Curator of Natural Science
Salary range is 45k-55k
MoSH
Located in Memphis, TN, MoSH (the Museum of Science and History; the Museum) is a well-established 501c3 that seeks to create a community of people who share a richer understanding of one another and the world around us. The Museum comprises the Pink Palace Museum, the Lichterman Nature Center, the Coon Creek Science Center, and other historical properties. We inspire discovery through collecting, preserving, and interpreting the cultural histories and natural sciences that shape our region.
Join our team as we embark on an exciting phase of executing our new vision. Our Museum is committed to telling our story by:
Advocating for Authenticity – Illuminate varying perspectives and uphold
accurate interpretation without glossing over tough ideas.
Magnifying Belonging – Building active audiences through outreach, co-creation,
and participatory inclusion.
Embodying Holistic Stories – Incorporating context and presenting lesser-known
stories to portray a complete, systemic picture of the region and its history.
Constructing Intersections – Creating welcoming common spaces that encourage serendipitous and unstructured engagement and foster meaningful interactions between diverse groups of people.
Responsibilities
The Natural Science Curator will expand the Museum’s extensive natural science holdings and provide all aspects of research, exhibitions, and program development.
The Curator of Natural Science will have the intellectual vision and practical skills necessary to present, interpret, and build a vibrant collection of natural history specimens to be utilized in thought-provoking exhibitions. In collaboration with the collections and exhibits staff, the curator will assist in digitizing MoSH’s geological, paleontological, and biological specimens, including classifying, describing, photographing, and uploading these records to the Museum’s open collection web module.
The Curator of Natural Science is a vital member of the curatorial team and will be instrumental in working with the Exhibits and Collections Department in the long-term strategic redesign of the natural history exhibits at MoSH, focusing on our geographic region, conducting research, and writing the text for graphic panels.
The curator will be responsible for the acquisition of specimens to redesign the exhibits. The successful candidate will possess a high level of professionalism and collaboration, a positive demeanor, and the ability to learn new skills quickly. We look at each candidate in terms of combined skills; different combinations of skills can serve to qualify for the position.
Qualities
Experience in preserving natural science objects and specimens, curation of
exhibits, and participation in exhibit design.
Experience in collaborating across departments in conservation, education, and
exhibit design.
Ability to work as part of a team, establishing and maintaining effective working
relationships with fellow employees and the general public.
Knowledge of effective methods to present specimens in a manner that casual
visitors and subject matter experts can interpret.
Interest in developing diversity initiatives focused on working with historically
underrepresented populations.
Experience working with collections and familiarity with collections management databases such as PastPerfect or Proficio.
Ability to provide concise descriptions of specimens and exhibits to maintain and enhance website content.
Ability to supervise interns.
Ability to initiate plans for potential new research areas as the strategic redesign
of exhibits progresses.
Thorough knowledge of natural history with specific expertise in the surrounding region.
Range of Experience
M.A. in paleontology, geology, botany, zoology, biology, or related field, or a
Master’s degree in museum studies with a combination of Bachelor of Arts in a
natural science field; or a combination of education and work experience (B.A. in a natural science field and minimum of 2 years of curatorial experience).
2-5 years of progressive responsibility in a museum setting is preferred.
Experience with exhibit installation and de-installation.
Experience with collections management databases such as Proficio or Past
Perfect is preferred.
Compensation
Compensation is commensurate with experience and abilities. Salary range is 45k-55k. The Museum offers a full range of benefits, including health care, vacation, sick leave, 401k, and death and disability insurance.
The Museum also offers life, dental, and vision insurance.
To Apply
Submit one document with a cover letter (providing your salary requirements and how you learned about the position) and your resume via email to:
Raka Nandi
Director of Exhibits and Collections
Memphis Museum of Science & History (MoSH)
raka.nandi@memphistn.gov
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
MoSH values diversity throughout our Museum. To tell authentic, holistic stories of our region’s history, culture, and science, MoSH strives to create a diverse workforce to support our collections, exhibits, and programming.
MoSH is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
A writing sample, a short presentation, and references will be required from finalists.
Academic, credit, and criminal background checks will be conducted before making a final offer.
More information about MoSH can be found on our website at www.moshmemphis.com.
