will be expected to obtain external funding to support their research efforts. Area of specialization is open, but an active interest in extant museum collections (Cenozoic marine vertebrates and/or invertebrates, Triassic vertebrates and/or insects, paleobotany) is a plus. VMNH is located in Martinsville VA, close to an important Triassic lagerstätte (Solite Quarry). VMNH is also actively involved in the excavation of an important Miocene marine mammal location on the Coastal Plain.

 

The state-of-the-art fossil preparation lab has full-time technical support and an active core of trained volunteers. VMNH also maintains a range of sterographic and petrographic microscopes, modern collections databases and a research library. Additional facilities are available at Virginia Tech less than 2 hours away. Most curators maintain active adjunct faculty appointments at Virginia Tech. This allows, among other things, internet access to the Virginia Tech library.

 

General competence in field collection, preparation, care, and management of fossil collections is required, along with the ability to interface with outside scientists requesting access to the collections.  Ph.D. in paleontology required.

 

Duties for this position also include interaction with other museum departments such as education, outreach, exhibits, and advancement. The ability to effectively communicate scientific knowledge to a wide spectrum of audiences is an important qualification.

 

For more information about VMNH, visit our website at www.vmnh.net.

 

Only online applications are accepted.  In addition to the online application, applicants must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of research and curatorial interests and goals, a list of publications relevant to the application, and names and contact information of at least three references.  These documents may be attached to the online application.

 

The Commonwealth of Virginia online employment application is available at http://jobs.agencies.virginia.gov.

 

Application review will begin 1 November 2014 and continue until the position is filled.

 

The Virginia Museum of Natural History complies with E-Verify which is an internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are afforded equal opportunities without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability. The successful applicant must furnish proof of identity and employment eligibility and is subject to a background check.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rhonda Casey

Human Resources Manager

Virginia Museum of Natural History

21 Starling Avenue

Martinsville VA 24112

Office 276-634-4158

Fax 276-634-4197