Head of Natural History – Te Papa

A unique and rare opportunity to fully immerse yourself in some of the most amazing scientific research in the world – work that is both tangible, unique and incredibly rewarding!

For two decades, Te Papa has housed, nurtured and empowered the legacies of New Zealand and its people. Built on a foundation of innovation and co-creation – community and culture that has transformed our history and heritage into something tangible and engaging. The recent opening of Te Taiao Nature, the museum’s biggest redevelopment since opening, has been hugely successful in celebrating our unique natural environment, and highlighting big issues such as climate change, extinction and pollution. The Head of Natural History is an exciting position that is responsible for ensuring that Te Papa continues to build on its foundation of innovation and scientific discovery.

As Head of Natural History, you’ll play a vital role in the Collections and Research Directorate, developing and implementing a sound intellectual and strategic direction. You will shape Te Papa’s scientific research direction, prioritising Te Papa’s acquisition policy, collection management and exhibition programmes. You will lead a talented team of researchers, curators, collection managers and technicians. Taking an interdisciplinary approach you and your team will reform the way science is perceived and shared across New Zealand and the world – it will no longer be something that is unreachable or intangible to the wider community, it will be creative, immersive, and meaningful. You will provide effective advocacy to extend thinking and apply creative approaches to the intersections between curatorial practice, collections and visitor experience. You will also act as ambassador for science and research at Te Papa and work alongside government agencies, academic institutions, and corporate partners worldwide to identify and resolve problems in the sector.

To be successful in this role (along with a relevant PhD), you will:

• have extensive experience in the science sector
• be well renowned within the sector for your record of sustained, high quality, innovative and pioneering research outputs and successful funding bids
• have a number of high quality national and international networks with which you can connect to, and an outstanding ability to facilitate, influence and build relationships at a senior level within Te Papa and across the wider sector
• ensure the progress and success of an ambitious Natural History programme through your ability to inspire and motivate
• have perseverance and a commitment to overcoming challenges as a leader and mentor dedicated to sharing science at a communal level
• create a space where science can continue to develop, prosper and educate through working with your team and stakeholders

To apply, please provide a cover letter describing how your skills, background and experience are fit with this role and a copy of your CV. All applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.If you are wanting to bring your vision to life and ready to take part in an important and inspiring evolution in both New Zealand and the museum sector worldwide, we would love to talk to you.