Marine Invertebrate Paleontologist - California Academy of Sciences

[Anne Marie Malley]

Position advertisement:

MARINE INVERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGIST
CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

The California Academy of Sciences invites applications for the regular
faculty position of Assistant Curator of Invertebrate Paleontology in the
Department of Invertebrate Zoology & Geology.  We seek someone who: 1) has
a primary interest in and commitment to collection-based research in
invertebrate paleontology; 2) is capable of applying a wide range of
modern phylogenetic protocols and paleontological techniques to analysis
of the fossil record; 3) will contribute to the curation, development, and
publicizing of a major fossil collection; 4) is fieldwork-oriented.  We
are particularly interested in individuals who can complement the
department's strengths in coelenterate, mollusk, crustacean, and
echinoderm phylogenetics.  Candidates must have a Ph.D. and an active
research program.  Responsibilities include original research as well as
participation in curatorial, administrative, and educational activities of
the Academy.  Detailed position description and other information are
available through the Academy's web site, www.calacademy.org/research.
Applicants should forward: 1) a curriculum vitae; 2) description of
research goals; 3) names, mailing and e-mail addresses, telephone and fax
numbers of three references to:  Human Resources #ACP, California Academy
of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118-4599.  Deadline for
applications is March 31, 1998.

******************************************************************************
Job Description, Responsibilities:

ASSISTANT CURATOR IN MARINE INVERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY

 The California Academy of Sciences has an immediate opening for an
Assistant Curator of Marine Invertebrate Paleontology in its Department of
Invertebrate Zoology & Geology.  The applicant selected for this position
will:  1) have a primary interest in and commitment to collection-based
research in paleontology of marine invertebrates; 2) be capable of
applying a wide range of modern phylogenetic protocols and paleontological
techniques to analysis of the fossil record; 3) contribute to the
curation, development, and publicizing of a major fossil collection; 4) be
fieldwork-oriented; 5) contribute to the varied educational and
administrative activities of the institution.
 The paleontological collections consist primarily of Mesozoic and
Cenozoic marine invertebrate fossils from Western North America.  The
mineralogical and geological collections fall within the administrative
responsibilities of this position, as does the stewardship of many of the
Academy's fossil vertebrates and plants.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Research:
-    Plans and executes original research that results in publishable
contributions related to the field of inquiry, and lectures on the results
of original research
-    Plans, directs, and/or participates in scientific expeditions
designed to advance knowledge and develop collections
-    Prepares proposals for extramural funding in support of research

B. Collections:
-    Has primary responsibility for the growth, improvement, maintenance,
and security of collections of scientific and/or historical significance
-    Is prepared to foster ongoing efforts to computerize all components
of the geological collections and disseminate and promote use of such
digitized data
-    Encourages use of the collections by scholars engaged in research
programs as well as by other professionals with a serious interest in
collections-based research; requests new material from external sources
through donations, exchanges, and purchases, determines desirable
additions to fill existing gaps and/or build existing strengths
-    Prepares proposals for extramural funding in support of facilities
and collections

C. Education:
-    Provides advice and/or participates in Museum educational programs
-    Teaches college or university courses and seminars in specialty and
other related areas
-    Supervises or participates in formal training of graduate and
undergraduate students
-    Prepares popular articles, informational literature, and lectures
designed to enhance public understanding of science

D. Exhibits:
-    Participates in the development of exhibit plans in discipline of inquiry
-    Reviews and maintains scientific accuracy of exhibit scripts and
technical documentation
-    Acts as curator & scientific advisor for Life Through Time exhibit

E. Administration:
-    Serves, on a rotating basis, as department chair, with primary
responsibility for:  supervision of departmental support personnel,
development of departmental budgets and expenditure of departmental and
grant funds, establishment and implementation of policies governing
curatorial procedures, development and maintenance of research
collections, utilization of departmental facilities, supervision of
maintenance of departmental records and inventories
-   Supervises Collections Manager for Geology, curatorial assistants and
clerical staff


F. Miscellaneous:
-    Establishes professional contacts with other institutions and
scientists, and seeks exchanges of scientific information
-    Participates in the activities of and/or provides advice to local,
national, and international scientific societies
-    Serves as reviewer of scientific manuscripts and research proposals
submitted to professional committees related to discipline of inquiry
-    Promotes and furthers support of the Academy by its many constituents
-    Provides specimen identifications in discipline of inquiry or in
areas of personal expertise to public and others
-    May provide professional advice to governmental and public service
organizations such as U.S. Customs, State Department of Fish and Game,
City Planning Departments, etc.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
-    Ph.D. required
-    Criteria for appointment include experience and training, publication
record, professional recommendations, scientific staff evaluations based
on seminars and interviews, and evaluation of research objectives and
museum orientation
-    Post-doctoral experience; significant completed scientific research;
field experience; demonstrable success in obtaining external funding; and
demonstrable supervisory and administrative abilities are highly desirable

APPOINTMENT:  Full-time, regular faculty position, 10-month annual basis.

Send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, description of research
goals, and the names, mailing and E-mail addresses, and telephone and FAX
numbers of three references by March 31, 1998 to: California Academy of
Sciences, Human Resources Department #ACP, Golden Gate Park, San
Francisco, CA  94118-4599.

The California Academy of Sciences is a Natural History Museum, Aquarium,
Planetarium, and Research Institution located in Golden Gate Park, San
Francisco, California

THE CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY.