Collections Assistant (Life Collections)

THIS POST COULD BE CONSIDERED AS A SECONDMENT OPPORTUNITY

Oxford University Museum of Natural History is seeking to appoint a Life Collections Assistant to work in the entomological collections, with a large component of the work focusing on the British entomology materials and its transfer to new storage.

Following on from the NLHF funded ‘HOPE for the Future project’ and consisting of approximately 1 million specimens, from across all orders of insects, the British insect collection will be transferred to a new off-site museum storage location. This purpose-built storage will be its permanent location and with final consolidation and arrangement of materials, the collection will be made ready for opening to research and teaching.

You will have relevant experience working within museums, with demonstrable experience of collections-focused work. You have excellent knowledge and understanding of general zoology, and have specific skills relating to the identification and taxonomy of British insects.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position, working 37.5 hours per week for 12 months.

This role includes hazards or safety-critical activities – further information can be found in the Job Description and Selection Criteria. This role is subject to a satisfactory basic Disclosure and Barring Service check.

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting evidence form as part of your online application. Your supporting evidence form should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs submitted on their own will not be considered.

Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.

University employees are also eligible to join the relevant pension scheme for their role. Further information on the University’s staff benefits for both work and personal life can be found here:  

We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Zoë Simmons, Head of Life Collections, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role ([email protected]). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within our Human Resources department ([email protected]).

Please discuss secondments with your line manager in the first instance, as you must have their agreement that you can be released for a secondment before you submit an application.  

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (BST/GMT) on Monday 18 March 2024 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place during week commencing Monday 25 March 2024.