Job description and person specification

1. Summary Information
Job Title: Calleva Research Leader, Human Evolution/Origins

Department: Earth Sciences

Contract Type: Permanent

Pay Band: Band 1

Salary: 74,029 - 91,508 (depending on experience) per annum plus

benefits

Location: South Kensington

Hours: 36 hours per week

Application Close Date: 9am on Wednesday 30 August 2017

2. Role Summary

The NHM Science Group is home to the Museums team of approximately 300 scientists (researchers,
curators and science facilities staff) and has three focal areas of activity: scientific discovery; scientific
infrastructure and informatics; and scientific communication. The group spans the Earth and Life
Sciences with areas of expertise including planetary sciences; mineralogy; palaeontology; taxonomy,
systematics and phylogenetics; and biodiversity, genomics and informatics. The group has state-of-
the-art core facilities to support its research and collections management. Appointees will join the
Division of Vertebrates and Anthropology that sits in the Department of Earth Sciences.

Applications are open for the post of Calleva Research Leader in the field of primate and human
evolution, particularly relating to the origins of the genus Homo, a post endowed by the Calleva
Foundation,that will be a key appointment in the development of a Centre of Excellence in Human
Evolution Research. The successful applicant will be a specialist in human and primate evolution in a
comparative context, and an interest in the evolution of other vertebrates would also be desirable, as it
is expected that the successful applicant will utilise and develop the Museums excellent hominin and
vertebrate collections. They will have the opportunity to contribute extensively to public engagement
activities within the Museum and beyond.

Key expectations for this post are:

Research and ongoing fieldwork related to the early stages of human evolution in Africa
Expertise in the latest methods of palaeoanthropological study such as virtual anthropology and
geometric morphometrics

Appointees will join the Division of Vertebrates and Anthropology that sits in the Department of Earth
Sciences.

3. Role competencies (requirements)

Academic

1. PhD in the physical sciences

Competencies

2. Expertise in the early stages of human evolution in Africa

3. Continuing involvement in fieldwork in Africa related to the early stages of human evolution
4. Record of scientific publication in international journals commensurate with career stage
5. Success in obtaining external funding
6. Experience in science training
7. Good interpersonal and leadership skills
8. Good written and oral communication skills
9. Good analytical skills
10. Willing to fulfil corporate duties when required, including public engagement and media activities
11. Demonstrated ability to lead a multidisciplinary research group
12. Demonstrated ability to foster international connections with other major research centres dealing
with human evolution

4. Main tasks and responsibilities (job description)

Develop and maintain a research group with an internationally recognised research profile
Disseminate outcomes of research activities via a range of channels including leading international
peer-reviewed journals and the media
Seek and obtain appropriate external funding to support the activities of a research group
Take active role in appropriate science training activities
Use and develop the Earth and Life Sciences collections
In addition to research, the post holder will be expected to contribute across a range of Museum
activities, including collections development, public engagement and/or corporate activities and media
work

5. Diversity and disability

At the Natural History Museum we value the diversity of our staff and volunteers and the benefits they
bring to our organisation. We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities.

6. Health and Safety

All employees are required to understand and comply with the Museum Health and Safety
Management Policy, including taking reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of
others who may be affected by their acts or omissions whilst at work.
7. Application method

Please complete your application online in our recruitment portal.

You should upload the following documents:

A comprehensive curriculum vitae giving details of relevant achievements in recent posts as

well as your education and professional qualifications.
A covering letter that summarises your interest in this post, providing evidence of your ability to
match the criteria outlined in the role competencies. Please ensure your letter includes details
of your latest salary and notice period.

8. Selection and appointment

Selection decisions are based on merit with candidates assessed against clear, objective competence
at each stage of the recruitment and selection process. All offers of employment made are conditional
and subject to satisfactory completion of all pre-employment checks.

9. Salary Information

Salary for the successful candidate will be 74,029 - 91,508 per annum plus benefits.

For a list of museum employee benefits please visit http://www.nhm.ac.uk/about-us/careers.html

Different rules for pay on promotion may apply to internal candidates. Please refer to the Pay Chapter
of the Staff Handbook or contact HR for advice

10. Contact for general enquiries

HR general enquiries: hrrecruitment@nhm.ac.uk