Curatorial Assistant II

Job Summary

The Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ) is seeking to hire a part-time Curatorial Assistant II in the Department of Malacology. Reporting to Curatorial Associate, this position supports the Mobilizing Millions of Marine Mollusks of the Eastern Seaboard (ESB) grant. The Museum of Comparative Zoology and the Department of Malacology aim to be inclusive environments that welcome colleagues of all backgrounds to work in a respectful and collegial environment. Candidates will interact with researchers, students and the public, and we seek candidates that value all these interactions.

Auto req ID

62186BR

Job Code

403079 Curatorial Assistant II

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Business Title

Curatorial Assistant II

Sub-Unit

Sciences

Salary Grade

051

Time Status

Part-time

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Basic Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent required and a minimum of 1 year of experience of working in a museum malacology collection, or coursework in biology or other closely related fields (e.g. invertebrate zoology, marine biology). Experience with data processing, spreadsheet and database software.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

College background in biology, malacology, invertebrate zoology or museum studies. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Experience working with collection database management programs (e.g. MCZbase, GEOLocate) and web interface required. Knowledge of PC computers, including Microsoft Word and Excel in addition to demonstrated comfort with learning new software applications. Ideal candidate will have great attention to detail, be self-motivated, and the ability to work as part of a team. Should be able to demonstrate good written and verbal communication skills. Must be able to lift 30 lbs. Experience with type species concepts and photographing specimens ranging in size (5-25 mm) is preferred.

Additional Information

This is a part-time one-year term position from the date of hire, with a possibility of extension based on funding.

To be considered for this position, a cover letter and resume must be submitted. Harvard University will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

***All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

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.

We invite individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities to be a part of our community.

Department

Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ)

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Identity

Schedule

Monday - Friday, daily hours to be determined.

Job Function

Museum

Position Description

Job specific responsibilities of this position:

• Enter uncatalogued specimen data for marine mollusks (i.e. snails, clams, squid) into the museum-wide database and makes routine identifications, requiring specialized knowledge of differences between marine, freshwater and terrestrial mollusks.
• Image primary types associated with the ESB grant, after all steps have been completed in ensuring the specimen is in fact a type specimen.
• Compare data of cataloged records for accuracy and completeness, involving: interpretation of historical data, understanding of ocean depths, and discerning between units of measurement, etc.
• Assist with creating a taxonomic dictionary and georeferencing localities, for MCZ databases, which may also later be provided for the creation of the larger shared database available worldwide.
• Maintain order of the collection and other collection related duties as required.
• Perform clerical functions connected with other institutions associated with the ESB grant.
• May serve as a source of information to the public, visiting scholars, researchers, and students. May interact with public exhibits and other institutions to provide images and answer correspondences related to the collection.
• This position is 17.50 hours per week.

School/Unit

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to lift 30 lbs. Climb/use a step ladder.

Working Conditions

Office and collection/lab setting.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)