PAID SUMMER INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT

Research Assistant III, Earth Sciences Collections

Kirtlandia Research Internship

Full-time, Temporary

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH), founded in 1920, is located in the heart of University Circle, five miles east of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Considered one of the finest institutions of its kind in North America, the Museum offers an incredible visitor experience, attracting roughly 275,000 visitors a year.

Building on its strong foundation of excellence in education and research, the Museum is poised to transform itself. CMNH will invite and engage a broader audience in the exploration of science and the natural world by revolutionizing the way it presents natural history. The Museum has currently launched a capital campaign to support a dramatic renovation and expansion of its facilities and exhibits. This ambitious plan will position the Museum to play a leading role in regional and national efforts to improve science education and increase scientific literacy.

The CMNH is seeking a dynamic, creative and energetic individual who is passionate about the Museum and its mission; exhibits strong organizational and administrative skills; is looking for new challenges; and enjoys working in an enthusiastic and fast paced environment.

Department: Earth Sciences

Supervisor(s): Sarah Hennessey, Chris Gelles

Summary:

The Earth Sciences department houses an extraordinary collection of fossils and minerals. Good collections organization is essential to maintaining the care, safety, and usefulness of a museum collection. Over the course of this project, the intern will develop a novel use of coding language (such as JavaScript, Python, C#, C++, R, or equivalent, etc.) to optimize available storage space in the Earth Sciences collections. The intern will evaluate the effectiveness of this code for use in museum collections and apply these results to the planning and execution of an upcoming collections move. The intern will have the opportunity to work with the Invertebrate Paleontology, Paleobotany, Vertebrate Paleontology and Mineralogy collections. As part of this project, the intern will be trained in methods of collections organization, specimen care and handling, specimen housing, and digitization via 3D scanning technology. The intern will also enhance their knowledge of fossil and geologic materials and develop their ability to apply coding knowledge to real-world problems in a unique setting. List all relevant courses in the application.

Required to Apply:

1. Resume or CV including relevant coursework, experience, or skills

2. Write a brief statement that:

   • Explains your choice of preferred research areas

   • Mentions your interests, previous work experience and other pertinent information that might support your application

   • Indicates how you expect to benefit from your experience as a Research Intern

3. Two letters of recommendation submitted to shennessey@cmnh.org

Application Deadline – March 15, 2024

General Information:

• Duration: Eight weeks for a total of 320 hours, exact dates to be arranged with direct supervisor

• Compensation: $15 per hour, plus up to $200 for expenses for materials required by the project, minus payroll deductions

• Who May Apply: Students who are currently attending an accredited college or university as an undergraduate (college sophomores, juniors, and seniors), or who have graduated from college within the current calendar year. Intern must be eligible to work in the US.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities ( Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.):

• Responsible for assigned tasks associated with research activities including, but not limited to, development of coding script associated with research project, implementation of methods and code developed during research, and additional collections activities such as labeling, sorting, digitization, imaging, 3D scanning, monitoring, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of coding methods for collections use

• Assists in accurate record keeping of research activities.

• Responsible for the handling of Museum objects with care and attention in order to mitigate damage.

• Performs all duties according to established museum operating, safety, and environmental and quality policies.

• Adheres to the CMNH Manual of Research and Collections Policies.

• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor or museum management.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Familiarity with coding languages such as JavaScript, C++, C#, R, Python, or equivalent

• Maintains good coding practice, including version control tools like GitHub.

• Excellent organizational and attention to detail skills.

• Ability to handle collection objects carefully and safely to not cause damage.

• Computer operating system experience. Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite products to include Word, Excel, Power Point.

• Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally.

• Strong problem solving and listening skills.

• Ability to work successfully with Museum members, employees and the general public.

Equipment:

• Working knowledge of relevant research tools that include, but are not limited to, relevant coding language program

Physical Working Conditions:

• Indoor

• Position may require sitting, walking, standing, reaching including stooping, kneeling, and crouching.

• May be exposed to low humidity conditions and dust when working in collections spaces

Physical Effort Required:

• Some physical effort may occasionally be required.

• Must be able to lift 30 lbs.

• Must be able to run or respond to emergency situations.

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History

is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, ADA EMPLOYER, and SUBSTANCE-FREE WORKPLACE.