Scientist and Curator for the Department of Anthropology (m/f/d)

The Vienna Natural History Museum preserves, researches and presents its extensive collections in a building designed as a "Gesamtkunstwerk". It conveys the diversity of nature, the evolution of planet Earth and life, as well as the associated cultural development of humankind, and offers an inspiring meeting place. The earliest collections are over 250 years old. Today, around 30 million objects are scientifically curated. Around one million visitors come to see us each year at our Maria-Theresien-Platz and Narrenturm sites.

When the museum was founded in 1876, the Department of Anthropology was also established, for which several collections have been created. These have grown in line with changing scientific paradigms and the research focus of the curators, being strongly interconnected in terms of content. With its extensive collections comprising over 100,000 inventory numbers, the Department of Anthropology ranks among the most significant in the world.

The position involves a central research focus on biological anthropology, as well as curatorial responsibility and outreach activities.  In the Department of Anthropology the following collections are kept as international relevant research infrastructures:

·       Osteologiscal collections

·       Pathologic-anatomical collection (PASW)

·       Cast collection

·       Somatological collection

·       Anthropological image collection

·       Bioanthropological Archive

The infrastructure provision, respectful handling and stewardship while carrying out diachrone, microevolutionary and interdisciplinary research is paramount in the Department. A central research focus lies on the reconstruction of health and disease, bio-socio-cultural structures and ways of life. 

The main objective in the first months is the joint development of a coherent research and collection-management strategy for the Department, that should be implemented swiftly. In addition, projects involving internal and external partners are expected to be developed and carried out. Furthermore, collaboration with national and international partners and institutions should be strengthened on an interdisciplinary basis.

Research

• Development and implementation of research projects in collaboration with the Department with focus on the following fields: 

Bioanthropology

Palaeopatholoy

Comparative anatomy, morphometry

Human evolution

Collection and provenance research

• Supervising  students regarding their scientific projects at the collections (BCs, MSc, PhD) in  collaboration with universities; 
• Acquisition of third-party funding for research; 
• Publication in international peer-reviewed journals and presentation of research in national  and international conferences; 
• Interdisciplinary cooperation with national and international institutions.

Collection and infrastructure

• Expansion of the collections as research infrastructure warranting their long-term accessibility;
• Joint development of conservatory strategies and reorganization of the collection management;
• Adaptation of digitization-workflows for the NHM-database considering the ethical standards;
• Curatorial care, research and expansion of parts of the collections;
• Answering requests from and supervision of national and international guest researchers and  project collaborators;
• Scientific research on and contextualisation of the collections.

Education, fostering young academics and public outreach

• Cooperation with the educational mission of the Museum (co-creating national and  international exhibitions, writing popular science texts, participating in Citizen-Science activities, etc.);
• Guided tours and lectures for scientific audiences as well as the general public;
• Cooperation with the media and educational institutions in collaboration with the Department  of Science Communication, Media and Press Departments, Digital Media & Publications;
• Co-development of the scientific content of the permanent and temporary exhibitions.

• Completed studies (MSc, PhD) in biological anthropology; 
• Experience in scientific research and international peer-reviewed publications;
• Development and implementation of funded scientific research projects; 
• Experience with the requirements necessary for curatorial work with anthropologic-historical collections;
• Interest in digital data and database development;
• Experience in provenance research or history of science is desirable;
• Very good German and English language knowledge;
• Capacity for teamwork, versatility, strong organizational skills, social and communicative.  competence

This position requires working with a strong sense of responsibility and high ethical principles in dealing with bioanthropologic-historical collections considering their special contexts.  

• A responsible, exciting and varied area of responsibility;
• Access to internationally relevant anthropological collections;
• Working in a renowned research and museum environment; 
• Integration in national and international research networks;
• Flexible working hours and a workplace in the centre of Vienna with good public transport  connections;
• A salary depending on professional qualifications and experience.

The application requires the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae (including a list of publications, separated into publications in journals with an impact factor and other works);
• Application/cover letter adressing te aformentioned requirements Names and addressees of at least two (independent) individuals who can provide a reference upon request.

You can find an overview of the NHM benefits at https://jobs.nhm.at/das-nhm-als-arbeitgeber.html

The monthly salary is Euro 3.293,00 paid 14 times a year (Euro 46.102,00), depending on qualifications and experience 

If we have aroused your interest, we look forward to receiving your detailed and informative application by 30th September, 2026.

Start of function: 1st December, 2026 / desirable 1st November, 2026. Please note that applications can only be submitted via the NHM application portal at https://jobs.nhm.at/.