Insect Collections Manager

Why Work at BYU   

As the flagship higher education institution of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young University (BYU) strives to be among the exceptional universities in the world. At BYU, we are devoted to our faith and to our students. We take an active role in the University's Mission: "To assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life.” 

Our unique mission, deeply rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, provides countless ways to serve and make an impact. This, along with our remarkable culture of belonging, weekly devotionals, and endless opportunities for learning and growth—all situated within a beautiful and historic campus—make it hard to imagine a more inspiring place to work. 

Brigham Young University strongly prefers to hire faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Job Description

Insect Collections Manager

The Bean Life Science Museum at Brigham Young University seeks a Collections Manager for the BYU Insect Collection (BYUIC).  The BYUIC consists of 2.5 million+ curated specimens which are used for 1) education of undergraduate and graduate-level students at BYU and neighboring institutions; 2) innovative research on insect morphology, taxonomy, systematics, natural history, ecology, and evolution; and 3) as a voucher repository for ongoing research. The position’s primary responsibility is to actively manage the day-to-day operations of the BYUIC, while providing meaningful mentored learning experiences to BYU undergraduates.

What you’ll do in this position:

• Manage daily operations of the BYUIC, including curation, acquisitions, specimen loans, outreach, and maintenance of voucher specimens. Develop and implement collection policies.
• Recruit, train, and mentor 6–12 student workers to assist in implementing collection operations and initiatives. Supervise affiliate faculty and emeritus curator volunteers.
• Contribute to the expansion and maintenance of the digital extended specimen through databasing efforts (platform used is Ecdysis).
• Promote collection development through independent and collaborative collection-based research in arthropod faunistics and systematics.
• Pursue opportunities for collection development activities including external funding and field work.

What qualifies you for this role:

Required

• A firm commitment to the mission of BYU. 
• Ph.D. in Entomology, Biology, or related field with a research focus on insect diagnostics, taxonomy, systematics, evolution, or natural history. 
• Experience with various insect specimen curation methods, with demonstrated proficiency in specimen and label preparation for dry (pinned/envelopes), wet (both traditional and cryobank), and slide collections. 
• Experience with relational database platforms (Ecdysis, Arctos, etc.) and their application to insect collection management practices.
• A working knowledge of basic insect taxonomy and systematics, with the ability to identify a large range of insect groups.
• Experience using diagnostic tools to authoritatively identify insect specimens.
• A publication record that demonstrates proficiency in insect taxonomy or related disciplines.
   

Preferred

• Postdoctoral experience.
• Prior experience working in a collection using collection management best practices.
• A track record of securing funding for research utilizing natural history collections.
• A track record of effective student mentorship.
• Track record of collections-based research.
   

Application Deadline: Thursday, September 30th, 2025

What we offer in return:

In addition to our competitive pay structure, this position comes with fantastic benefits, including:

• 401k. BYU automatically contributes 8% at no cost to you. Additionally, if you contribute 5%, BYU adds an additional 4% (Rehires may qualify for different retirement plans)
• Excellent work-life balance: 13 paid holidays + 22 days paid vacation + 12 sick days, accrued annually
• Employee assistance program, available to the employee and all members of their household
• Tuition benefits for employees and eligible family members
• Access to athletic facilities
• Excellent medical/dental benefits
• Short/long-term disability benefits
• Paid parental and maternity leave
• Wellness Program
• Free on-campus parking
• Free UTA passes for employees, spouses, and qualified dependents
• Discounts at the BYU Store and for many events at BYU

Pay Grade: 53

Typical Starting Pay: $71,000.00 to$92,500.00

Required Documents:

All Staff positions require a resume.

Refer to the Job Posting for any additional required documents.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

Brigham Young University (BYU) is widely recognized not just for its world-class education, but for its deep commitment to inspired religious values. Gathered together in a Christ-centered atmosphere, BYU employees are a vital part of a community of belonging, where we value the experiences, perspectives, and talents of each individual. If you share in our devotion to faith and to excellence, we have a place for you here at BYU!