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- Tasks: Assist in managing and developing vertebrate collections, including documentation and hosting research visitors.
- Company: Join National Museums Scotland, a leading museum group with a diverse global collection.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28.5 days annual leave, flexible working options, and exclusive discounts from day one.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team, contribute to conservation, and engage with fascinating specimens.
- Qualifications: A relevant degree or experience in zoology or biological sciences is required.
- Other info: Opportunity for fieldwork and public outreach involvement.
The predicted salary is between 27900 - 30700 £ per year.
Job Description
Assistant Curator (Vertebrates) | Full time | 35 hours| Fixed term 12 months
Full Time Salary: £31,929 to £34,549 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week | Monday – Friday
Location: National Museums Collection Centre| Fully On-Site
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 Vertebrate Biology team.
Benefits of joining us as our Assistant Curator of Vertebrates 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 – rising to 33.5 after 5 years, 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.
To see more of our benefits please visit out dedicated benefits page on our careers portal.
About the Assistant Curator of Vertebrates role:
The Vertebrate Biology Collection comprises over 200,000 specimens from around the world and includes skins, skeletons, eggs, nests, wet specimens, tissue samples, fossils and archaeological remains. It is a vibrant section with numerous visitors using the collections for studies on anatomy, functional morphology, geographical variation, phylogeography, hybridisation, conservation biology and animal welfare. As the Assistant Curator of Vertebrate Biology you will use your biological knowledge to assist with the curatorial management and development of the vertebrate collections to National Museums standards. The work is varied and includes documentation and moves of collections as required, assisting with supervision of volunteers, inventory and catalogue of new acquisitions, and hosting research visitors. There may be some opportunity to participate in field work from time to time and to be involved with public outreach.
As an Assistant Curator of Vertebrates at National Museums Scotland you will:
* Apply expert knowledge of the subject and collections to create and improve National Museums’ documentation programmes
* Integrate new acquisitions into the main collection and improve documentation
* Contribute to collections care and the loans programme, including courier duties
* Participate, using subject and collections knowledge, in the development of projects such as exhibitions and preparation of material for publications
* Assist with the supervision of volunteers supporting curatorial work, to ensure their contribution is focused and recognised
* Host scientific visitors and answer general enquiries
Skills and experience we’re looking for in our Assistant Curator of Vertebrates
* A relevant first degree, or equivalent experience in zoology, biological sciences or similar
* Knowledge of, an interest in, or enthusiasm about vertebrate zoology
* Knowledge of and commitment to best practice standards in collections management
* Proficient ICT and data entry skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
* Experience of undertaking simple research, for dealing with museum objects or enquiries
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.
IF APPLICABLE: The closing date for this role is 24th August 2025. The Selection Event is likely to take place during the week 15-19 September 2025.
Assistant Curator (Vertebrates) employer: National Museums Scotland
Contact Detail:
National Museums Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Curator (Vertebrates)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Vertebrate Biology Collection and its significance. Understanding the collection's scope and the types of specimens it includes will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of zoology and museum curation. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who share your interests, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current trends and best practices in collections management. This knowledge will not only enhance your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the organisation's values.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with volunteer supervision and public outreach. Highlighting your ability to manage teams and engage with the public will show that you are a well-rounded candidate for the Assistant Curator position.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Curator (Vertebrates)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Assistant Curator (Vertebrates) position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience in zoology or biological sciences. Emphasise any specific knowledge of vertebrate zoology and collections management practices.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for vertebrate biology and your commitment to best practices in collections management. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
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 Vertebrate Zoology
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for vertebrate zoology during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your interest and knowledge in this area, as it will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
As an Assistant Curator, you'll be managing collections and documentation. Be prepared to discuss your organisational skills and any previous experience you have with inventory management or data entry, especially using Microsoft Word and Excel.
✨Prepare for Questions on Collections Management
Familiarise yourself with best practices in collections management. Expect questions about how you would handle new acquisitions or improve documentation processes, so think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your understanding.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember that interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the museum's future projects. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
