Curatorial Assistant III

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

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 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.

• 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.

Collection, lab and office setting.

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.

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…