Job Description

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.

Job 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. 

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.

Responsibilities*

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.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

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 [email protected]. 

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

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.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

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