Director of Zoology and Health Sciences

Position Status: Full time

Pay Range: $110,000 – $123,000/annually

Close Date: 6/5/23

Apply Now

Job Description:

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS) invites applications for the position of Director of Zoology & Health Sciences—a role in which the Director also is a practicing zoology curator in the department. The successful candidate will be a team leader who also has a field- and specimen-based research program that contributes to understanding the biodiversity of our planet. Their expertise will augment our existing disciplinary, collections, and laboratory strengths. Ideal candidates will have outstanding emotional intelligence as well as managerial, field, collections, fundraising, informal education/outreach, and community engagement experience. We seek a collegial individual, especially from groups historically marginalized in zoology, who will help the museum grow its scientific and public impact regionally, nationally, and internationally both by amplifying the department’s work and through their own scholarship and outreach.

This position reports to the Senior Vice President of Science/Chief Curator.

Supervision: 4 direct reports, department of 11

Work Schedule: 5 days/week onsite.

Essential duties: 

• Shapes the vision for branch research, curation, and outreach and looks ahead 2-5 years to develop strategies to ensure that division and branch staff and output are of the highest quality and are recognized as significant both nationally and regionally.
• Promotes strategic, efficient, and collaborative efforts across the Museum and in the Division.
• Hires and manages branch staff, approves timesheets in a timely manner, and provides on-time reviews. Plans for staff succession.
• Ensures safe and effective operation of all Zoology/Health Sciences Labs.
• Carries out a field- and collections-based research program.
• Grows and enhances zoology collections.
• Supports staff in prioritizing participation in Museum sponsored DEAI training and work.

Minimum qualifications/Requirements:

• Ph.D. in some field of Zoology with several years of field/laboratory research.
• 4 years’ experience with management of plans, budgets, and supervising staff.
• The Museum loves science.  As a science institution, the Museum believes in the science behind vaccines. As a condition of employment, employees must present proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on their first day of employment or receive an exemption or other reasonable accommodation due to circumstances protected under federal or state law that prevent the employee from being vaccinated. If you wish to apply for an exemption, please contact Human Resources for the necessary forms. You will be notified of the decision regarding your requested exemption.

Ideal candidate will have:

• 5 years’ experience managing or curating museum collections.
• Field-based and collections-based research program in Zoology.
• Relevant museum managerial experience.
• Ability to communicate with the public in informal education settings.
• Demonstrable commitment to inclusive research and collections-based work.

Core values:

• We love science.
• We are curious, creative and playful.
• We cultivate relationships with each other, diverse communities, the environment and for our future.
• We think critically and act with empathy.

Perks and Benefits of working at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science include:

A comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.  100% paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance. Paid time-off for vacation, sickness and holidays. 403(b) Retirement Plan with immediate eligibility to contribute and, after one year of employment, an employer contribution and match. An RTD Eco pass and a free Family+ membership to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

The full range of perks and benefits can be found HERE.

Application Instructions:

Applications must include contain: (1) a one- to two-page cover letter stating the rationale for interest in this position, relevant experience, and how you think you might strengthen the DMNS Zoology & Health Sciences team from both a leadership perspective and as a fellow scientist; (2) a one- to two-page statement of where your current or future research and collection interests are heading; (3) a curriculum vitae; (4) upon request, contact information for three references.

Please submit your application by Monday, June 5, 2023. Resumes will not be accepted after this time. DMNS reserves the right to close this position early.

Applications will only be accepted electronically via the Museum’s website www.dmns.org.

Due to the high volume of people who apply, we are not able to respond to specific inquiries regarding your application status.

The Museum is committed to the goal of building a culturally diverse staff to serve the needs of our visitors. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.