Curator

Working as part of a Curatorial team, under the guidance of the Senior Curator, to carry out Curatorial and Research activities related to content development and production of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi Collection. In addition, the care and presentation of the collections, exhibitions, commissions and publications, encompassing budget and schedule as well as design and installation needs. The successful candidate will have specific responsibility for the acquisition, field collection, care, development, research, interpretation and display of Palaeontological Collections, meeting the pre-opening collection development requirements, as well as building a world-class Palaeontological Collection with a solid foundation focused on the indigenous Palaeontological specimens of the UAE. Developing the NHMAD as a primary resource and central repository for Palaeontological display and research collections from the UAE. The successful candidate will also be expected to assist with the wider NHMAD collections in all of the above areas, as required in both the pre-opening and post-opening phases, as an integral part of a flexible and dynamic curatorial team open to doing all that is required to make the NHMAD a success.

A key part of this will require the successful candidate to play an integral part in the team developing the museums curatorial and research policies, strategies and procedures. In the pre-opening phase, to assist in all aspects of the museums development including operational development to ensure appropriate collections management facilities are in place.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Key Accountabilities

Curator Operations As Palaeontological Curator, the successful candidate will be responsible for all of the following as it relates to the Palaeontological collections and will also assist the team, as required, with the wider NHMAD collections:

Deliver information about the collection, exhibitions, and other content and operational areas related to collection and exhibitions in written and oral form to key stakeholders, fellow staff, the public, and the media.

Serve as the principal liaison with internal stakeholders, vendors, other Museums, galleries, and shipping and logistics companies, working in close dialogue with them with respect to both collection and exhibitions.

Contribute to the development and execution of policies, strategies and procedures for the collection and exhibitions, starting with the development of a Collections Policy and Strategy for the NHMAD that aligns with the narrative and collection priorities required to deliver the 2025 opening.

Organise both collection-based and loan exhibitions that are consistent with the Museum's mission and strategic plan.

Coordinate exhibitions organised by or with other institutions.

Build the collection in line with the strategic vision and budget.

Provide a lead on and interface with departments throughout the Museum with respect to content development and production.

Contribute to the educational mission of the Museum through exhibitions, publications, website, and participation in public and educational programs.

Work closely with the Education Department on a variety of educational initiatives.

Play a lead role in documenting the collection, ensuring accuracy of database entries and object files.

Ensure highest quality training and standard for the handling, preparing, and installing of collections

Work across the department on a variety of ongoing and temporary projects related to the collection and exhibitions.

Coordinate with other departments in conservation, education, registration, design and Marketing Departments and obtain research and findings or ongoing activities.

Carry out research activities extensively, conduct negotiations on prices and buy items such as Palaeontological collections, specimens and other supporting material that can add value to the collection.

Conduct public and private tours, scientific talks, lectures, conferences and other relevant events, as well as instructing educational workshops.

Represent the curatorial, content-related components of the museum project in the strategic planning process.

Carrying out field work in UAE and abroad to expand the NHMAD collections and engage with local and international professionals, leading field work relating to Palaeontological collecting and assisting with field work relating to other collecting disciplines of the NHMAD

To provide training and mentoring in museum practice to assistant curators

In the pre-opening phase, to provide input into all aspects of the museums development including operational development to ensure appropriate collections management facilities are in place.

Reports & Database

Maintain databases with all records and reports of cataloguing acquisitions are up-to-date for management review and to support DCT decision making process.

Handle reporting process and recording details of artefacts, exhibitions and restorations activities and provide written reports to the department manager as required.

Conduct extensive research into acquisition proposals including full relevant due diligence, scientific investigation and market analysis to inform the acquisitions process.

Policies, Processes and Procedures

Follow all section policies, processes, procedures and instructions so that work is carried out in a controlled and consistent manner

Work with the team to develop NHMAD-specific policies, strategies and procedures before the museum launches

Collaboration

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on matters related to Curator area in order to facilitate flow of information and also to build awareness in those areas.

Day-to-Day Operations

Follow the day-to-day operations set by the Line Manager in the section to ensure continuity of work and the delivery of effective and high quality outputs.

Report on a regular basis to the Line Manager on their operational activities, Its challenges, hurdles and methods of resolution or mitigation etc. as required to keep the Line Manager informed and updated about their activities.

EHS (Environment, Health and Safety)

Comply with all relevant EHS guidelines, policies and procedures, by reporting incidents and hazards on a timely manner, and reduce consumption of natural resources to support in protecting the environment and ensure a healthy and safe work environment.

Change Management

Support the creation of culture susceptible to change management through a 'hands-on' and 'can-do' approach to DCT's new business opportunities, participating in the development of new initiatives, meeting planned targets, and demonstrating preferred high-performance behaviours.

COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal External

Culture Sector

Marketing Department

Collection Department

Finance Department

Legal Department

Key Vendors/Suppliers

Government & Education Institutions

Suppliers of NHMAD specimens

Local, national and international organisations, museums and scientific bodies working on similar disciplines

Individual and organisational researchers for potential knowledge sharing and collaboration

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, COMPETENCIES

Qualification (e.g. Academic Qualification, Certifications, Licenses)

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a Natural History-related field

Master's Degree in a Natural History-related field

PhD in a Natural History-related field

Diploma, Masters Degree or similar in Heritage or Museum Studies would be an advantage, applicable work experience collection, cataloguing, researching and caring for scientific specimens would also demonstrate this knowledge

Experience

PhD holder: 2 to 4 years of specific, extensive experience working with Palaeontological specimens required for this post with a quantifiable history of research and publication in this field and/or experience working directly in a museum context with collections. Experience with UAE collections will be an advantage.

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