Curator of Terrestrial Vertebrates

The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is seeking to appoint a Curator of Terrestrial Vertebrates within its Natural Environment team.  The appointee will work closely with the Curator of Fossil Vertebrates and a Collection Manager.  The position will have primary responsibility for Te Papa’s collection of 28,000 birds and 10,000 other terrestrial vertebrates.

The successful candidate will be expected to:-

• Develop and curate all groups represented in Te Papa’s collection of terrestrial vertebrates.
• Conduct biosystematic research on priority groups of New Zealand terrestrial vertebrates, preferably using both morphological and molecular techniques.
• Work proactively with the Curator of Fossil Vertebrates to develop strong research partnerships, secure external research funding, and build relationships with stakeholders in other organisations and institutions.
• Contribute to the development of Natural Environment exhibitions, visitor experience products, and outreach activities, especially in relation to terrestrial vertebrates.
• Actively develop web-based products that contribute to Te Papa’s website, Collections Online and other online initiatives. 

The successful applicant will have a PhD or equivalent competency, a track record of published research in terrestrial vertebrates, experience of curating or working with collections, and a commitment to outreach activities and exhibition development in a team-based museum environment.

This is a full time permanent appointment.

To view a copy of the job description and to apply online please visit our website (www.tepapa.govt.nz/jobs).  For further information please contact recruitment@tepapa.govt.nz and quote reference TP1020.

Applications close at 10am on Monday 1 February 2010