Osteology Collection Student Intern

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Join our Biology Department team as the Osteology Collection Student Intern and help us create a synoptic osteology reference collection. The Osteology Collection Student Intern executes the organization and rehousing of osteological specimens. They will execute all steps of inventorying and moving specimens and keep detailed records of specimens’ new locations. As needed, they will conduct archival research to reunite specimens with their data and make custom cavity mounts for specimens. They will also support the process of accessioning and cataloging specimens in the collection, and will engage in outreach to share the impact of the project. They will follow directions from staff from the Biology, Anthropology, and Paleontology Collection and Collections Stewardship to deliver on project goals while performing day-to-day tasks independently. Funding for this project and position was provided by the David B. Jones Foundation to support creation of a reference collection for zooarchaeologists and paleontologists studying Minnesota’s ancient faunal systems.

Schedule: 40 hours a week to be performed generally between 9 AM - 5 PM Monday through Friday, with some evening and weekend work required. Duration will be 10-12 weeks during the academic summer break.

Job Responsibilities:

• Executes collection inventories and moves.
• As directed, performs archives research on osteology specimens of uncertain data status.
• Reorganizes osteology specimens and keeps detailed inventories of their new locations and destinations.
• As directed, organizes information for accession and deaccession requests for osteology specimens for curatorial review.
• Uninstalls, rehouses, and installs osteology specimens in collections.
• As part of the rehousing process, makes custom cavity mounts for osteology specimens.
• Communicates the results of the project at public events and at professional conferences.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Current enrollment in an undergraduate (2 or 4 year) degree program in a related field such as biology, archaeology, paleontology, or museum studies, with two years of coursework or equivalent experience completed by the start of the position, is required. Applicants who graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in May 2026 may be considered, but strong preference will be given to applicants who are enrolled in Fall 2026 coursework.
• Experience: Strong knowledge of vertebrate skeletal anatomy is required. Experience working in museum collections is preferred. 
• Work Environment:  Natural history collections settings. Occasional domestic travel may be required, including fully-funded conference attendance after the end of the position. Most if not all work will be executed at SMM’s downtown Saint Paul building.

Starting Compensation: $17.00 - $18.33/hour (depending on qualifications)

Start Date: May or June 2026

The job duties describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position and is not an exhaustive list. For some positions, detailed procedures may be outlined in supplemental documents.

The Science Museum of Minnesota believes in the diversity of our community – diversity generates ideas, inspires creativity and is essential to building a positive work place. As an Employer of Choice we hire and retain the best employees by valuing differences, creating a cooperative work environment, and providing promotional and career development opportunities. It is the museum’s policy and practice to hire and promote qualified job seekers from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. We offer benefit packages for full-time and part-time employees.

Salary : $17 - $18