Assist./Assoc. Curator, Marine Invertebrates

Los Angeles County Museum Of natural History Foundation; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) seeks a full-time Assistant or Associate Curator for Marine Invertebrates. The position drives research on echinoderms, expands the collection, and requires a Ph.D. with a strong record of peer‑reviewed work and external funding.

You will supervise staff and volunteers, mentor students, and partner with local colleges. The role emphasizes California-based biodiversity studies, public outreach, exhibits, fundraising, and active field work

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field and strong peer‑reviewed record.
• Experience with marine invertebrate wet collections is desirable.
• Excellent communication and ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Ability to develop externally funded research program.

Responsibilities

• Develop and supervise an active, funded research program including field work.
• Oversee staff and volunteers; mentor students.
• Engage in exhibits, education, community science and fundraising.
• Collaborate with local colleges and universities.

Skills

Research leadership

Public outreach

Grant writing

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in a relevant field

Tools

Museum collections management

Field sampling protocols

Job description

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Regular Full-Time Professional Los Angeles, CA, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1766

Salary Range: $83,000.00 To $112,000.00 Annually

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) seeks a full-time Assistant OR Associate Curator , commensurate with experience, of Marine Invertebrates. The successful candidate will conduct collection-based research in integrative invertebrate biology, specifically overseeing the growth and stewardship of the Museum’s echinoderm collection. We are particularly interested in candidates who can tackle big-picture questions in marine biodiversity science and are able to apply research findings to issues of global importance. This role offers a unique opportunity to conduct integrative, specimen-based research at a globally recognized natural history museum. NHMLAC’s marine invertebrate collections are the largest in the western United States, with strengths in benthic macroscopic specimens from the Eastern Pacific as well as globally. These collections house approximately 12 million specimens of extant phyla, with strong emphasis on crustaceans, mollusks, annelids, and echinoderms.

The Curator is expected to have and expand an active, public facing, and externally funded research program that includes field work. While resear ch interests should span the globe, the position should emphasize California and Southern California-based studies that address questions in biodiversity science, complementing existing strengths of NHMLAC. Additionally, the Curator will supervise staff and volunteers, mentor students, and develop working relationships with local colleges and universities. Active participation in museum activities—including exhibits, education, community science, public outreach and media interactions, and fundraising is required.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. and have a strong track record of peer-reviewed publications and competitive external funding. Experience with the care and management of marine invertebrate wet collections is highly desirable. Candidates must demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to engage with culturally diverse audiences. NHMLAC de eply values diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, and enthusiastically encourages applications from all people, including those who identify as a minority in science, person of color, neurodivergent, a woman, a person with a disability, a veteran, and/or part of the LGBTQAI+ community. Salary ($83,000-112,000) and title (Assistant/Associate) will be commensurate with experience, with a proposed start date of July 1, 2027.

NHMLAC’s values—adventurous, inclusive, authentic, and intentional—guide our work and visitor experience, committing us to f oster a welcoming, safe and respectful workplace environment where innovation and collaboration thrive and every team member can contribute their unique perspectives to advance our mission. NHMLAC seeks candidates who are aligned with our values and priorities, and are passionate about connecting science with the vibrant and diverse communities we serve throughout Los Angeles.

NHMLAC is a nonprofit organization committed to fostering a workplace and public environment that uplifts Kindness, Fairness, Openness and Dignity. These values extend not only to our employees, but to our guests, local community, and organizational partners.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please, no phone calls.