MOTE MARINE LABORATORY
CENTER FOR MARINE MAMMAL AND SEA TURTLE RESEARCH
Ruth DeLynn Cetacean Osteological Collection
MUSEUM CURATOR/STAFF SCIENTIST
Qualifications
The prospective candidate will have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in
evolutionary biology, anatomy, or a closely related field. (e.g.,
D.Sc., D.V.M., D.Eng., and M.D), or lesser degree, with significant
experience (at least five [5] years beyond Master's degree, or at
least eight [8] years beyond Bachelor's degree in the field of
specialty), including demonstration of success in peer-reviewed
scientific publication and extramural funding procurement. The
individual will: (a) be familiar with procedures for the proper and
meticulous archival of skeletal and soft tissues of cetaceans to
promote a range of scientific studies, and (b) demonstrate a high
level of professional productivity and an ability to work well as a
member of a multi-disciplinary team.
General Duties and Responsibilities
The Ruth DeLynn Cetacean Osteological Collection holds specimens
from approximately 650 individuals representing 17 species.
According to an accreditation team from the Committee on Systematic
Collections of the American Society of Mammalogists: “The collection
of mammals at the Mote Marine Laboratory is the best organized and
cared for any of us have ever seen.”
Part of the value of the collection relates to its integration with
a multi-decade long study (through Dr. Randall Wells and Chicago
Zooligical Society) of free-ranging dolphins in the Sarasota Bay
area. Thus, for many specimens in the DeLynn Collection, a unique,
long term record of their life history attributes and other data
exists. As a Staff Scientist at Mote Marine Laboratory, the
individual will establish and be a catalyst for the expansion of a
vigorous research program, in addition to performing the curatorial
duties that form the foundation of the job and the collection.
Incumbent is expected to achieve a significant, sustained level of
extramural support.
Consistent with these observations, we seek a full-time curator to
maintain the standards that have produced the outstanding
osteological collection created by Ruth DeLynn. The curator will
also expand the collection to include soft tissue archives and to
further the program with targeted research and new collaborations.
Mote Marine Laboratory and Ruth DeLynn have the following vision for
the DeLynn Collection: They want it to become
- one of the most heavily used museum collections for small
cetaceans in the United States;
- a focal point of regional, national, and even global
comparative studies;
- a training center for interested undergraduate and
graduate students;
- a resource from which numerous and important publications
will flow; and
- a place where the public and professionals can perceive
what a facility such as this does to enhance conservation and
science.
The successful candidate will help to make this vision a reality.
His or her primary duties will center around maintaining and
expanding the collection in a manner consistent with the highest
standards for hard and soft tissue archival. The successful
candidate must be able to work well independently as well as part of
a team, and have a clear and well communicated vision regarding the
collection and how it is to be used to further science and
conservation. In that regard, the individual who is hired will be
expected to facilitate and catalyze professional partnerships and
collaborations to take advantage of the collection, leading to
peer-reviewed publications. He or she will have a strong
publication record, continue to produce publications (including
those with non-Mote and Mote-based collaborators who use the
collection), and acquireextramural funds via competitive grants or
contracts. Although the primary of foci of the successful candidate
will be meticulous archival, good science, and team building, he or
she should also be comfortable interacting with the general public
as well as peers.
Supervisor: Center Director, Dr. John Reynolds III
Salary Range/Benefits$40,000-$50,000/yr, with full fringe benefits
which include vacation and sick time, paid holidays and health
insurance.
Application:
The Search Committee will accept applications until the position is
filled; however, MML will start to review applications as soon as
30August2011, and may make a decision shortly thereafter, depending
on the applicant pool at that time. Applications should include a
letter stating their professional goals, curriculum vitae and
contact information for three references. Please submit application
materials to Deanna Bebak, Human Resources Manager electronically at
HumanResources@mote.org or Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human
Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236. NO PHONE
CALLS, PLEASE.
Mote Marine Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer.
--
Gretchen Lovewell
Program Manager
Stranding Investigations
Center for Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Research
Mote Marine Laboratory
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy
Sarasota, FL 34236
Office: 941-388-4441 ex 239
Cell: 941-374-3425
Pager: 941-988-0212
Fax: 941-388-4317
We are an independent, nonprofit, marine and estuarine
research and education facility.
Opinions expressed here are not MML policy unless so indicated.