2

Full Time Scientific Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

PO Box 1466, Mesa, AZ Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 17463 Department: (H400)Arts and Culture ... D. in Social Science, Natural Science, or related field such as: Museum Studies, Anthropology ...

Job Type Full-time Description The National WWII Museum is currently seeking a Curator. Reporting ... MA in History, Museum Science or related specialty * Minimum of four years' experience in a ...

Aiken, SC Job Type: Full-Time Department: Public Services Division: Buildings & Grounds Opening ... Bachelor's degree in horticulture, botany, environmental science, forestry, biology, or other ...

$54K - $78K/yr

This position also implements and manages projects in collaboration with scientists, researchers ... full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to ...

This is a full-time position located in Rockville, MD. * Conduct literature reviews, database ... Experience conducting literature searches, database curation, and use of citation/reference ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Full Time Scientific Curator information

See salary details

$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do full time scientific curator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time scientific curator in the United States is $72,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Full Time Scientific Curators?

Full Time Scientific Curators are professionals who manage, organize, and maintain scientific data, records, and collections for research institutions, museums, or databases. They evaluate, annotate, and update scientific information to ensure accuracy and accessibility for researchers and the public. Their role often involves collaborating with scientists, developing data standards, and contributing to research projects by providing high-quality curated data. Scientific curators play a crucial part in advancing scientific knowledge by ensuring that data is reliable and well-documented.

What is the difference between Full Time Scientific Curator vs Full Time Scientific Research Assistant?

AspectFull Time Scientific CuratorFull Time Scientific Research Assistant
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Science, relevant experienceBachelor's degree often required, some roles may need specialized training
Work EnvironmentMuseums, archives, research institutionsLaboratories, research facilities, universities
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in museums, cultural institutions, research centersUniversities, government agencies, private research firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to scientific curation and managementLooking into support roles assisting scientific research

The Full Time Scientific Curator typically manages and preserves scientific collections in museums or research institutions, requiring experience in curation and often advanced degrees. In contrast, a Full Time Scientific Research Assistant supports scientific projects in labs or universities, focusing on data collection and analysis. While both roles require scientific knowledge, their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by Full Time Scientific Curators, and how can they be addressed?

Full Time Scientific Curators often encounter challenges related to staying current with rapidly evolving scientific literature and ensuring the accuracy of curated data. Managing large volumes of complex information and maintaining consistency across datasets can also be demanding. To address these challenges, curators typically rely on robust data management tools, ongoing professional development, and close collaboration with researchers and other curators to validate information. Cultivating strong organizational and communication skills helps curators effectively manage workloads and contribute to high-quality scientific databases.

Do I need a PhD to be a curator?

A full-time scientific curator typically does not require a PhD, but advanced degrees in relevant fields such as biology, geology, or museum studies can be preferred. Relevant experience, strong organizational skills, and familiarity with scientific data management are also important for this role.

What does a scientific curator do?

A scientific curator is responsible for managing and maintaining scientific collections, such as biological specimens, artifacts, or data sets. They organize, catalog, and ensure the preservation of these items, often using specialized software and following industry standards. The role may also involve research, documentation, and collaboration with scientists or institutions.

Is a museum curator a high paying job?

Museum curators are typically paid modestly compared to other professions, with salaries often reflecting the institution's size and location. While some senior or specialized curators can earn higher wages, overall, it is not considered a high-paying career. Factors such as education, experience, and additional skills can influence earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Scientific Curator, and why are they important?

A Full Time Scientific Curator requires a strong background in biological or life sciences, typically with an advanced degree (such as MSc or PhD), and experience in data analysis and scientific literature. Familiarity with bioinformatics tools, databases (like UniProt or Gene Ontology), and data curation software is essential, along with knowledge of data standards and ontologies. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for accurately interpreting data and collaborating with researchers. These competencies ensure the reliability and utility of curated data, supporting scientific research and discovery.

Are curators in high demand?

Full Time Scientific Curators are in moderate demand, especially in research institutions, museums, and digital archives, where expertise in data management, taxonomy, and scientific knowledge is valued. Job growth depends on funding and technological advancements, with skills in database tools and scientific communication enhancing employability.
What are the most commonly searched types of Scientific Curator jobs? The most popular types of Scientific Curator jobs are:
What states have the most Full Time Scientific Curator jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Scientific Curator jobs include:
Museum Curator

$75K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


City Of Mesa rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

174th of 692 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary: $75,033.30 - $102,518.83 Annually
Location : PO Box 1466, Mesa, AZ
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 17463
Department: (H400)Arts and Culture
Opening Date: 06/26/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description/Duties
The current vacancy is in the Arizona Museum of Natural History; however, this recruitment will also be used to establish an eligible list for possible future vacancies in other assignment areas.
The first review of
all applications will be on Monday, July 6, 2026.
The Museum Curator develops, interprets, evaluates, communicates, and curates the collections of the Arizona Museum for Natural History for the fields of natural and social sciences. Responsibilities include: developing and implementing procedures of a general curatorial nature relating to the fields of Social Sciences (history, ethnology, archaeology, anthropology) or Natural Sciences (paleontology, geology, biology); conducting original and secondary research; ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws in the acquisition and collection of objects; writing policies, plans, grant proposals, reports, etc., regarding museum collections, general curatorial information, or a designated subject area; and providing curatorial expertise on certain changing and permanent exhibits. The Museum Curator also supervises full-time, part-time, contractual, and volunteer personnel. This class is also responsible for performing related duties as required.
Anthropology Assignment: Conducts primary and/or secondary research in anthropology or related disciplines; oversee the disciplines of ethnology, and archaeology; coordinates the permanent gallery rotations, changes and updates exhibits, public engagement, and educational programming.
General supervision is received from the Chief Curator, who reviews work through conferences, meetings, reports, and overall results achieved. This class is FLSA exempt professional.
Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.
Qualifications & Requirements
Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.
Minimum Qualifications Required. Any combination of training, education, or experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in a Social Science, Natural Science, or related field such as Museum Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area. Considerable (3 - 5 years) collections experience in museums, cultural centers, institutes, academics, or equivalent.
Preferred/Desirable Qualifications. A Master's Degree or Ph.D. in Social Science, Natural Science, or related field such as: Museum Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area and experience in responsible positions in a museum is preferred. Experience in Triassic paleobiology field collection and publication desirable. Experience in application and administration of grants, permits, and federal and state repositories. Experience in large museum projects.
Link to Job Description
A is linked here.
01
Did you graduate from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in a Social Science, Natural Science, or related field such as Museum Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area? **To receive education credit, you MUST fully detail your degree(s) and major(s) on your application. Information provided only on a resume will NOT be considered.**
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a Master's Degree in a field of the Social Science, Natural Science, or related field such as: Museum Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area? **To receive education credit, you MUST fully detail your degree(s) and major(s) on your application. Information provided only on a resume will NOT be considered.**
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have a Ph.D. in a field of the Social Science, Natural Science, or related field such as Museum Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area? **To receive education credit, you MUST fully detail your degree(s) and major(s) on your application. Information provided only on a resume will NOT be considered.**
  • Yes
  • No

04
How many years of collections experience do you have in museums, cultural centers, institutes, academics, or equivalent? Please detail your experience on your application.
  • None
  • Some but less than 3 years
  • 3 years or more but less than 5 years
  • 5 years or more but less than 7 years
  • 7 years or more

05
Please describe your collections experience in museums, cultural centers, institutes, academics, or equivalent below; include employment dates and names of employer(s). If none, type N/A. **To receive credit, you MUST fully detail this experience on your application. Incomplete applications or responses such as "see resume" will not be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed, detailed application.**
06
Do you have experience in Triassic paleobiology field collection and publication? Please detail your experience on your application.
  • Yes
  • No

07
Please describe your experience in Triassic paleobiology field collection and publication, including employer(s). Please detail this experience on your application. If none, type N/A.
08
Do you have experience in the application and administration of grants, permits, and federal and state repositories? Please detail your experience on your application.
  • Yes
  • No

09
Please describe your experience in the application and administration of grants, permits, and federal and state repositories, including employer(s). Please also detail this experience on your application. If none, type N/A.
10
Do you have experience with large museum projects? Please detail your experience on your application.
  • Yes
  • No

11
Please describe your experience with large museum projects, including employer(s). Please also detail this experience on your application. If none, type N/A.
Required Question

What City Of Mesa employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom