Curator of Birds

WHO WE ARE Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada’s premier museum, featuring a comprehensive collection of Art, Culture and Nature. ROM has a world-class collection of 18 million artworks, cultural objects, and natural history specimens, featured in 40 gallery and exhibition spaces. ROM's mission is to transform lives by helping people to understand the past, make sense of the present, and come together to shape a shared future. ROM’s vision is to become a distinctly twenty-first century museum, globally recognized for expanding knowledge, fostering innovation, and increasing public relevance in the intersecting worlds of art, culture, and nature. ROM is outward-facing, focused on community and cultural life, and increasing artistic, cultural, and scientific impact nationally and internationally. ROM’s exhibition schedule and public programs attract approximately 190,000 students and over one million visitors annually. ROM is a leading field research institution with global collections and research across natural history, art, and culture. ROM is located in Toronto and emphasizes inclusion and transdisciplinary thinking. Learn more about ROM’s Strategic Direction. WHO WE NEED Curator of Birds Overview An ecologically diverse group with more than 11,000 species, birds are a vital component of Earth’s biodiversity. Birds play key roles in ecosystems worldwide and influence human culture. Protecting bird diversity is essential for ecological balance. ROM’s Birds collection is world-class, with more than 200,000 specimens, including the world’s largest collection of bird skeletons and significant holdings of frozen tissues and recently extinct species. This resource supports ROM public programs, exhibitions, and galleries. The Position: Curator of Birds ROM seeks an innovative and collaborative Curator to build, research, interpret, and share the Birds collection, and to be an engaging spokesperson for birds. The Curator will initiate and develop transdisciplinary exhibitions and public programs, develop a strong museum-based research program, collaborate with academic institutions (such as the University of Toronto), community groups, and stakeholders, and demonstrate leadership, listening, and communication skills. The role will encourage and educate the public and train the next generation of ornithologists. The Curator will conduct collection-based research in bird systematics, ecology, evolution, and/or conservation, and integrate research with ROM’s Department of Natural History and with other disciplines. The successful candidate will be an accomplished scientist with a strong public-facing profile. An equivalent in relevant experience, research, exhibitions, and/or publications will be considered. There may be opportunities for university cross-appointments and NSERC funding in support of research. Exceptional early-career and mid-career scientists are encouraged to apply. HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT Engage the public and foster understanding of birds' importance to Earth and humankind Promote access to ROM’s Birds Collection Develop a vision and a 10-year plan for continuing development of ROM’s Birds Collection Create programs, panels, and publications that engage experts and broad audiences and highlight birds’ roles in ecosystems and human society Lead conceptually driven, collection-based research on bird systematics and evolution; develop externally funded research with broad public relevance Collaborate with transdisciplinary exhibition teams to integrate ornithology into exhibitions and galleries that intersect art, culture, and nature Partner with Indigenous and other communities to develop exhibitions and programs, recognizing multiple voices and authorities Be a dynamic communicator and spokesperson for birds and bird conservation Participate in fundraising to support ROM’s initiatives, programming, and research May engage in university teaching and supervision; eligible for university cross-appointment and NSERC funding Supervise staff, volunteers, interns, and students in collections, laboratories, and fieldwork Maintain professional affiliations in scholarly, scientific, and museum organizations WHAT YOU BRING Education & Experience: A PhD or equivalent in bird systematics, ecology, or conservation biology; knowledge of avian taxonomy and systematics. Experience with DNA methods, morphological datasets, phylogenomics, comparative genomics, evolutionary biology, and historical biogeography is a plus At least one year of postdoctoral or equivalent experience in a large museum, university, NGO, or government setting, with stakeholder and partner engagement Record of original research and peer-reviewed publications or catalogues appropriate for career stage; eligible for university cross-appointment Experience proposing and developing museum exhibitions and public programs or demonstrated interest Interest in science communication and outreach; strong public speaking ability Experience collaborating with Indigenous communities and cross-cultural experiences are assets Additional Assets and Experience may include: Knowledge of museum ethics standards Experience in bird ecology and conservation Digitization of ornithology collections Bioinformatics Image collections and image banks History and cultural significance of birds and ornithology Record of grant applications and donor/sponsor development SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT Salary range is $78,047 - $122,654 CAD , based on experience and aligned with the union collective agreement. ROM may consider a range of candidate levels (Associate Curator to Curator) depending on experience and strategic goals. Salary increases with rank and experience under the Collective Agreement. Benefits include: Medical and dental, life insurance, long-term disability, Health Spending Account, fitness facility discounts, pension, 22 days of vacation plus personal days, and Employee Assistance Program NOTE: This is a unionized position; the Curator of Birds will be a member of the ROM Curatorial Association (ROMCA) HOW TO APPLY Applicants should apply electronically by submitting a single PDF containing: a cover letter with examples of past exhibitions, programs, and collections; a curriculum vitae; and names and contact information for three references (references will not be contacted without permission). Application deadline: November 15, 2025 . CLICK HERE TO APPLY For additional information, visit: Short-listed candidates may be asked for publication samples. Nominations are welcome. For inquiries, contact Ida Tomlin, Senior Search Consultant, Museum Search & Reference at: About Toronto Toronto is a major city with a diverse arts and culture scene, universities, and a growing economy. It offers a vibrant lifestyle with access to parks, waterfront, and a range of attractions. #J-18808-Ljbffr