Curator of Earth Sciences

Cleveland Museum of Natural History•Cleveland, OH

2d•$66,000 - $75,000

About The Position

The Curator of Earth Sciences is a museum scientist who runs an independent research program as part of an interdisciplinary curatorial team. The curator serves as a scientific expert in areas such as geodiversity, deep time, the history of life, ancient Ohio, and planetary processes. The position translates scientific information into accessible, compelling content to build public interest and knowledge, and trains students through Museum-supported undergraduate work study, high school and college internships, and volunteer opportunities. The role is divided equally among research, public engagement, and institutional services. Research may include fieldwork, collection-based, or laboratory work, and the curator presents results in scientific journals and conferences. The curator also contributes scientific content to Museum projects and exhibits, supports fundraising activities, collaborates on collection strategies and access, and develops academic partnerships for student training.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Geology, Environmental Geology, Hydrology, Paleoecology, Paleobotany, Geomorphology, Invertebrate Paleontology, Paleoclimatology, or a related field.
3–5 years of experience.
Experience securing external funding.
Research publications.
Expert knowledge of geodiversity, deep time, history of life, ancient Ohio, planetary processes, and best-practice research methodology.
Ability to plan, direct, and report on research activities and secure external funding to support them.
Ability to communicate scientific material in accessible, compelling ways to engage diverse audiences.
Ability to manage research personnel, including students, interns, and volunteers.
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite products.
Excellent written and verbal communication, problem-solving, and listening skills.
Ability to work independently, within interdisciplinary teams, and as a leader on large-scale projects.
Ability to follow Museum operating, safety, environmental, and quality policies.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, meet deadlines, and manage competing priorities.

Nice To Haves

Research focus related to Northeast Ohio, the Lake Erie Basin, and/or the Museum’s collections and natural area preserves.

Responsibilities

Conduct relevant fieldwork, collection-based, or laboratory research in support of an established research program.
Adapt or build a research program that supports the Museum’s mission and uses its galleries, collections, and/or natural areas.
Present research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals, conferences, and other academic forums.
Seek external funding for research activities and manage research budgets.
Oversee Research Assistant staff, volunteers, students, interns, and other specialized staff involved in research.
Establish collaborative networks to enhance the reach and application of the research program.
Contribute accurate and relevant scientific content for Museum projects, including reports, marketing materials, and public engagement.
Serve as the content provider for the development of Cleveland Museum of Natural History temporary and traveling exhibits.
In collaboration with philanthropy, lead tours, meet with donors, and develop content supporting fundraising activities.
Collaborate with collections management staff to develop and implement collection strategies and access, including reviewing external research requests.
Advise and assist with the care of and access to collections.
Develop or enable academic partnerships for student training aligned with the research program and Museum priorities.
Adhere to the CMNH Collections Policy Manual.
Perform other related duties as assigned.