[Taxacom] Position: Chief Curator, Natal Museum

[Vladimir Blagoderov]

On behalf of Mikhail Mostovski:

The Natal Museum, one of the largest, leading national Heritage  
Institutions in South Africa, invites applications for

CHIEF CURATOR: NATURAL SCIENCES


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Natal Museum scientists conduct research in various fields of  
natural sciences. The main responsibilities for this position are:

1. Implement a focussed programme of hypothesis-driven research, with  
emphasis on the unique resources housed in the Natal Museum: ideally  
insects (Diptera or Hemiptera), or other non-insect invertebrates such  
as arachnids, myriapods and earthworms. Register for higher  
postgraduate qualification where appropriate.
2. Augment the collections through fieldwork where appropriate.
3. Critically evaluate and interpret data, and prepare high quality  
manuscripts that meet the standards of the international scientific  
community.
4. Formulate targeted research projects and submit applications to  
external funding bodies. Report regularly and manage efficiently  
budgeting and expenditure.
5. Ensure efficient management and databasing of the collections, and  
provide guidance and scientific advice where necessary.
6. Provide junior research staff with advice and guidance i.r.o.  
collections management and research projects, facilitate and supervise  
their further training and post-graduate studies.
7. Interact with national and international research community, advise  
government departments, serve on scientific review and evaluation  
panels (e.g. NRF), contribute to professional societies.
8. Engage in collaborative research projects to enhance research  
capacity.
9. Advise on production of African Invertebrates, one of the Natal  
Museum scholarly journals.

REQUIREMENTS:
PhD degree in relevant field, or Masters degree with considerable  
experience, evidence of an active independent research programme, with  
at least five years research experience, publication record and  
curatorial experience. Experience and a proven record in attracting  
independent research funding. Broad discipline-based knowledge and  
understanding the role of museum research are essential, plus a high  
level of expertise in the relevant research field, both practical and  
intellectual. Excellent writing, presentation, communication and  
organizing skills. Valid drivers licence.

Salary: Negotiable at salary level 9 of Public Service Employees.  
[this will be ca. ZAR174,000-210,000 per annum gross depending on  
applicant's merits plus some benefits - MM, unpublished info]

All applications should be hand delivered at the Museum's Reception or  
posted to:

The Deputy Director: Natal Museum
Private Bag X 9070
Pietermaritzburg
3200

The closing date for the submission of applications is Friday, 17  
October 2008 at 12:00. Late applications will not be accepted. Please  
send a covering letter stating the position you are applying for, a  
detailed resume with a list of references and certified copies of all  
qualifications and a copy of your identity document. Further enquiries  
regarding these positions can be obtained from the Deputy Director. If  
you have not heard from us by the 14 November 2008, consider your  
application to have been unsuccessful.

Email for further information: mmostovski at nmsa.org.za