Collections Manager – Invertebrate Paleontology

The University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute seeks a collection manager to oversee its world-class research collections in invertebrate paleontology.  The collections consist of extensive invertebrate fossil and micro-fossil specimens, along with archives and library holdings.  The collections have strengths in Cambrian, Carboniferous and Cretaceous fossils, microfossils, echinoderms, brachiopods, and arthropods, and fossils from Antarctica.  University curators and students, and national and international scholars, use the collections extensively for research and education.  The collection manager is responsible for day-to-day activities in the collection and reports to the curator-in-charge.  This is a full-time (12-month appointment), non-tenure track position.

Duties include:

·         Collection management and conservation of the various collections.
·         Acquisition and collection development in conjunction with curators and students.
·         Museum operational service including day-to-day care and use of the collections.
·         Continue development and enhancement of collection database.
·         Supervision and training of graduate and undergraduate research assistants and students, and volunteers.
·         Professional development to maintain currency in and advance the field.
·         Other duties as appropriate.
Required qualifications include:

·         Master's degree or Ph.D. in museum studies, geology, systematics, or paleontology from an accredited university, or a bachelor’s degree plus 5 years experience working with museum collections in a position with similar responsibilities.
·         Working knowledge of the taxonomy and identification of invertebrate fossils.
·         Demonstrable knowledge of care and management of natural history collections.
·         Familiarity with biodiversity informatics.
And preference will be given to applicants with:

·         Expertise in one or more taxa that constitute divisional strengths and programmatic priorities.
·         Field experience collecting invertebrate fossil specimens.
·         Experience preparing invertebrate fossil specimens.
A complete application will include (1) a letter of application addressing qualifications, (2) CV, (3) statement of collection management philosophy, (4) names and email address of three individuals who can write a letter of recommendation, and (5) representative publications (the latter is optional). More information and a complete position description may be obtained by contacting:

·         Bruce S. Lieberman, Biodiversity Institute, Division of Invertebrate Paleontology, Senior Curator, blieber@ku.edu
·         Jaime Keeler, Biodiversity Institute Business Coordinator, jrkeeler@ku.edu

Application review begins 3 September 2019.  EO/AA.  We celebrate diversity in all life forms and minorities, women, veterans and those with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The University of Kansas values candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically under-represented minorities. ​

To apply go to: http://employment.ku.edu/staff/14823BR