GCR Curatorial Specialist

Job Description

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who We Are

Scientific Ocean Drilling (SOD) is dedicated to uncovering Earth's history through the study of ocean floor sediments and rocks. Our numerous seagoing expeditions aboard the scientific drillship JOIDES Resolution (JR), conducted on behalf of the National Science Foundation (NSF), have enabled researchers to gather invaluable core samples from around the world.

Following the recent demobilization of the JR, Texas A&M University has been entrusted by the NSF to establish an instrumented Gulf Coast Repository (GCR), utilizing the advanced instrumentation from the JR. With the award of the Scientific Ocean Drilling Coordination Office (SODCO), SOD is gearing up to coordinate and manage future drilling activities. Our mission includes collecting subseafloor samples, conducting subseafloor measurements, and installing long-term borehole observatories to advance our understanding of Earth's processes.

What We Want

We are seeking a detail-oriented and passionate Curatorial Specialist (Research Associate) to support the curation of Scientific Ocean Drilling (SOD) core materials and collections at the Gulf Coast Repository (GCR). The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in Earth Sciences and hands-on experience working with geologic materials in a laboratory or repository setting. You’ll play a key role in preserving the integrity and accessibility of invaluable scientific samples, contributing directly to global research efforts. This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Earth Science or a related field, along with at least two years of relevant professional experience. Candidates with a Master’s degree and some experience are also encouraged to apply. Preferred qualifications include familiarity with core repository operations, sample curation, database management, and scientific ocean drilling. Seagoing experience on research expeditions is a plus. If you're excited by the opportunity to support groundbreaking scientific research, both onshore and offshore, and thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, we want to hear from you!

What You Need To Know

Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire’s experience

A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.

The GCR Curatorial Specialist (Research Associate) duties are designed to support the curation of Scientific Ocean Drilling (SOD) core materials and other collections stored at the Gulf Coast Repository (GCR). This position is responsible for assisting with the curation of the GCR’s core, samples, residues, and special collections to ensure long-term scientific utility and integrity, according to established guidelines. This position will also support offshore curatorial services by occasionally sailing on expeditions operated by the Scientific Ocean Drilling Coordinating Office (SODCO).

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Earth Science or relevant field.

• Two years of relevant professional experience working with geologic materials, in a scientific laboratory and/or in core repository operations. An advanced degree will reduce experience requirements: Master’s degree with some experience.

Required Licenses and Certifications

• Obtain and hold a passport and appropriate travel visas on a continuing basis.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent communication (oral and written), interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Ability to work both independently and on a team.

• Able to multitask and to lead a team.

• Must be detail oriented and have the ability to successfully organize tasks and prioritize work.

• Working knowledge of standard office computer hardware and software applications.

• Must be able to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with varied groups, demonstrating excellent teamwork, leadership, and displaying a service-oriented attitude in all interactions.

• Ensures strong team approach to service deliverables through routine team building, training, and interactions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of operation of geologic core repositories, sampling and core curation.

• Experience with archiving and curating scientific material.

• Experience working with databases and on projects related to software development/enhancement.

• Experience with scientific ocean drilling.

• Seagoing experience on a scientific research expedition.

• Background in geological sciences or oceanography.

Responsibilities

• GCR Curatorial Services- Responsible for assisting with the curation, preservation and storage of the GCR’s SOD core, samples, residues, and special collections (i.e. San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth cores, micropaleontological reference collection) to ensure long-term scientific utility and integrity, according to established guidelines. Learn techniques for sampling a variety of geological materials. Under guidance, complete collection and shipping of approved sample requests, as assigned. Responsible for learning, following and enforcing curatorial policies and procedures, including the Scientific Ocean Drilling Sample, Data, and Obligations Policy. Assist with keeping the repository organized and learn how facilities are maintained. Assist GCR Analytical and Science Services staff to provide curatorial support on implementation of projects utilizing GCR instrumentation and the GCR’s core collection, including legacy projects and workshops, along with SODCO or any coring/drilling projects that want to utilize GCR facilities. Assist with curatorial preparation for shore based SODCO expedition sampling. Assists on projects related to improvement of GCR facilities, documentation, collection organization and software resources. Learn how to pack and receive outgoing and incoming core shipments. Assist with GCR tours and with education and outreach initiatives in the GCR.

• Training and Oversight- Assist in training and oversight for visiting scientists in sample collection. Assist in providing training and oversight to GCR student workers in repository work, curatorial practices and sample collection. Ensure visiting scientists, student workers and staff follow safe laboratory procedures.

• Offshore Curatorial Services- Sail as a marine technician and be responsible for providing shipboard curatorial support for scientific expeditions operated by the operated by the Scientific Ocean Drilling Coordinating Office (SODCO). Serve as the GCR curator’s representative on the Sample Allocation Committee (SAC) during seagoing expeditions. Assist in ensuring good core curation practices are followed, and all cores and samples are stored/handled appropriately during the expedition. Assist in enforcing the Scientific Ocean Drilling Sample Policy. Assist with on-coming/off-going freight for expeditions, including the off-going core shipments. Complete other duties as assigned to support the overall objectives of the expedition.

Physical Requirements

• This is a physically demanding position that includes moving cores and heavy items in laboratories and in hot/cold environments. It also involves fine motor skills for delicate tasks. This position may need to bend, stoop, keel/squat or push/pull heavy objects. The duties may require physical activity, including moving, lifting and carrying objects of light to moderate weight, reaching, bending and maintaining balance on a moving ship; working under confined conditions on a ship, exposed to noise, vibration, potential allergens, and with occasional exposure to outdoor, extreme environments.

Other Requirements and Factors

• This position will be required to sail on seagoing scientific expeditions coordinated by the Scientific Ocean Drilling Coordinating Office (SODCO).

• This position will sail on SODCO expeditions as a curator, on up to 2-month long expeditions. Seagoing employees must complete physical exams to sail.

• The position requires the ability to travel internationally.

• This position is security sensitive.

• This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures.

• All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements.

• This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.

• This position allows alternate work location per TAMU guidelines.

• This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance.

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month

• Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more

• Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee