Job Description

Are you passionate about culture, the arts, natural history, and science? Are you keen on how these elements aesthetically come together to tell the many stories of humanity? Join our team at ROM and consider a fulfilling career as Curator of Plants & Sustainability.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is seeking an innovative and collaborative Curator of Plants to curate and champion the Museum\'s diverse plant collection, fostering a deeper understanding of the vital role of green plants in our world. This dynamic role encompasses leading multi-disciplinary exhibition teams, engaging the public in dialogue about plant importance, conducting original research in plant sciences, and fostering collaborative relationships within and beyond the Museum. See special application instructions below.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead collaborative efforts within multi-disciplinary exhibition teams, working closely with educators, programmers, and designers to seamlessly integrate plant sciences into special exhibitions and permanent galleries that explore the intersection of botany, art, culture, and nature.
• Engage the public passionately, enhancing their comprehension of the critical role of plants in Earth\'s well-being and long-term sustainability. Create impactful programs, panels, and publications that engage both experts and broader audiences, elevating awareness of plants\' central role in ecosystems and society.
• Conduct conceptually driven, collection-aligned, and original research in green plant systematics and evolution, with diverse interests spanning plant ecology, ethnobotany, conservation biology, environmental and climate change, pollinator interactions, and sustainability. Develop a program of externally funded scholarly research and publications accessible to a broad public audience.
• Collaborate with communities to co-create exhibitions and programs, recognizing and valuing multiple voices and authorities. Forge collaborative relationships and projects in close partnership with stakeholders from various disciplines and departments, as well as external partners.
• Develop a visionary five-year plan for the continued development of ROM\'s exceptional Green Plant Collection.
• Serve as a dynamic and persuasive spokesperson, advocating the significance of plants.
• Participate in fundraising activities to support ROM\'s strategic initiatives, programming, and research.
• Potentially engage in university teaching and/or supervise graduate students and interns.
• Supervise, train, and oversee contract or part-time staff, volunteers, interns, and students working in collections, the laboratory (onsite), and the field (offsite).
• Maintain active memberships in scholarly, scientific, and museum curatorial organizations, as well as professional societies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A graduate degree in plant systematics, plant ecology, or plant conservation biology.
• Proficiency in plant taxonomy and phylogenetic methods for DNA analysis, as well as expertise in morphological datasets, phylogenomics, comparative genomics, evolutionary biology, or historical biogeography.
• Two years of postdoctoral or equivalent experience in a large museum, university, NGO, government department, or related environment, with a track record of collaborating with internal and external stakeholders and partners.
• Demonstrated experience in proposing and developing museum exhibitions and public programs.
• Strong interest in science communication and outreach, with excellent public speaking skills.
• International, cross-cultural, and/or Indigenous experience.
• A proven record of original research with peer-reviewed publications or catalogues and eligibility for university cross-appointment.
• Additional Assets and Experience:
• Knowledge of museum ethics standards.
• Experience in plant conservation and sustainability initiatives.
• Background in herbarium curation and digitization of botanical collections.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics, image collections, and image banks.
• Expertise in contemporary floristics and phytogeography.
• Knowledge of botanical history and cultural uses of plants.
• A successful track record of grant applications, donor, and sponsor development.

Salary and Terms of Employment

START DATE: ASAP
OPEN DATE: September 6, 2023
CLOSE DATE: September 15, 2023
STATUS: Full-time Permanent
EMPLOYEE GROUP: ROMCA
SALARY/HOURLY RATE: $ 68,487.00 \xe2\x80\x93 146,234.00
SCHEDULE: up to 35 hours
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: six (6) months
LOCATION (onsite/hybrid): Toronto, ON

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, send the following materials to Ida Tomlin, Senior Search Consultant, Museum Search & Reference at: SearchandRef@museum-search.com: * A cover letter expressing interest in this particular position, giving brief examples of past experiences and salary requirement

• A r\xc3\xa9sum\xc3\xa9 or curriculum vitae
• The names and contact information of at least three references and your professional relationship

References will not be contacted without prior permission of the applicant. For additional information, visit: http://museum-search.com/open-searches/. Short-listed candidates will be asked to provide publication samples. Nominations are welcome.

Diversity Statement

At ROM, we consider equity, diversity, and inclusion foundational to our institutional success. We seek to foster a workplace that reflects the diversity of the city and province in which we are located and welcome all qualified and experienced candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, age, sex, race, religion, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Accessibility Statement

ROM is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Upon request, suitable accommodations are available under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA) to applicants invited to an interview.

COVID Statement

Royal Ontario Museum recognizes its heightened duty to protect employees from health and safety risks during the current pandemic. As such, an offer of employment shall be conditional on proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination with a vaccine series approved by Health Canada or the World Health Organization.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. The selected candidate will be required to participate in a Criminal Background Check.

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Royal Ontario Museum