[Nhcoll-l] Herpetology Collections Manager - Univ Michigan

[Cody Thompson]

Hi, all!  We have an open collection manager position in the U-M Museum of
Zoology Division of Reptiles and Amphibians.  Details can be found below,
or by following this link (
https://careers.umich.edu/job_detail/269553/res-museum-collection-manager).
Please share the job posting widely!

Thanks,
Cody



Research Collections Manager (103316), Division of Reptiles and Amphibians,
University of Michigan Museum of Zoology (UMMZ)

How to Apply

A cover letter is required and should be attached as the first page of your
CV. A 1-page Collection Management Vision Statement should describe the
candidate’s motivation to be a collection manager, their skills and
experience, and their vision on the roles and priorities of a world-class
collection in the context of the Responsibilities and Qualifications listed
below.

Applications for the position can be submitted at:

https://careers.umich.edu/job_detail/269553/res-museum-collection-manager

Summary

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) at the University
of Michigan seeks a Collections Manager for the Division of Reptiles and
Amphibians in the Museum of Zoology (UMMZ). The position is based at the
University’s state-of-the-art Research Museums Center in Ann Arbor,
Michigan.

With more than 500,000 vouchered specimens overall (including > 70,000
individual snakes), the UMMZ reptile and amphibian collection is the
second-largest herpetology research collection globally. The collections
are worldwide in scope and include an unparalleled range of type specimens,
thematic subcollections, and accessory datasets (ecological, anatomical,
genetic, and digital). Hundreds of researchers and students visit annually,
and the collection plays a central role in advancing global biodiversity
science.

The UMMZ houses one of the world’s most extensive and scientifically
significant zoological collections and encompasses more than 15 million
specimens. UMMZ curatorial teams, staff, and students form a dynamic
research community that promote the collections as a living engine for
discovery, education, and service to society, driving everything from
taxonomy to conservation. Embedded within one of the world’s premier public
institutions, the UMMZ stands as a hub for collections-based research and
education. This position offers the opportunity to play a critical role in
promoting the visibility, accessibility, and long-term stewardship of this
collection, while training and inspiring the next generation of
biodiversity scientists.

Responsibilities

* Maintain and digitize the herpetology collections, including
fluid-preserved, cleared-and-stained, skeletal, and tissue specimens, as
well as accessory archives (field notes, photographs, radiographs, CT
scans, ecological and behavioral data). Activities may include organizing
and participating in field expeditions (domestic and international),
coordinating digitization projects, and writing collections-based grants.

* Accession and catalog new specimens, tissues, and ancillary materials in
coordination with curatorial faculty.

* Develop and implement policies, standards, and procedures for
acquisition, accessioning, databasing, georeferencing, and related
activities.

* Integrate and manage accessory data (ecological, behavioral, anatomical,
genomic, microbiome, etc.) to maximize global visibility and accessibility.

* Provide administrative support for the collection, including
documentation and summary reports, and coordinate data sharing with
external repositories.

* Potential for engagement with research, especially that which involves
techniques for collecting / archiving of specimens and accessory data
and/or that promotes the scientific or educational value of UMMZ specimens
and natural history collections more generally.

* Coordinate and process specimen and tissue loans and exchanges; ensure
compliance with institutional, state, federal, and international
regulations and permitting requirements.

* Supervise staff, student employees, and volunteers engaged in collection
activities within the division.

* Maintenance of the collection areas and equipment to make them suitable
for collection preservation, research, outreach, and use by visitors.

* Support and coordinate with curators, students, and visiting researchers
in developing research and collection-based projects aligned with the
priorities of the division.

* Contribute to educational and public-facing activities of the UMMZ and
the university, including collection tours, exhibitions, events, and
inquiries from researchers and the public.

Required Qualifications
An advanced degree (master’s or doctoral) in biology, zoology, or related
fields with 3 or more years of experience with routine management and
growth of biodiversity collections is required. Familiarity with
international, federal, and state regulations governing the collection and
use of specimens is required, as is expertise with herpetological
diversity; candidates with expertise in amphibians are especially
encouraged to apply.

Desired Qualifications
Experience with database use and management or other forms of biodiversity
informatics is preferred. Experience with field collection of voucher
specimens and accessory data and knowledge of external data repositories
and aggregators (e.g., GBIF, iDigBio, GenBank, MorphoSource) is also
preferred. Experience supervising a diverse team of staff, volunteers, and
students is valued, along with strong communication skills in
presentations, reports, grant proposals, and professional correspondence.

Additional Information
Review of applications will begin November 05, 2025. The projected start
date in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is no later than February 1, 2026. Informal
inquiries about the position can be directed to Dan Rabosky, Curator of
Reptiles and Amphibians, at drabosky at umich.edu.
This is a regular full-time position with an anticipated salary range of
$55,800 - $69,700, including excellent benefits. A higher salary is
possible for exceptionally qualified candidates.

The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts seeks to recruit and
retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitments to serve the
diverse people of Michigan, fulfill the College’s Guiding Principles, and
sustain the excellence of LSA.

To learn more about LSA’s Vision and Values, visit
https://lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision

Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of
Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating,
preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in
developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich
the future.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates
upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party
administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed
in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.


UM EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action
employer.



------------------------
Daniel L. Rabosky
Professor and Curator
Dept. of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology & Museum of Zoology
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Email: drabosky at umich.edu
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