Curatorial Assistant III

The Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off including parental leave

Medical, dental, and vision health insurance

Retirement plans with university contributions

Professional development opportunities

Commuter benefits and campus perks

Job summary

The Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections is hiring a Curatorial Assistant III in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This position requires specialized expertise in mollusk identification and experience in natural history museums. Responsibilities include cataloging specimens, training interns, and maintaining accurate records. Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree in biology and have at least three years of relevant experience. The role offers a supportive work environment focused on collaboration and inclusivity.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years experience in a natural history museum collection.
• Proficiency in handling and preserving mollusk specimens.
• Experience with digital imaging and microCT scanning is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Apply specialized taxonomic expertise to identify mollusk specimens.
• Catalog specimens and maintain accurate records in online systems.
• Train interns and staff on collection protocols and database use.

Skills

Mollusk identification

Collection database proficiency

Photography

Adobe CC

Spreadsheet and database software

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related discipline

Job description

• Salary Grade: 053
• Department: Sciences – Museum of Comparative Zoology
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard’s world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Curatorial Assistant III reports to the Curatorial Associate in the Department of Malacology within the Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ). The MCZ and the Department of Malacology aim to foster inclusive environments that welcome colleagues from all backgrounds to work in a respectful, collegial atmosphere. Candidates will collaborate with researchers, students, and the public, and we seek individuals who value and excel in these diverse interactions.

Job‑Specific Responsibilities

• Applies specialized taxonomic expertise to identify mollusk specimens and prepare them according to professional museum standards;
• Catalogs specimens according to existing workflows and ensures the accuracy and consistency of specimen records in the online collection management system (MCZbase), including taxonomic updates, error corrections, and georeferencing;
• Implements new workflows for digitization, databasing, and curation (including inventory, optimal storage and rearrangement, reidentification, and taxonomic update to conform to current scientific literature);
• Verifies type specimens and taxonomic names utilizing standard resources;
• Prepares, packs, documents, and maintains loans and associated specimens in consultation with the supervisor;
• Fulfills digital imaging, microCT scanning, with resulting media provided to external researchers, stored in MCZbase, and/or uploaded to Morphosource;
• Serves as a point of contact for faculty, staff, students, outside researchers, and the public. This includes supervising and training researchers in the use of the collection, responding to technical inquiries, and composing correspondence related to the collection;
• Trains interns, temporary workers, part‑time staff, graduate students, and postdocs in collection protocols, including the proper handling and care of the specimens, use of the database, and instruction on equipment. Responsibilities may also include organizing projects for interns, temporary workers, and part‑time staff within the collection;
• Performs clerical tasks related to curatorial activities as needed in the context of a collaborative and supportive team in the Department of Malacology.

Working Conditions

Collection, lab and office setting.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to stand for extended periods, walk, climb, balance, stoop, reach, kneel, and/or crouch, often on uneven terrain or wet surfaces. Must be able to lift and/or move objects weighing 50 pounds.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

College background in biology or a related biological discipline required. Minimum of three years experience in a natural history museum collection, with a focus on Malacology or Invertebrate Zoology. Education may count towards experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

A successful candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree in a biological discipline, preferably with a focus on Malacology or Invertebrate Zoology, and a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in a natural history collection with responsibilities including mollusk identification, collection database proficiency, photography, and experience with Adobe CC. Proficiency in spreadsheet and database software is essential. A comprehensive understanding of museum procedures, protocols, and best‑practice standards, as well as systematic collections and collection databases, is a requisite. Familiarity with digital imaging is mandatory; experience with microCT scanning is considered advantageous.

Specialized knowledge could include a background in mollusk identification, taxonomy, systematics, anatomy, and specimen preparation (e.g., dissecting radulas, preparing microscope slides, preserving specimens). Extensive specialized experience with species concepts and taxonomic nomenclature, and good knowledge of mollusks, their biology, and various morphological structures for identification, are needed. Ideal candidates will be detail‑oriented, highly organized, able to handle a variety of tasks and shifting priorities, and experienced in working both independently and as part of a team. Ideal candidates will have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity
• Other Information: To be considered for this position, a cover letter and resume must be submitted. 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.

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard‑designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 053. Please visit Harvard’s Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

EEO/Non‑Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.