Assistant Curator Exhibition Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Employment Type: Full-Time, Salary, Exempt
Deadline to Apply: This application will remain open until 11:50pm on Friday, September 11, 2026.
Rate of Pay: $60,000.00 - $76,000.00 annually, commensurate with experience. The wage band is set and not subject to negotiation.

Job Purpose

The Assistant Curator in Natural Sciences initiates, develops, and directs original research projects related to biology and systematics; publishes original scholarly works; develops and enhances the Museum’s Natural Sciences collections within specialized and broad areas of the discipline; actively pursues funding support for research and Museum programs; and provides content and knowledge for, and actively engages with, Museum programs and activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research and Scholarship

• Conducts original research related to Museum collections within specialized and broad scope of scientific discipline, including studies relevant to the Biodiversity of Hawai‘i (contributing to the Hawai‘i Biological Survey) and the broader Pacific region.

• Maintains a moderate level of productivity in the publication of original scholarly works.

• Maintains affiliations in scholarly and professional organizations through active service (i.e., committees, councils, editorial review boards, funding review panels), including presentations at regional, national, or international meetings, symposia, and workshops which enhance their development as a Museum scientific professional.

• May serve in a junior editorial role for the Museum’s scholarly publications series.

Collections and Access

• Assists in the development of Natural Sciences collections to improve and enhance the collections; works alongside the respective Collections Manager to assist in general oversight of collection management procedures (loan processing, accessions, cataloging, etc.); analyzes specimens and provides identifications within specialized scientific discipline.

• Collaborates with Collections and Informatics staff to facilitate and enhance digital accessibility of collections, databases, and other resources in Natural Sciences.

• Serves as a subject matter resource to inform and recommend updates to safety procedures and policies related to Natural Sciences collections, laboratories, field work, and associated research activities.

Funding and Project Oversight

• Actively seeks and obtains financial support through grants, contracts, professional contracts and other resources to further research, bring improvements to Natural Sciences collections, and/or to support Museum programs.

• Supervises grant-funded projects or laboratory staff and serves as affiliate faculty advisor to graduate level students as appropriate.

Public Programs and Education

• Serves the Museum’s public programs and goals through contributions to educational program development, exhibit planning, and by providing lectures, workshops, field trips, staff and docent training and other activities; and through provision of technical information, content knowledge, and assistance to the Museum and its clients or partners.

Museum Engagement and Professional Practice

• Contributes to operational planning, including planning and development of immediate and long-term project goals and objectives for the Department of Natural Sciences.

• Interacts with staff and Museum clients with tact, courtesy, and professionalism. Demonstrates a collaborative approach; supports teamwork and maintains constructive working relationships with colleagues, clients, and partners.

• Works in a safe manner and follows established safety practices to protect fellow staff members, volunteers, and visitors. Complies with applicable safety rules and regulations and establishes safe work practices. Promptly reports unsafe conditions, incidents, or accidents to appropriate individuals. Maintains assigned work areas and equipment in a manner that prioritizes safety and minimizes risk.

• Performs other duties as requested to accomplish the goals of the Museum.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant biological discipline, with knowledge of collection-based and field-based studies of Biodiversity.

• General knowledge of one or more groups of organisms occurring in Hawai‘i and/or the broader Pacific, and experience with comparative analytical methodologies relevant to the study of Biodiversity (e.g., comparative morphology, molecular systematics, biogeography, phylogenetic theory and practice, ecology, and/or conservation biology).

• Understanding of the operations of a Natural Sciences collection, including preparation, preservation, storage, and management of preserved specimens, including aspects of collections conservation, acquisition, loans, exhibitions, and digitization.

• Familiarity with appropriate field methods, techniques, and permissions for biotic surveys and other fieldwork.

• Ability and interest in public engagement regarding the significance of their research program, Hawaiian and Pacific Biodiversity, and Museum priorities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree and/or PhD in a relevant biological discipline, with experience in collection-based and field-based studies of Biodiversity.

• At least five years of experience in collection-based and field-based studies of Biodiversity.

• Evidence of a developing research profile, demonstrated through publications, grant activity, or other professional recognition.

• Experience in integrative systematic research involving genomic study of biodiversity and analysis of molecular data.

Other Requirements

• The position is based on O‘ahu and requires regular, on-site presence for leadership and coordination of Museum operations.

• Must maintain the ability to travel independently between Museum facilities, partner sites, and meetings; a valid driver’s license is required only if driving is necessary to perform job duties.

• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of the organization and respond to operational priorities.

Direct Reports

Project-based, grant-funded staff

Working Conditions

Field work may involve exposure to high altitudes and wet 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.

Physical Requirements

Primarily light work with periods of sitting, standing, walking, reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. Requires sustained hand eye coordination to use microscopes, hand tools, and light power tools to mount and prepare specimens ranging from small and delicate to large and heavy. Involves prolonged handling and manipulation of specimens and storage containers, extended periods of data entry and keyboard use, and visual acuity sufficient to perform detailed scientific work, including use of microscopes, depth perception, and the ability to distinguish colors, with or without reasonable accommodation. Requires the ability to communicate verbally and in writing with colleagues and others and the ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. May entail participation in field research activities in remote locations, including hiking, camping, climbing, SCUBA diving, working from boats or ships, transport via helicopter or small aircraft, and similar activities necessary to fulfill research objectives.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties and skills required. The incumbent may be expected to perform other duties as assigned.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us at hr@bishopmuseum.org or 808-848-4107 if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

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.