Biology Specimen Preparator Collections Assistant

Science Museum of Minnesota•St. Paul, MN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Biology Specimen Preparator will dissect and prepare various kinds of research-quality museum specimens from salvaged wildlife carcasses from Minnesota, as described in the funded LCCMR ENRTF proposal. They will collaborate with staff from the Biology Collection and Collections Stewardship to collate and enter data associated with these specimens. They will communicate their work to visitors at outreach events and public dissections.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife, or a related field or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years is required.
Experience with vertebrate specimen preparation and data entry is required.

Nice To Haves

Coursework in library and information science or museum studies is valued but not required.
Graduate coursework in a related field is valued but not required.
Experience working in museum collections and communicating science with the public is preferred.
Driver’s license preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate lab activities to ensure collections-based tasks are completed in a timely manner.
Prepare salvaged carcasses for research and into museum specimens including decision-making of which type of dissections are appropriate, which measurements and samples to take, and how to preserve the specimens (stuffed skins, flat wings, and skeletons).
Depending on equipment availability, follow proper cold chain preservation protocols for tissue samples generated for cryostorage.
Collect data from specimens including imaging, measurements, parasite collection, and descriptions of condition of various body parts.
Clean skeletal material using live dermestid beetles with attention to preventing collection infestation.
Maintain a clean and organized workspace in shared Biology Lab.
Accurately enter and manage specimen data using databases (ex. Re:discovery, MN Biodiversity Atlas) and spreadsheets, including for preparing reports on their activity.
Manage carcass and sample inventory throughout the specimen-processing pipeline.
Accept drop-off transfers and pick-up material from partner institutions across the state, which may require some grant-funded travel.
Assist, train, and oversee volunteers and other technicians involved in project work as directed.
Communicate their work with SMM audiences including visitors at on- and off-site outreach events, donors, youth (ex. summer camp participants), and viewers of public dissections.
Performs other related duties as assigned.