[Taxacom] Museum technician position open

[Winston, Judith (VMNH)]

Posted:  January 10, 2012

 

 

Research Technician & Specimen Preparator

(Role Title: Laboratory & Research Specialist I)

 

Position #:  00028                                                                                                                                                             Salary Range: Pay Band 3

Location:  Martinsville, Virginia                                                   Minimum Starting Pay:  $24,000

 

An exceptional job opportunity in the Research and Collections Division of the Virginia Museum of Natural History (VMNH) is now available.  This is a full-time position with an excellent state benefits package.

 

Position:

 

VMNH is the official state repository of natural history collections; current holdings include many different types of specimens: dry and fluid-preserved vertebrates and invertebrates, frozen tissues, invertebrate and vertebrate fossils; and rocks and minerals.  VMNH also analyzes these specimens using an in-house Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with EDAX capabilities.  As Research Technician & Specimen Preparator, you will be responsible for preparation of specimens as well as performing day-to-day operation and maintenance of the SEM.

 

This position requires knowledge of, or willingness and ability to learn, skills required to operate an SEM with EDAX.  It also requires knowledge of, or willingness and ability to learn, skills required to prepare specimens of modern and fossil animals and rocks.  The position requires willingness to commit to further technical education (e.g., SEM training); excellent handwriting; attention to detail and accuracy; excellent written and verbal communication skills; excellent organizational and problem-solving skills; ability to prioritize and to work independently; and demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office programs.

 

This position reports to the Director of Research.  Anticipated start date:  March 2012.

 

Responsibilities:

 

-          Work closely with VMNH and visiting researchers in a publicly viewable lab to collect images and other data using an SEM.

-          Perform routine SEM maintenance and basic recovery functions.

-          Troubleshoot errors and correct problems with SEM images and other analytical processes.

-          Prepare biological specimens including frozen tissue samples, fluid specimens (invertebrates and vertebrates), study skins of mammals and birds, skeletons, and pinned invertebrates.  Many of these specimens will be prepared from salvaged road-killed mammals.

-          Prepare fossils in a publicly viewable lab using both mechanical and chemical techniques, including airscribes, airbrasive devices, and acids.

-          Use a diamond saw to cut rock samples to size.

-          Create and attach handwritten specimen labels and tags as well as other labels as needed.

-          Maintain colony of dermestid beetles.

-          Maintain inventories and logs of specimens and samples as they are being prepared and analyzed.

-          Enter specimen data and other information into electronic databases.

 

Qualifications:

-          Minimum bachelor's degree in natural science or equivalent experienced required.

-          Meticulously attentive to detail and accuracy.

-          Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

-          Excellent handwriting.

-          Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

-          Strong ability to prioritize and to work independently.

 

Preferred:

-          Knowledge of SEM operation and routine maintenance.

-          Knowledge of vertebrate anatomy.

-          Knowledge of techniques for preparing biological and paleontological specimens.

-          Experience with large electronic databases.

 

Compensation and Benefits Package:

-          The position is Pay Band 3 (minimum starting salary:  $24,000).

-          An excellent state benefits package (including health insurance and retirement) is offered and detailed at http://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/genlbenefits/benefitsdescription.html.

 

Application Process:

-          The Commonwealth of Virginia online employment application is available at:

http://jobs.agencies.virginia.gov.

-          Only online applications are accepted.  Please provide a cover letter, résumé, and college transcript along with your application.

-          If you need assistance in completing the online application, please contact the Human Resources Office at 276-634-4158.  Applications must be submitted by 5 pm January 27, 2012.

 

 

The Virginia Museum of Natural History complies with E-Verify which is an internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees.



We are an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants are afforded equal opportunities without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability.  The successful applicant must furnish proof of identity and employment eligibility and is subject to a background check.

 

 

 

 

Judith E. Winston, Ph.D.

Curator of Marine Biology

Virginia Museum of Natural History

21 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, VA 24112

T: 276-634-4175; F: 276-634-4199

W-www.vmnh.net

Invest in Virginia's Natural History: Support the VMNH Foundation by clicking on the link below

http://www.vmnh.net/index.cfm/topic/donate <http://www.vmnh.net/index.cfm/topic/donate>