Position Summary

Primary job responsibilities are to lead the Charles Bessey Herbarium, set and execute its strategic research direction in alignment with the UNSM mission, vision and strategic goals. This position is responsible for research, collection curation and Herbarium management on the UNL campus, with the purpose of enhancement and conservation of this unique set of Herbarium collections. This position manages the acquisition, preparation, organization, preservation, conservation, supervision, and promotes the research use of herbarium specimens. This position ensures that visiting researchers are assisted and supervised, and that the following are also trained and supervised: UNL students, interns and collection volunteers, student employees, nonstudent employees and other users of the collections.

The second set of responsibilities include overseeing specimen preparation, cataloguing and digitization – photography, data records, and community-based knowledge. Duties include monitoring the storage environment and security, ensure that monitoring of collection pests and taking appropriate pest management actions occurs, oversees coordinating incoming and outgoing loans, and processing new acquisitions. This position contributes to collection growth by soliciting specimen donations and actively collecting and documenting botanical diversity, conducting research and publishing results. The position is responsible for overseeing the procurement of all relevant permits required for these activities.

The third set of responsibilities supports the museum’s mission by assisting with exhibit curation (collection/selection of objects, drafting text, installing/de-installing exhibit objects), assisting with educational programs as a content expert and speaker, and contributing to the museum’s digital presence.

About the Bessey Herbarium
Founded in 1874, the Bessey Herbarium is among the oldest and largest in the Great Plains. The collection has more than 310,000 specimens of vascular plants, non-vascular plants, fungi, lichens and algae. The vascular plant collection has a regional focus of the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains, however, includes a significant number of specimens from Europe, Asia and South America. A significant paleobotany collection of approximately 10,000 specimens exists which includes rare examples of early flowering plants from the Nebraska Dakota Formation.

Minimum Required Qualifications
1. Ph.D. (or international equivalent) in Botany or related discipline (Systematics, Evolution, Ecology) with demonstrated research emphasis in phylogenetic and evolutionary research of vascular or nonvascular plants, lichens, or fungi.
2. Evidence of active involvement and experience with museum curation and standard collection operations
3. Three (3) years’ experience, including knowledge of professional practices in object care, documentation, loans, exhibitions, packing and shipping.
4. Working knowledge of databases and standard MS office software proficiency (Word, Excel).
5. Experience with systematic botany, collection management, museum studies or related field
6. Demonstrated systematics expertise in a group relevant to the strengths of the Bessey Herbarium (vascular plants, non-vascular plants or mycology).
7. Demonstrated experience with research projects and publishing in peer-reviewed outlets.
8. Demonstrated museum curation skills.
9. Knowledge of professional practices in object care, object reports, archives and other documentation, loans, exhibitions, packing and shipping.
10. Ability to follow policies and procedures regarding sensitive data and maintain confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications
1. Herbarium and botanical research training preferred.
2. Working knowledge of databases (Specify preferred)
3. Experience working with general public, amateur scientists, faculty and students.
4. Experience or knowledge of working with molecular data and other -omics data sets, as appropriate for group.
5. Demonstrated experience writing exhibit text, exhibit curation; experience collaborating with educators as a content expert and providing appropriate text or references for curriculum.
6. Experience working with professional collection managers to raise the standards of collection care through workshops and shared best practices
7. Demonstrated experience obtaining and overseeing extramural funding (grants, contracts) as PI or co-PI.

Application Process
Interested applicants should apply through the UNL employment website (online at https://employment.unl.edu/postings/93856).

Click on “Apply for this Job”. You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file. You will be required to attach your CV, cover letter, list of references, and a 1-2 page statement of curatorial and collection management philosophy as four (4) separate documents in MS Word or PDF format.

Complete applications must be received by 11/29/2024 to receive full consideration. Late submissions will be considered if suitable candidates are not identified by the deadline.

As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.cms.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.