The Natural History Museum Denmark (NHMD), Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, is seeking 3 permanent full-time conservators, starting 1 July 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The candidates will be part of a diverse Collections Management Team across the museum and will refer to the Head of the Conservation Unit.

The main role of the successful conservator will be to support the Conservation Unit in planning and carrying out a wide range of object treatments, packing, transport and installation for the many new exhibitions. The positions will also contribute to preparations for the opening of the new museum, a 6500 m2 building located in the centre of Copenhagen, scheduled to open to the public in 2027. In parallel, long-term planning is underway for a large-scale relocation of all collections to new, state-of-the-art collections facilities, as well as for several other collection-based projects that require conservation expertise. The conservators will play a key role in the planning and implementation of these activities. The ideal candidates will have documented experience in preparing objects for display and installing large-scale natural history exhibitions. In addition to strong expertise in natural history conservation treatments, candidates should have experience in preventive conservation practices, including Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and environmental monitoring. Conservators are also expected to contribute to the museum's public engagement activities and to collaborate with the Communication department through contributions to social media, press releases, and the museum newsletter. We are looking for candidates who share a passion for nature and recognize the importance of natural history collections and their long-term preservation.

Responsibilities for the Conservators include, but are not limited to:

• Preparing, conserving and documenting objects for permanent and temporary exhibitions.
• Investigating, planning and undertaking conservation treatments on a wide range of natural history collection types within zoology, botany and geology.
• Producing conservation reports for objects including detailed photographic documentation.
• Writing or contributing to the development of conservation protocols, guidelines and policies.
• Packing and assisting with the transport and installation of objects for permanent and temporary exhibitions.
• Working collaboratively with collections managers, curators, exhibition staff, and other museum colleagues to provide expert advice and support, ensuring best practice and appropriate care of the collections from a preventive conservation perspective (e.g., climate control, storage, and IPM).
• Maintaining exhibitions, including cleaning and conservation treatment of collection objects where required.
• Supporting collections improvement projects including maintenance, rehousing and relocation activities.
• Supervising students, interns or volunteers in conservation projects.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Degree in conservation or an equivalent academic qualification, combined with relevant professional experience.
• Extensive knowledge of the preparation of natural history objects, including taxidermy, botanical and geological specimens, fluid preparations, microscopic slides, etc., or knowledge of where to obtain the relevant expertise.
• Specialization in one of these areas is an advantage.
• Ability to independently investigate and develop new specimen preparation methods.
• Good communication and writing skills, including the ability to explain technical matters clearly.
• Ability to manage and prioritize a varied workload efficiently, meet deadlines and work cooperatively with colleagues.
• Experience supervising students, interns, or volunteers is an advantage.
• Experience in large-scale collection moves is an advantage.
• Experience working in a Natural History Museum is an advantage.
• Speaks and understands Danish (spoken and written) or a commitment to achieve working-level proficiency within 5 years.
• Speaks and understands English (spoken and written).
• A valid driver’s license approved for driving in Denmark is an advantage.

About us
Natural history museums have never been more important. The impact of climate change and anthropogenic forces on biodiversity has reached a critical point. We need action to build a more sustainable relationship with nature. The Natural History Museum Denmark is the Danish national museum for nature. We work to empower citizens to connect with nature with the aim of creating positive change for people and planet. We want to inspire, engage, and enable people to enjoy, understand, and care for the diversity of the natural world. The impact of climate change and anthropogenic forces on biodiversity has reached a critical point. We firmly believe that natural history museums can and should play a key role towards a more sustainable relationship with nature.

We are currently building a new Danish national museum for nature. One big museum site, in the Botanical Garden, in the centre of Copenhagen, will host state-of-the-art laboratories, outstanding research collections, new public galleries, and combined facilities for programming, education, and citizen science. It is an ambition for the museum to enhance natural history and inspire curiosity, knowledge, and empowerment for the future.

The Botanical Garden was founded in 1600. The collections date back to Ole Worm’s Cabinet of Curiosities from around 1620. With 14 million specimens and 8,000 different species in the Botanical Garden, it is the largest museum collection in Denmark. It covers our planetary history with botanical, zoological, and geological specimens from all over the world.

The Natural History Museum Denmark is part of the University of Copenhagen, which was founded in 1479 and is the largest university in Denmark. Read more about the museum at www.snm.ku.dk

Terms of salary and employment
The employment and salary are made in accordance with the Circular on the Collective Agreement concerning academics in the state sector concluded between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

Employment will be as Academic employee. The basic salary is based on seniority. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible. The working hours are 37 hours per week on average.

Your application
The application in English must be submitted electronically with attachments of CV, a letter of motivation describing how your experience, knowledge, and interest qualify you for this position, as well as documentation of education via jobportal.ku.dk/administrative-og-forskningsunderstoettende-stillinger (click on the link "Apply Now" at the bottom of the post) no later than 19 April 2026. Only electronic applications are accepted.

Interviews are expected to take place during week 19.

The University of Copenhagen seeks to reflect society and encourages applications irrespective of personal background.

Further information
Any questions about the position may be directed to Head of Conservation Unit, Anastasia van Gaver, anastasia.gaver@snm.ku.dk General information about the Natural History Museum of Denmark can be found on our website http://www.snm.ku.dk

The Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen – or SCIENCE – is Denmark's largest science research and education institution with 4,000 employees and 9,700 Bachelor and Master's students in 11 departments and one museum. The faculty has an annual budget of DKK 3 billion.

Learn more about The Faculty of Science at http://www.science.ku.dk

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.