Curator

Curator

(Biodiversity, Ornithology, or Earth Sciences)

People Architects is excited to recruit for a Curator for our client—The Cleveland Museum of National History (CMNH). They are seeking creative and dynamic professionals to join their curatorial teams in Biological Sciences and Earth Sciences. Founded in 1920, the Museum is Ohio’s largest natural history museum, committed to inspiring connections with science and nature and contributing to scientific understanding worldwide. Their scientists are making groundbreaking discoveries and steward over 12,500 acres of wild habitats through our Natural Areas Program.

We are recruiting for three distinct Curator positions: Curator of Biodiversity , Curator of Ornithology , and Curator of Earth Sciences.

The Curator is a museum scientist who runs an independent research program as part of a team of interdisciplinary curators. This role equally divides responsibilities into three core areas: Research (1/3), Public Engagement (1/3), and Institutional Services (1/3). The Curator serves as a scientific expert, translating complex information into accessible and compelling content for diverse audiences.

Scientific Focus Areas:

• Curator of Biodiversity: Expert in biodiversity, climate change, conservation, ecosystems, evolution, natural history, and local environmental connections.
• Curator of Ornithology: Expert in avian ecology, field ornithology, genomic ornithology, and/or avian biodiversity.
• Curator of Earth Sciences: Expert in geodiversity, deep time, history of life, ancient Ohio, and planetary processes.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Research (1/3)

• Conduct relevant fieldwork, collection-based, or laboratory research in support of an established research program.
• Adapt or build a research program that supports the Museum’s mission and utilizes our galleries, collections, and/or natural areas.
• Seek and secure external funding to support research activities and manage the research budgets.
• Present research results in academic forums, including peer-reviewed scientific journals and conferences.
• Oversee Research Assistant staff, students (including undergraduate work study), interns, and volunteers involved in research activities.
• Establish collaborative networks to enhance the reach and application of the research program.

Public Engagement (1/3)

• Translate scientific information into accessible, compelling content that enhances public interest and knowledge.
• Contribute accurate and relevant scientific content for Museum projects, including reports, marketing materials, and public engagement.
• Serve as the content provider in the development of CMNH temporary and traveling exhibits.
• In collaboration with philanthropy, lead tours, meet with donors, and develop content in support of fundraising activities.

Institutional Services (1/3)

• Collaborate with collections management staff to create and implement collection strategies and access, including reviewing external research requests.
• Provide advisement and assistance for the care and access to collections and adhere to the CMNH Collections Policy Manual.
• Develop or enable academic partnerships for student training aligned with the research program and Museum priorities.

Qualifications

Education: PHD in respective field of study

Candidates must submit the following:

• Resume
• Research Statement
• Cover Letter
• Museum Integration Plan: Must specifically address science communication experience, community outreach, and use of Museum resources such as collections.

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, ADA EMPLOYER, and a SUBSTANCE-FREE WORKPLACE.