Natural History Conservator

Natural History Museum of Denmark, Faculty of Science, the University of Copenhagen is looking for a Natural History Conservator for a full time, 22-month contract (1 March 2024 – 31 December 2025).

In the coming years, the primary focus of the Conservation Unit will be to conserve, prepare and install various objects for the new public galleries which are currently being developed in connection with the build of a new national Natural History Museum. Currently, seven exhibition core groups are developing the content of the new permanent galleries, which are planned to open to the public in fall of 2024. The objects to be prepared for the new exhibits include mainly specimens from the museum’s vast historic collections but will also include preparations of new acquisitions. The exhibitions will cover all areas of geology, botany, and zoology.

We offer a professionally challenging job in an exciting environment in a workplace that is constantly evolving. We are committed colleagues who emphasize quality, professionalism, and dynamism in the work,

The role
The main role of the conservator is to help the Head of Conservation Unit with planning and undertaking varied object treatments, and collaboration with the exhibition groups to ensure object conservation needs are being met through documentation, packing and installation.

Your main tasks are:

• Assisting the Head of Conservation Unit with day-to-day management of the conservation lab, and scheduling of object treatments as required by the exhibition groups
• Investigation, planning and undertaking conservation treatments on a variety of natural history collection types
• Writing condition assessments and treatment reports for objects, including detailed photography
• Assisting with additional conservation related projects, such as temporary exhibition planning
• Organising and supervising projects for interns and volunteers
• Creation and maintenance of Conservation Unit online content, including a project blog
• Assisting in the packing, transport, and final installation of objects into the permanent galleries.

We expect:

• Education as conservator or equivalent academic degree combined with equivalent experience
• Knowledge of all aspects of remedial conservation of natural history objects (including taxidermy, skeletal preparations, paleontological and fluid preparations) and preventive conservation expertise. It is an advantage if you are highly specialised in one of these areas
• Existing knowledge of the processes and procedures within conservation unit at NHMD
• Ability to independently investigate and develop new specimen preparation methods
• Staff management skills and/or experience managing interns and volunteers
• Good communication and writing skills, both general but particularly on technical issues
• Ability to manage and prioritise a varied workload in an efficient and co-operative manner is essential
• English is the working language within the unit
• A demonstrable interest in and enthusiasm for science communication and experience of sharing content via multiple social networks will be an advantage.

About us
Natural history museums have never been more important. Our planet is shared by millions of living species. But now a single one among them, humans, holds the power of changing life on Earth. Solutions to grand challenges for humanity and the planet alike are only possible by way of local action, global collaboration, and by sharing knowledge and resources.

The vision of the Natural History Museum of Denmark is to empower citizens to connect with nature. We want to inspire, engage, and enable people to enjoy, understand, and care for the diversity of the natural world. In the coming years, we will be building a new Danish national museum for the natural world. One big museum complex in the Botanical Garden in the center of Copenhagen to host state-of-the-art laboratories, outstanding research collections, new public galleries, and combined facilities for teaching and science citizenship. Over the next few years, the museum will change the way people think about and use natural history museums. We are working on multiple intersecting capital projects to achieve this, as well as operating the existing museum venues that are open to the public with an exciting program of exhibitions and events.

UCPH is in the process of designing a new shared administrative organisation at UCPH, which is expected to lead to changes within the next 12 - 18 months. The purpose of the administrative reform is, among other things, to strengthen cross-organizational cooperation, increase efficiency, and ensure good career paths for administrative staff members at UCPH. The reform will lead to cutbacks on administration. You are encouraged to contact Mads Bo Schear Mikkelsen, Phone  +45 35334874 or Union Representative Amalie Thykær Brunsø Phone +45 35331603 to learn more about the connection between this position and the administrative reform.

Terms of salary and employment
The employment and salary is made in accordance with the Circular on the Collective Agreement concerning academics in the state sector concluded between the Ministry of Taxes and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

Employment will be as academic officer/academic employee (conservator). The salary is based on seniority. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible. The working time are 37 hours per week on average. The working hours are flexible.

Your application
If you find the job interesting, please send an electronic application with attachment via Jobportalen (click on the link "Apply Now" at the bottom of the post) no later than 8 January 2024.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Further questions
Any questions about the position may be directed to Bethany Palumbo, Head of Conservation Unit ([email protected]).

The Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen – or SCIENCE – is Denmark's largest science research and education institution with 4,000 employees and 9,700 Bachelor and Master's students in 11 departments and one museum. The Faculty has an annual budget of DKK 3 billion.

Learn more about The Faculty of Science at www.science.ku.dk

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.