We are searching for a new colleague who can contribute to the development and preservation of the zoological collections at the Arctic University Museum of Norway, who is interested in and enthusiastic for work with museum collections. As an employee at the Arctic University Museum of Norway you will work within an exciting institution and among enthusiastic colleagues.
The Arctic University Museum of Norway is Northern Norway’s oldest scientific institution. It houses collections that enable research about northern nature, society, history, and the basis of life. An important aspect of the museum’s collections is managing the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
A full-time permanent position (100%) as collection manager within zoology is available at the Arctic University Museum of Norway. The position will be situated in the main building of the museum at Lars Thøringsvei 10, Tromsø. Zoology currently has 5 permanent employees working with the collections, research, and outreach. The zoological collections house some 200.000 objects that have been assigned with museum numbers. An overview of the collections can be found here. The collection manager works jointly with the curators, which are currently specialized in mammals, insects, and marine invertebrates.
The workplace is at UiT in Tromsø.
Job description
The tasks will largely be maintenance of the scientific collections, identification, registration of collection material in databases, as well as work with digitization of the collections. This includes basic data entry, imaging specimens, geo-referencing, species inventory, and development and evaluation of workflows and standards to ensure best practices in collection management following international standards.
The day-to-day operations also include maintenance of collection databases and export of data to common database systems (currently MUSIT) and other organizations (GBIF). In addition, taking part in developing the collection management system and contribute to the long-term collection plan are expected. Further, monitoring of the condition and growth of the collections, preparation of material for lending, shipping and correspondence and procurement of collection-related supplies and equipment falls within the responsibilities.
An important part of the job is quality assurance of data, including proofreading and checking of geographical locations. This requires good knowledge of Norwegian geography and Norwegian place names.
Other tasks are photography of objects, preparation of material for DNA analysis, as well as training and supervision of students, temporary staff and guest researchers in collection work.
It is expected that the person appointed has species knowledge and experience with species identification and field work. It is desirable that you can participate in ongoing fundraising, research and management projects at the museum. It is also an advantage if you enjoy communication.
You must expect changes within the position’s area of work and responsibility, especially regarding databases. It is desirable that you have the ability to take and implement independent initiatives that contribute to the development of the collections. We work to promote a good culture for continuous improvement.
You need to be able to adapt to changes in the position’s duties and responsibilities, especially concerning the use of databases and needs related to DNA sampling of specimens. You are self-driven and take initiatives to contribute to the development of the collections. Our workplace culture aims for continuous improvement of work routines and workflows.
Contact
For further information about the position, please contact head of department Geir Rudolfsen:
- Phone: +47 77 64 68 81
- E-mail: geir.rudolfsen@uit.no
or Associate Professor Andreas Altenburger:
- Phone: +47 77 64 49 02
- E-mail: andreas.altenburger@uit.no
Qualifications
You must have a Master’s degree in Biology with an emphasis in zoology. Particularly relevant work experience can compensate for parts of the education requirement.
You need to have good oral and written communication skills in English and a Scandinavian language (if you currently do not master Norwegian, you may still apply, but you must be willing to learn Norwegian within 2 years after employment).
Desirable skills and competence
- You must have a genuine interest in taxonomy and collections management
- Knowledge of taxonomic working methods and conservation of zoological collections
- Experience with the use of databases and CMS
- Experience with digitalization, photography and image processing tools
- Experience from field work
- Experience with dissemination
- Applicants with qualifications and experience in the relevant work tasks will be preferred.
You should be able to and have an interest in using databases and digitization of museum specimens. We prefer a personality that fits into our team, a person who is a good team player and able to interact in a diverse team of staff, interns, and volunteers. Your willingness to participate in fieldwork on land and at sea will be an advantage. You must have a good sense of keeping things in order and a liking to systematize objects. You need to have strong organizational skills necessary to keep collections accessible, and you need to be open and able to learn new concepts. You are diligent and knowledgeable about the conservation of zoological collections. It is important that you are service-minded and flexible. You should be able to prioritize your work tasks and work in a structured manner.
Personal skill
Personal suitability will be given weight and it is important that you are service-minded and flexible. We are looking for a person who:
- Willing to learn, is committed and takes the initiative to solve small and large tasks
- Is structured and organized, as well as good at planning and prioritizing tasks
- Has the ability to work independently
- Is open to change, looking for improvements and the ability to see opportunities and solutions
- Can work well in collaboration with others
- That have emphasis on accuracy.
- A person who is a good team player and able to interact in a diverse team of staff, interns, and volunteers
We offer
- An exciting and friendly work environment with autonomy over your work day, dedicated colleagues, and a strong focus on development.
- Flexible working hours and a state collective pay agreement
- Pension scheme through the state pension fund
Remuneration of Collection Manager position are in salary code 1085 Engineer or 1087 Chief engineer on the pay scale for Norwegian state employees, depending on qualifications. There is a 2% deduction for contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
Application
The application must be submitted electronically via www.jobbnorge.no, and shall include:
- CV and application letter explaining your motivation
- Diplomas and transcripts
- Written references
- Contact information to 2-3 references
- A brief description of your view on natural history collections and why they are important (1 page)
The application letter and all documentation has to be in English or a Scandinavian language.
Inclusion and diversity
UiT The Arctic University i Norway is working actively to promote equality, gender balance and diversity among employees and students, and to create an inclusive and safe working environment. We believe that inclusion and diversity is a strength and we want employees with different competencies, professional experience, life experience and perspectives.
If you have a disability, a gap in your CV or immigrant background, we encourage you to tick the box for this in your application. If there are qualified applicants, we invite least one in each group for an interview. If you get the job, we will adapt the working conditions if you need it. Apart from selecting the right candidates, we will only use the information for anonymous statistics.
General information
The appointment is made in accordance with State regulations and guidelines at UiT. At our website, you will find more information for applicants.
A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background.
UiT will emphasize making the necessary adaptations to the working conditions for employees with reduced functional ability. Questions can be directed to the contact person for the position.
According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.
UiT – Developing the High North
UiT is a multi-campus research university in Norway and the northernmost university of the world. Our central location in the High North, our broad and diverse research and study portfolio, and our interdisciplinary qualities make us uniquely suited to meet the challenges of the future. At UiT you can explore global issues from a close-up perspective.
Credibility, academic freedom, closeness, creativity and commitment shall be hallmarks of the relationship between our employees, between our employees and our students and between UiT and our partners.