Specialist Associate, 12 months contract

Job Description

• [Curatorial] Expertly organize and maintain the museum’s collections of zoological specimens and associated facilities (e.g. collection room & laboratories) as directed by the curator-in-charge. This work includes applying best-practice methods for the preservation of specimens and ensuring their long-term integrity, preparation of standard specimen labels, maintenance of scientifically correct physical arrangement of specimens in the collection to ensure efficient retrieval. Specimen sorting and identification shall also be routinely performed. All these will be done at a high level of competence and with a high degree of independence.
• [Curatorial] Coordinate closely with curator-in-charge, make minor decisions on the job, and contribute to in-house policy concerning collections work.
• [Curatorial] Conduct bioinformatics work, data capture, and assist in management and population of the Collection Management System (CMS) of the Zoological Reference Collection (ZRC).
• [Curatorial] Assist in photography & illustration of museum specimens.
• [Curatorial] Assist visiting researchers in use of laboratory & collections.
• [Curatorial] Train & mentor students/volunteers/interns in collections work.
• [Curatorial] Attend to records-keeping, correct packaging, and mailing of specimen loans; update the old loan records and actively pursue the safe return of such loans and their return to LKCNHM.
• [General] Assist in maintenance and monitoring of the museum’s public gallery, including occasional weekend duty.
• [General] Supervise/monitor external vendors performing general repair and maintenance works in museum.
• [General] Participate in local & international fieldwork conducted by the museum.
• [General] Monitor & ensure a safe and orderly working environment.
• Other relevant ad hoc duties when necessary.

Qualifications

• Diploma, preferably with background in Organismal Biology.
• Enthusiastic, organized & meticulous, with an eye for detail; can perform routine or repetitive tasks well.
• Must be able to work safely & efficiently in the laboratory and out in the field.
• Must be adept at handling live & preserved zoological specimens.
• Must be proficient in spoken & written English; preferably with some experience in technical scientific writing.
• Must have basic computer skills, familiar with email, word processing, spreadsheet & image processing software.
• Able to work independently and in a team.
• Willing to work on weekends, public holidays and irregular hours when necessary.
• Open to learning new skills.
• Class 3 vehicle driving license (preferred).