Curator of Arachnology

About this role

Australia's largest public museum organisation is seeking a Curator of Arachnology to join the Museums Victoria Research Institute. 

ABOUT MUSEUMS VICTORIA: 

Ever dreamed of working in a place where dinosaurs roam, stars explode, and the world's most intriguing stories come to life? Welcome to Museums Victoria (MV)—where every day is a new opportunity to create unforgettable experiences. As one of the southern hemisphere's largest and most iconic museum organisations, we're not just about exhibits; we're about engaging, immersive moments that spark curiosity, creativity, and connection. 

Home to the awe-inspiring Melbourne Museum, the culturally rich Immigration Museum, the mind-expanding Scienceworks, and the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building, MV is a place where events transform spaces and stories into something truly unmissable. Join a passionate team that brings ideas to life and makes discovery part of everyday experience. 

ABOUT THE POSITION: 

Develop your career in arachnology through high-quality biological research, collection stewardship and science communication. You will lead individual and collaborative research, publish and share findings with scientific and public audiences, and help develop and improve access to Museums Victoria's terrestrial invertebrate collections. 

Some of the key duties include:  

• Pursue individual and collaborative arachnology research, including the taxonomic description of species.
• Deliver a high-quality research program that contributes to the Museums Victoria Research Institute, research and conservation management sectors, and the broader community.
• Work with Collection Management staff to steward, develop, document and improve access to the terrestrial invertebrate collections.
• Seek research support through grants, philanthropic funding and collaborations with government agencies, and organise relevant fieldwork with staff and volunteers.
• Communicate research to diverse audiences through publications, conferences, lectures, public programs, exhibitions, online services and other media. 

The successful applicant will have: 

• A PhD in a relevant biological field, normally conferred within five years of the application closing date, adjusted for relevant career interruptions and relative-to-opportunity considerations.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate, develop and deliver high-quality arachnology research, supported by a strong record of academic publication.
• Knowledge and experience in applying molecular techniques to taxonomic problems.
• A track record of establishing productive research networks and collaborations.
• Strong planning, organisation and communication skills, with the ability to deliver field-based research and other programs of work to tight deadlines. 

OTHER INFORMATION 

This is an ongoing, full-time position. The salary on offer is Museums Victoria Grade 4, Value Range 1, base of grade $100,894 per annum + 12% superannuation. 

OUR COMMITMENT 

Museums Victoria is strongly committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. We create and maintain a child safe environment and have zero tolerance for child abuse. The successful applicant will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check and a Working with Children Check, and be assessed as suitable. 

Museums Victoria is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate all communities. Museums Victoria is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and people of all ages, gender identities and sexual orientations. 

We are committed to an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. If you require adjustments or support to participate, please contact Dermot Henry at DHenry@museum.vic.gov.au. 

HOW TO APPLY? 

To view the position description, visit Careers - Museums Victoria. From our Current Vacancies page, select “All Jobs” and click on the link for this job's listing.   

To apply, please click “Apply for this Job” at the bottom of the job listing page.   

For more information about this position, please contact Dermot Henry at DHenry@museum.vic.gov.au. 

Please submit the following two documents with your application:   

1. Your Resume

2. A cover letter addressing the following Key Selection Criteria: 

• Ability to initiate, develop and deliver high-quality research in the field of arachnology, supported by a strong record of academic publication.
• Knowledge and experience in applying molecular techniques to taxonomic problems.
• A track record in establishing and building research networks and collaborations. 

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 18 October 2026 (11:59pm)