Biotechnology Exhibit Researcher-CONTRACT
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Museum Of Life And Science
Durham, NC, US
Summary
The researcher will conduct in-depth studies on biotechnology trends and social histories to inform exhibit narratives and educational programming. They will collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure scientific accuracy and accessibility for museum visitors.
Job Description
Project Overview:
The Museum of Life and Science received funding from the Durham County 2022 Bond to create new exhibits on Climate & Sustainability and Biotechnology. The climate exhibit, “From Here On: Shaping Our Future” opened in April 2026. The Museum seeks an experienced researcher to join the Biotechnology exhibit team as we finish concept development and move to prototyping, design development, and fabrication. We anticipate a fall 2027 opening.
Position Overview:
This contract position will research emerging trends, breakthroughs, and social histories of biotechnology; collaborate with industry and academic partners; and help translate complex scientific concepts into an engaging, accessible exhibit opening Fall 2027. The position will partner with the Museum’s Exhibit Development and Education & Engagement teams to design, implement, and evaluate exhibit prototypes and programs that directly support exhibit content.
The Biotechnology Exhibit Researcher must possess strong research skills, a solid understanding of biotechnology and related life sciences, and the ability to translate complex topics into simple language and hands-on experiences for informal science education settings. By the conclusion of the contract, coinciding with the installation of the exhibit, the Biotechnology Exhibit Researcher will have:
- Produced comprehensive research documents supporting exhibition development
- Contributed to the creation of exhibit narratives and experiences
- Produced and evaluated exhibit prototypes and educational programming
- Compiled source materials, references, and expert contacts
- Produced concise, accurate exhibit copy written at or below a 5th grade reading level
- Ensured the scientific accuracy of exhibition components including text, graphics, and multi-media pieces
Responsibilities:
- Conduct in-depth research on biotechnology topics, such as:
- Genetic engineering
- Pharmaceutical development
- Synthetic biology
- Material sciences
- Agricultural biotechnology
- Bioethics and regulatory issues
- Social history and indigenous practices
- Evaluate scientific literature, industry reports, government publications, and other authoritative sources
- Identify scientific discoveries, historical milestones, artifacts, and case studies suitable for exhibition
- Prepare research summaries and topic overviews for the Exhibit Development team and other Museum stakeholders
- Assist in developing exhibit narratives, interpretive text, multimedia content, and educational materials
- Verify scientific accuracy and relevancy
- Actively engage and participate in project meetings
- Create and maintain organized research files and documentation throughout the project lifecycle
- Limited travel to research institutions, conferences, museums, or other partner organizations as required
Qualifications:
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Required |
Preferred |
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Compensation: Commensurate with experience and qualifications
The Museum of Life and Science is one of North Carolina’s top attractions. Situated on 84-acres, our interactive science park includes a science center, a butterfly conservatory which is one of the largest in the world and beautifully-landscaped outdoor exhibits which are safe havens for rescued black bears, lemurs, and endangered red wolves. Our mission is to create a place of lifelong learning where people, from young child to senior citizen, embrace science as a way of knowing about themselves, their community, and their world.
Founded
1946
Company size
51-200 employees
Industry
Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
Org type
Nonprofit
Headquarters
Durham, NC
The Museum of Life and Science is one of North Carolina’s top attractions. Situated on 84-acres, our interactive science park includes a science center, a butterfly conservatory which is one of the largest in the world and beautifully-landscaped outdoor exhibits which are safe havens for rescued black bears, lemurs, and endangered red wolves. Our mission is to create a place of lifelong learning where people, from young child to senior citizen, embrace science as a way of knowing about themselves, their community, and their world.
Founded
1946
Company size
51-200 employees
Industry
Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
Org type
Nonprofit
Headquarters
Durham, NC
