Associate Curator, Vertebrate Paleontology (13-month contract)
Toronto, ON, Canada
Full Time
COLLECTIONS & RESEARCH
Experienced
WHO WE ARE
Canada’s largest and most comprehensive museum, ROM is home to a world-class collection of over 18 million artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens, featured in 40 gallery and exhibition spaces. As the country’s preeminent international museum and a leader in new discoveries, ROM plays a vital role in advancing our understanding of the artistic, cultural and natural world.
WHO WE NEED
ROM is developing a new, original exhibition on raptor dinosaurs that will be hosted at ROM from December 19, 2026, to September 5, 2027. The exhibition will then travel to venues around the world. Dromaeosaurid theropods, popularly known as ‘raptors’, are one of the most widely recognized groups of dinosaurs due to the silver screen stardom of Velociraptor. But research on these dinosaurs has transformed palaeontology as much as pop culture. Raptors are amoung the closest dinosaur relatives to living birds, and as such their body forms and inferred behaviours link Mesozoic dinosaurs to the birds, illustrating the evolutionary origin of birds in an intuitive and exciting way. This will be the first exhibition to explore in depth the anatomy, diversity, evolution, and behaviour of dromaeosaurid dinosaurs. It will also use predatory birds as a lens to explore the evolutionary connections of the birds we see around us today to their dinosaur forebears. Outstanding fossils and cast skeletons, hands-on interactives, and a digital immersive experience, will transport visitors back to the Cretaceous period to encounter this iconic group of dinosaurs.
ROM invites experienced candidates with a strong background in paleontology and dinosaur research to apply for this position. Reporting to Co-Chief Curator of Natural History, Dr. David Evans, who will be lead curator for the exhibition, the selected candidate will work closely with the exhibition development team and the project manager to create this exciting temporary exhibition.
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
WHAT YOU BRING
WHAT WE OFFER
SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS
**All virtual conversations and interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and may be recorded.**
WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE ROM
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITY
At ROM, we embrace diversity in our exhibits, communities, and teams. We encourage applications from racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and those who can further diversify our ideas. We are committed to equitable employment opportunities and a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.
We welcome and accommodate candidates with disabilities throughout the selection process. Please contact us at [email protected] for assistance.
APPLY NOW
Apply today and help us create a collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and equitable space where creativity and learning flourish.
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that all candidates receiving a verbal job offer will be subject to a background check. This includes a criminal background check and verification of professional references, and, other checks depending on the role.
#LI-Onsite
Canada’s largest and most comprehensive museum, ROM is home to a world-class collection of over 18 million artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens, featured in 40 gallery and exhibition spaces. As the country’s preeminent international museum and a leader in new discoveries, ROM plays a vital role in advancing our understanding of the artistic, cultural and natural world.
WHO WE NEED
ROM is developing a new, original exhibition on raptor dinosaurs that will be hosted at ROM from December 19, 2026, to September 5, 2027. The exhibition will then travel to venues around the world. Dromaeosaurid theropods, popularly known as ‘raptors’, are one of the most widely recognized groups of dinosaurs due to the silver screen stardom of Velociraptor. But research on these dinosaurs has transformed palaeontology as much as pop culture. Raptors are amoung the closest dinosaur relatives to living birds, and as such their body forms and inferred behaviours link Mesozoic dinosaurs to the birds, illustrating the evolutionary origin of birds in an intuitive and exciting way. This will be the first exhibition to explore in depth the anatomy, diversity, evolution, and behaviour of dromaeosaurid dinosaurs. It will also use predatory birds as a lens to explore the evolutionary connections of the birds we see around us today to their dinosaur forebears. Outstanding fossils and cast skeletons, hands-on interactives, and a digital immersive experience, will transport visitors back to the Cretaceous period to encounter this iconic group of dinosaurs.
ROM invites experienced candidates with a strong background in paleontology and dinosaur research to apply for this position. Reporting to Co-Chief Curator of Natural History, Dr. David Evans, who will be lead curator for the exhibition, the selected candidate will work closely with the exhibition development team and the project manager to create this exciting temporary exhibition.
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
- Conduct scientific literature review and scholarly research to support the content development of the exhibition
- Co-write and review for accuracy exhibition text labels and media scripts with the lead curator, interpretive planners, and multimedia producers
- Assist with the development of object lists and preparation of object labels
- Assess and recommend potential acquisitions (primarily casts) for the exhibition. Interact with personnel from other museums and organizations providing ROM with original fossils and casts for display. Assist in the development and accuracy of skeleton mount poses
- Review and comment on design documentation as required by the project manager
- Participate in development workshops and meetings as identified by the project manager.
- Participate in presentations to ROM executive as well as other internal stakeholders (e.g., programming, education, and museum volunteers) as required by the project manager
- Participate in public programming and media related to the exhibition before and after opening
WHAT YOU BRING
- Advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in Palaeontology or a related field with a focus on dinosaurs
- Demonstrable history of original research, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, thesis, or report writing
- Experience working in an institutional setting and with collaborative decision-making as part of a team
- Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills
- Strong attention to detail with the capability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Understanding of and adherence to museum ethics and standards
- Experience in exhibition development or interpretation would be an asset
- Experience in a museum setting would be an asset
- Desirable Additional Qualifications:
- Familiarity with managing and utilizing image collections and databases
- Developing or leading the development of scientific illustrations
- Experience with cast preparation and mounting
WHAT WE OFFER
- Comprehensive benefits coverage: For permanent and full-time contract positions (conditions apply), enjoy 100 percent premium-free benefits for individuals and families, a health spending account, flexible working options (varies by position), and an Employee Assistance Program.
- Worry-free retirement savings: With our pension plan, you benefit from an employer-matched Defined Benefit contribution plan, which provides predictable lifetime retirement income, survivor benefits, and early retirement options without the stress of investment decisions.
- Support for new parents: Enjoy a parental leave top-up to 95 percent of your salary for 17 weeks, helping you balance work and family life.
- Perks: Free ROM membership for permanent full-time and part-time staff, plus discounts to over 200 attractions through Attractions Ontario.
- And more!
SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
- START DATE: November 2025
- OPEN DATE: October 22, 2025
- CLOSE DATE: Open until filled
- STATUS: Full-time Contract
- EMPLOYEE GROUP: ROMCA
- SALARY: $78,047 - $95,822
- SCHEDULE: 35 hours weekly
- PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Six (6) months
- LOCATION (onsite): Toronto, ON
WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS
- Initial conversation: A 30-minute virtual conversation** with a Recruiter to discuss your interest in the role and ROM and how you can make an impact.
- First interview: A 1-hour in-person or virtual interview with the Hiring Manager and a member of the HR team. This in-depth interview will focus on your skills and how they align with the team's and ROM's needs.
- Second interview: A 1-hour in-person meeting with the Hiring Manager and relevant team members. You may be asked to present a pre-assigned case study and discuss scenarios relevant to your role. Depending on the position, you might also be given a tour of ROM and receive a preview of your responsibilities and interactions.
- Third Interview: a final interview with key stakeholders.
**All virtual conversations and interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and may be recorded.**
WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE ROM
- Cultural engagement: Daily interactions with Toronto's diverse culture and international visitors offer insights into social and cultural trends. We champion inclusive community programs and connections through diverse experiences.
- Continuous learning: At ROM, expertise and continuous skill development are paramount. Our culture of curiosity and open-mindedness fosters growth beyond traditional career paths.
- Passion & fulfillment: Our work in preserving and curating cultural narratives brings deep satisfaction. We are passionate about the arts, global history, cultural diversity, and leveraging digital technologies to enhance accessibility.
- Team & culture: ROM promotes a positive workplace with collaborative, supportive teams that encourage creativity and innovation. We value new ideas and collective problem-solving.
- Academic collaboration: We are committed to education, partnering with universities and providing student resources, underscoring our dedication to research and accessibility.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITY
At ROM, we embrace diversity in our exhibits, communities, and teams. We encourage applications from racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and those who can further diversify our ideas. We are committed to equitable employment opportunities and a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.
We welcome and accommodate candidates with disabilities throughout the selection process. Please contact us at [email protected] for assistance.
APPLY NOW
Apply today and help us create a collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and equitable space where creativity and learning flourish.
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that all candidates receiving a verbal job offer will be subject to a background check. This includes a criminal background check and verification of professional references, and, other checks depending on the role.
#LI-Onsite
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