Undergrad Herpetology Collections Assistant | Biodiversity

Center for Public Partnerships & Research; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The KU Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum is seeking a student hourly to assist with collections data management and accessioning. The role requires handling fluid-preserved specimens of amphibians and reptiles and supporting curators in maintaining the collection and associated records.

During the semester, the hourly must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours; summer terms have similar enrollment guidelines. Remote work is not allowed unless an exception is approved.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work a minimum of 4 hours per week, as demonstrated by availability in application materials.
• During the semester term the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours.
• Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students.
• This position requires the handling of fluid-preserved specimens of amphibians and reptiles.

Responsibilities

• Assist Curators to ensure long-term integrity and preservation of the physical collections, associated data, and collection-storage environment.
• Participate in the monitoring of status and organization of the fluid, tissue, and dry collections.
• Help maintain collection-care protocols.
• Process specimen loans, exchanges, and gifts; maintain appropriate digital records of these activities.
• Participate in annual reviews of outstanding specimen loans, specimen return reminders and recalls of overdue loans.
• Work with Curators to organize and prepare specimens to be accessioned and cataloged in the collection.
• Work with Curators on the staging of newly accessioned specimens and the digital capture of associated data for their integration into the collection and collection database, respectively.

Skills

Biology interest

Biodiversity collections

Education

Enrollment in 6+ credit hours

Job description

The KU Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum is seeking a student hourly to assist with collections data management and accessioning. The role requires handling fluid-preserved specimens of amphibians and reptiles and supporting curators in maintaining the collection and associated records.

During the semester, the hourly must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours; summer terms have similar enrollment guidelines. Remote work is not allowed unless an exception is approved.