"Museum Curator Analyst"

Museum Curator Analyst

Posted: 17-Dec-25

Type: Full-time

Categories: Arts/Museums, Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: R141513

Museum Curator Analyst for the School of Earth Sciences within the College of Arts and Sciences to curate and document specimens as part of a three-year grant project in the Orton Geological Museum. This position is for two years, possibly renewable, and dedicated to a grant-funded project. Collection curation duties include accessioning, identifying and labeling fossils, minerals, and rocks according to currently accepted systematic categories; cataloging specimens; conservation and protection of specimens and associated metadata (including any necessary repair and/or preservation in archival materials); documenting collection materials conventionally and digitally; preparing high-quality digital images; contributes to research documentation and assists with preparation of materials for publication under supervision. Assists with maintaining proper specimen storage and supports improvements to storage areas as directed. Supports development of displays and assists with collaboration efforts as needed and facilitating loans for teaching, research, and exhibition. Other related responsibilities include outreach and engagement activities, and assisting in and supporting the general function of the museum.

Minimum Education Required

Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Sciences, Geology, Biology, or related areas, including coursework and experience in paleontology and mineralogy.

Additional Education/Experience Desired

A Ph.D. degree is desired. Prior museum experience, demonstrated by published, peer-reviewed articles based on museum collections, is desired. Additional desired qualifications include experience with the identification of fossils, minerals, and rocks; and experience with the systematics and morphology of fossil fishes. At least two years of experience with museum collections and experience publishing peer-reviewed articles based on museum collections is necessary.

Required Qualifications

The successful candidate must be skilled in the identification of fossils, rocks, and minerals. The successful candidate must be knowledgeable in the handling of scientific voucher specimens, including paleozoological and paleobotanical types. The person must be knowledgable about currently accepted scientific classification and interpretation of fossils, minerals, and rocks, and able to prepare papers on the systematics, phylogenetics, paleoecology, and taphonomy of fossils for publication in peer-reviewed journals. A demonstrated background in the systematics and morphology of fossil fish is also necessary. Demonstrated experience in studying and interpreting fossils from Lagerstaetten deposits is necessary. Demonstrated experience with high-resolution digital photography is essential. Must be able to lift at least 25 kg.

The Orton Geological Museum, part of the School of Earth Sciences, which is within the College of Arts and Sciences, is seeking a Museum Curator. The Orton Geological Museum is the oldest natural history museum in Ohio, and among the earliest public museums in the United States. Its extensive collection of rocks, minerals, fossils, meteorites, and building stones includes specimens described in scientific literature as early as the 1830s.The museum maintains an internationally recognized repository collection that includes more than 7,500 type, figured, and referred specimens. The museum is housed in Orton Hall, an historic building on The Oval, in the midst of the academic heart of the Columbus campus. The museum receives about 40,000 guests annually and maintains a vibrant outreach program. The museum has an active development process for supporting special projects, creative new ventures, research, and outreach. The museum maintains collaborative and supportive relationships with other collections and institutions on campus and around the region.

The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest college and the academic heart of The Ohio State University. The College hosts 81 majors. With 38 departments, 20+ world-class research centers, and more than 2,000 faculty and staff members, students have the unique opportunity to study with the best artists, scholars, and scientists in their fields.

The pay range for this job profile is $37,740-$49,300 at 85% FTE (34 hours weekly), plus benefits. The offer will fall within this range based on internal equity, the units available budget, and the candidates qualifications.