Full Time/Part Time: Full Time, Non-Exempt, Hourly

Temporary/Permanent: Temporary, Not to Exceed April 2025

Deadline to Apply: The application will remain open until the position is filled.

Job Purpose
This position is under Malacology in the Department of Natural Sciences. Under the direction of the
Malacology Curator, the research specialist’s primary responsibilities are performance of tasks associated with collection-based research, involving housing, databasing, digitizing, and accessibility upgrades to the Bishop Museum malacology collection. Additionally, a research specialist II will be involved in field-based activities that help grow the collection and inform management activities for state and private partners working with the Bishop Museum. The research specialist will work with the Malacology Curators and Collections Manager to supervise assistants, technicians, volunteers, visitors, and interns in Malacology, and work to complete the research and collections-based objectives for grants and other curatorial tasks as needed. They may also be asked work with exhibits and public programs in sharing the outputs of work done in malacology and the museum broadly. Work hours not to exceed 40 hours per week.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Participates and organizes collection-based research within area of specialization to improve and enhance the collections and knowledge derived from them; assists in general oversight of research activities and in some cases may help with collection management procedures (loan processing, accessions, cataloging, etc.); analyzes specimens and provides identifications within specialized scientific discipline.

• Assists in field-based activities to collect and study malacology specimens to inform curation, taxonomy, and conservation of natural resources in conjunction with museum partners. As part of these duties, specialist II may be involved in designing, coordinating and carrying out field studies, surveys and expeditions related to specific research programs and activities.

• Works in a safe manner so as not to endanger fellow staff members, volunteers and visitors. Complies with safety rules and regulations and establishes safe work practices. Reads and understands all safety materials received, seeking clarification as needed. Promptly reports unsafe conditions and unsafe acts or accidents to appropriate individual. Maintains assigned work area and equipment free of accident producing conditions.

• Participates in general departmental operational planning, which includes planning and development of immediate and long-term project goals and objectives within specific field of study.

• Supervises and assists other personnel engaged in professional and technical activities, as appropriate.
• Participates and in some cases leads original research related to Museum collections within specialized scientific discipline.
• Assist with research activities in PCMB related to the objectives of Malacology collections-based research, including DNA extraction, barcoding, genomics, and databasing bio banked materials.
• Maintains affiliations in scholarly and professional organizations through service (e.g., committees, councils, editorial review boards, funding review panels) and participation (e.g. attendance, panel discussions, etc.), including presentation of papers at regional, national or international meetings, symposia, and workshops which enhances their development as a Museum scientific professional
• Serves the Museum’s public programs goals of collections-based education through planned participation in leading lectures, workshops, field trips, docent training, exhibit planning and through provision of technical information and assistance to Museum and clients.
• Interacts with staff and Museum clients with tact, courtesy and unqualified respect. Stays motivated and projects a positive and professional attitude towards fellow workers and clients. Cooperates and supports teamwork; maintains and strengthens customer relations.
• Performs other duties as requested to accomplish the objectives of the Museum’s broader mission.

Qualifications

• MA/MS degree (in biology, museum studies or related field preferred) OR BA/BS AND up to 3 years experience in field, lab, or related science/museum work.
• Must have at least one year of experience in a museum collection setting working with a variety of equipment, including microscopes and digital cameras.
• Working knowledge of basic molecular based approaches to taxonomy and biodiversity studies including PCR, electrophoresis, Sanger Sequencing, and genomics.
• This position requires broad malacological knowledge, (i.e. terrestrial mollusk ecology and molluscan anatomy) and overall knowledge of Hawaiian land snail families including invasive species.
• At least one year of experience with Hawaiian land snail taxonomy, ecology, and/or captive rearing.
• Field work will require long hours of hiking in difficult terrain carrying camping and field supplies, often in inclement weather with occasional overnight camping in remote locations.
• Must be willing and able to complete Helicopter and field safety training.
• Machines and equipment used: Stereo dissecting microscope, compound and/or phase-contrast microscope, plastic heat sealer, large hand tools (e.g., hammer, pliers), small hand tools (e.g., forceps, scalpel, pipettes), various electrical tools, typewriter, computer, scanner, and photocopier.
• Software used: MS Word / Excel / Access as well as familiarity with internet and e-mail programs.

Other Requirements

• Flexibility in working hours, as some evening and weekend work is required.
• Desire and willingness to carry out field work in often difficult terrain.
• Must have own car with proof of insurance.
• Professional business-like appearance.
• Good Attendance.
• Detail oriented.
• Flexibility in schedule to meet deadlines.
• Desire to learn and work consistently to achieve objectives in a timely manner.
• Ability to work with a wide variety of personalities and to be tolerant of those differences.

Working Conditions
Laboratory work environment may involve exposure to fumes, noxious odors, and gases from the mounting and preservation media, as well as dust and mold from the specimens themselves. Additionally, genetic work entails use of ultra-cold freezers and materials stored in them, which may cause freezer burns if handled improperly. Field duties may involve exposure to high altitudes, wet conditions, hiking in difficult terrain, and flights on helicopters.

Physical Requirements
Primarily light work with periods of sitting, walking, reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling. A high degree of hand-eye coordination required in using a microscope, hand tools and light power tools to mount and prepare specimens which range in size from small and delicate to very large and heavy. Long periods of handling and manipulating specimens and storage containers. Long periods of data entry and keyboard use. Visual requirements include 20/20 corrected vision, depth perception, a wide field of vision and the ability to distinguish colors. Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs and at most 40 lbs.

Laboratory work environment may involve exposure to fumes, noxious odors, and gases from the mounting and preservation media, as well as dust and mold from the specimens themselves. Additionally, molecular laboratory work may require multiple hours of standing and repetitive use of small hand tools.

Field duties may involve hiking and exposure to high altitudes and wet conditions. Helicopter flights, hiking, and overnight camping are all physically demanding and require safety and focus at all times to keep everyone safe. Hiking with a pack weighing up to 40 lbs will be required at times.

Equal Opportunity Employer
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.