Curatorial Assistant II at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Harvard University


Position Title: Curatorial Assistant II

Req ID: 67047BR

School or Unit: Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Description: Job Summary

The Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ) is seeking to hire a full-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.

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.

Working Conditions

work takes place in both collection/lab and office settings

Additional Information

To be considered for this position, a cover letter and resume must be submitted.

This is a one-year grant-funded term position from the date of hire, with a high probability of an extension based on funding. Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

***All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

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.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code: 403079 Curatorial Assistant II

Job Function: Museum

Work Format: On-Site

Sub Unit: Sciences

Salary Grade: 051

Department: Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ)


Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status: Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening: Criminal, Education, Identity

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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