Collections Assistant (Student) – Phycology
2090-CMN-24-OC-025
Term: 16 weeks, September to December, 2024
Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week
Number of positions: 1 position
Work Location
Canada Museum of Nature, 1740 Pink Road, Gatineau
Closing Date
May 21, 2024
The National Phycology Collection of Canada at the Canadian Museum of Nature (CMN) comprises over 150 000 sample lots containing over 5 million specimens of both micro and macroalgae. Through the Phycology collection, the Museum serves diverse research and education communities by building a spectacular collection, facilitating visitor access, digitizing and sharing these holdings online, protecting them for future generations, responding to questions, and conducting outreach activities.
The CMN seeks to hire 1 student Collection Assistant for the Fall 2024 session. This student will process and digitize specimens in the collection backlog, making them newly accessible for research and education as part of the accessioned, digitized phycology collection.
The student in this role will be:
- Prepare specimens for accession into the collection by processing and cleaning sample lots, and preparing light microscope slides;
- Sort and organize sample lot donations and organize sample metadata for accession into the database to make them readily accessible for research and education;
- Assist in basic management of specimen data using primarily Microsoft Excel and/or the Museum collection database (KE EMu);
- Assist technical staff in additional tasks as needed.
Your place at the Museum
We value diversity and believe we benefit from working in a place where everyone feels included and where the unique qualities and strengths inherent in a diverse workforce are combined. We welcome applications from persons who may identify as a member of one or more other equity seeking groups (for e.g. visible minorities, disabled, 2SLGBTQIA+, religious or cultural minority).
You have a place at the Museum!
QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidates must meet the following basic requirements:
- Enrolled in a university undergraduate or college program in biology (or a related field) or Museum Studies; candidates must be registered to return full-time to their studies in winter 2025;
- Ability to speak and write in English or French is essential
- Practical experience using light microscopes is considered a significant asset
- Computer fluency and experience with Microsoft Excel;
- Basic understanding of taxonomic classification and naming conventions for biological species;
- Ability to read and comprehend information on specimen labels, and apply it conducting basic tasks;
- Practical experience working in a laboratory fumehood with hazardous chemicals and following all required health and safety practices;
- Ability to exercise focused attention to detail in order to maintain necessary high standards for accuracy and organization in all tasks;
- Ability to listen effectively, respect established procedures and standards, and faithfully follow instructions;
- Ability to communicate effectively in order to ask and answer questions regarding the methods and progress of assigned tasks;
- Ability to maintain self-motivation in a variety of team and independent task scenarios
Academic or practical experience with micro and/or macroalgae and/or collection management are considered significant assets;
Please note that this is a full-time position, during weekday hours only.
For more information regarding the position, please contact: Keely Lefebvre, Digitization Project Officer, Phycology (klefebvre@nature.ca)
SALARY: Rates of pay are determined at the initial appointment or reappointment stage and are based on the incumbent’s current academic level as per the museum’s terms and conditions of employment for students. The official working period is from Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 16:00.
NOTE: Canadian citizenship is not required, however individuals must be legally entitled to work in Canada. The Canadian Museum of Nature is committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, please advise the Human Resources Advisor in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.
INTERESTED CANDIDATES must send a copy of their resume with a transcript and a cover letter demonstrating how her qualifications meet the requirements of this position by e-mail no later than May 21st, 2024, to competition@nature.ca. The subject line of the email should start with the competition number, 2090-CMN-24-OC-025.