Student David B. Jones Research Assistant

Work-Study Opportunity:

David B. Jones Research Assistant

Department:

Earth Sciences

Supervisor:

Dr. Caitlin Colleary

Number of hours per week/month, days needed

4-8 hours per week on-site, M-F 10-4 pm; possibility of some remote work

Prepared by:

Caitlin Colleary

Hourly pay rate:

$15.50/hour

Prepared date:

09/04/26

Budget/ job code:

6605

Summary:

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History houses a repository of more than 2.5 specimens that preserves critical data for researchers examining how life and environments have changed on Earth through time. Extended specimen data is all the information that is associated with a specimen, including photos, scans, maps, field notes, and analytical data. As the amount of digital data increases, it is essential to develop standards for tracking and managing it.

Working with the Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology, the work study student will participate in a project that will inform how extended specimen data is managed at the Museum. They will begin this Museum initiative by compiling all extended specimen data associated with 5 specimens (per semester). The student will search through Museum digital archives, compile all digital data associated with these specimens and develop tracking and management systems. This work will contribute to creating standard operating procedures for managing a large range of digital data.

Responsibilities:

• Work with supervisor to identify Museum specimens for case studies
• Create a list of types of extended specimen data stored in digital archives
• Develop tracking and digital storage systems
• Compile all extended specimen data for case study specimens

Requirements:

• Experience doing research, particularly searching for documents
• Experience making spreadsheets and organizing digital data
• Strong competence with computers, including Microsoft Office Suite
• Good organizational skills
• Good oral/written communication skills
• Ability to work independently

Work-Study Opportunity Behavior Factors:

• Communication:

Able to engage in clear, concise, and effective communication with research team members; able to empathize with others' needs and respond sensitively; able to use good judgment when responding to objections successfully.

• Initiative:

Able to adapt old methods for new uses, or seek continuous improvement in procedures; able to develop and refine a workflow associated with the project; able to work independently and troubleshoot problems

• Professionalism:

Able to remain calm and professional through stressful or ambiguous circumstances; able to effectively interpret information and solve problems; able to conduct oneself appropriately in a research lab setting.

• Teamwork:

Able to show team spirit and treat team members with cooperation and respect; able to share useful information and effectively communicate with team members; able to support and comply with decisions.

Physical Work-Study Opportunity Conditions:

• Will require sitting and working on a computer
• May require moving fossils and light equipment as needed (<10 lbs)