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- Tasks: Support the curation and digitisation of a significant insect collection.
- Company: Join National Museums Scotland, a leading museum group with diverse global collections.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28.5 days annual leave, flexible working, and exclusive discounts from day one.
- Why this job: Contribute to impactful projects while working in a creative and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Zoology or Entomology; experience with natural history collections preferred.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role for two years, with a salary of £31,929 to £34,549.
The predicted salary is between 26900 - 29000 £ per year.
National Museums Scotland is one of the leading museum groups in Europe with one of the largest and most diverse collections in the world. As an organisation our values are Creative, Inclusive, Collaborative and Forward-thinking. We are looking for enthusiastic, passionate, honest, service-driven individuals to join our Natural Sciences team as Assistant Curator (Entomology).
Benefits of joining us as our Assistant Curator (Entomology) will include:
- Annually alongside your salary of £31,929, National Museums Scotland contributes 28.97% of this towards you being a member of the Civil Service Pension Scheme
- A generous annual leave of 28.5 days plus an additional 8 paid days public holidays.
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Free access to national (and international) museums and exhibitions
- Exclusive discounts on both local and national High Street and online retailers
- A range of wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme 24/7
- Flexible working options such as hybrid working, part-time working, paid special leave, career breaks and unpaid leave
- Access to all the above and more from day one of employment.
About the Assistant Curator (Entomology) role:
National Museums Scotland offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the care, development, and preparation of one of the UK’s most significant entomological collections for digitisation. As Assistant Curator (Entomology), you will support the curation of a globally important insect collection comprising approximately 2 million specimens, preserved in both dry and fluid formats. The collection is particularly strong in British—especially Scottish—insects, with major holdings in Diptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and parasitic Hymenoptera. It includes historically important material from collectors such as Dufresne, Wilson, Balfour-Browne, and Pelham-Clinton, and spans over 250 years of entomological history. The collection continues to grow through strategic acquisitions, international and national fieldwork, and contributions to major initiatives such as the Darwin Tree of Life (DToL), BIOSCAN, and UK Barcode of Life (UKBoL) projects. It is housed at the National Museums Collection Centre.
This role is a two year post, funded by the NMS Charitable Trust (Pelham Cinton Fund).
As an Assistant Curator (Entomology) at National Museums Scotland you will:
- Re-house and re-curate entomology collections in preparation for digitisation
- Integrate new acquisitions into the main collection and improve documentation
- Contribute to collections care and the loans programme, including courier duties
- Host scientific visitors and answer public enquiries
- Apply specialist knowledge to facilitate public access to the collection
Skills and experience we’re looking for in our Assistant Curator (Entomology):
- A degree in Zoology, Entomology or a relevant subject
- Knowledge of and enthusiasm for entomology and principles of taxonomy and zoological nomenclature
- Knowledge of best practices in entomological collections management
- Experience working (paid or unpaid) with natural history collections
- Excellent ICT and data entry skills, including Microsoft Office and collections management databases
Hiring the right person for the right job is everything to us. We want to encourage you to apply if you think this is the role for you. Please be sure to view our recruitment pack for this role (available on our careers website: careers.nms.ac.uk) for full details of the position that may help with your application. The closing date for this role is 13/07/2025. The Selection Event is likely to take place in the week of 21/07/2025.
Assistant Curator (Entomology) employer: National Museums Scotland
Contact Detail:
National Museums Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Curator (Entomology)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific entomological collections at National Museums Scotland. Understanding their unique features and historical significance will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of entomology and museum curation. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn more about current trends and challenges in collections management.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with natural history collections. Be ready to share specific examples of your work, particularly any projects involving digitisation or collections care, as this will demonstrate your practical knowledge.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your enthusiasm for public engagement with entomology. Think of creative ways to make the collection accessible and interesting to visitors, as this aligns with the museum's values of inclusivity and collaboration.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Curator (Entomology)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Assistant Curator (Entomology) position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience in zoology, entomology, or related fields. Emphasise any work with natural history collections and your knowledge of taxonomy and collections management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for entomology and your enthusiasm for the role. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your suitability for the position and how you align with the organisation's values.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Museums Scotland
✨Show Your Passion for Entomology
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for entomology during the interview. Share specific examples of your experiences with insect collections or any relevant projects you've worked on. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the field and align with the organisation's values.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Collection
Before the interview, take some time to research National Museums Scotland's entomological collection. Understanding its significance and the types of specimens it houses will allow you to speak knowledgeably about how you can contribute to its care and development.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience with natural history collections, whether paid or unpaid. Emphasise any specific skills related to collections management, documentation, or public engagement that would be beneficial for the role of Assistant Curator.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers. This could include inquiries about ongoing projects, the team dynamics, or future initiatives related to the entomological collection. Asking questions shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
