Application for the Position of Senior Curator in Geosciences

The Swedish Museum of Natural History is Sweden's largest museum and a leading research institution where curiosity meets science. As a government agency, we increase knowledge and interest in nature and the world we live in through research, unique collections, and experiences such as Cosmonova, exhibitions, museum activities, and digital platforms. Together, we create insight, engagement, and the drive for action for a vibrant planet.

About the Department of Geosciences

The Department of Geosciences has a team of researchers conducting externally funded projects and activities within national and international research programs. We lead and support infrastructure and supervise researchers at the doctoral and postdoctoral levels. The department hosts the research infrastructure NordSIMS-Vegacenter: a Swedish national facility for microanalysis and micro-imaging in geo- and environmental sciences, comprising a range of state-of-the-art analytical facilities, including SIMS, TIMS, (LA-)HR-ICP-MS, Raman spectrometer, and SEM. The department also has equipment for experimental mineralogy and mineral analysis, including furnace laboratories, X-ray diffractometer, Mössbauer spectrometer, and FTIR spectrometer.

Current research projects focus on crustal evolution, planetary science, and low-temperature geochemistry. The department also conducts research in mineralogy, primarily focusing on mineral systematics and mineral chemistry, and manages one of Europe's largest mineral collections.

Responsibilities

As Senior Curator, you are expected to conduct high-quality research in mineral sciences, both independently and in collaboration with other researchers, utilizing the department's analytical resources. Your responsibilities include:

• Developing and leading a competitive research program.
• Applying for and obtaining external research funding.
• Recruiting and supervising master's students, doctoral candidates, and postdocs.
• Hosting visiting researchers.
• Managing the operation, maintenance, and development of NRM's mineralogical laboratories and promoting their use in research and analysis.
• Participating in the museum's public outreach activities.

Other duties within the department and the museum may also occur.

Qualifications and Merits

Requirements:

• PhD in mineralogy, crystallography, or a related field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Postdoctoral research experience or equivalent.
• Documented scientific proficiency through high-quality international publications in mineral sciences.
• Documented ability to secure external research funding as a principal investigator.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience in supervision (as principal supervisor) of master's students or doctoral candidates.
• Research based on mineral collections.
• Utilization of synchrotron and/or neutron source facilities.
• Knowledge of spectroscopic methods and diffraction techniques.
• Previous responsibility for a mineralogical laboratory.
• Involvement in research communication and public activities.

Personal Attributes: Performance-oriented and development-focused, self-initiating, and possessing excellent teamwork skills.

Employment and Conditions

Employment Type: Permanent position with a 6-month probationary period.

The Swedish Museum of Natural History offers the opportunity to promote Senior Curators to professor level, upon separate application.

We apply individual, differentiated, and objective salary setting according to the collective agreements RALS/RALST-T. We offer flexible working hours, wellness benefits, and competence development.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted in English and include:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Publication list
• PDF copies of the 5 most relevant research publications
• Summary of current research and research plan (max 2 pages)
• Contact details for at least three reference persons (references will only be contacted if you are a final candidate, and you will be informed in advance)
• Any other merits or information the applicant deems relevant

At the Swedish Museum of Natural History, we work for a sustainable and vibrant planet. We welcome all applicants regardless of gender, background, origin, or disability. We therefore decline contact with media sellers, recruitment sites, and similar.