Curator, Marine Invertebrates

National History Museum of Los Angeles County; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

The National History Museum of Los Angeles County seeks a full-time Assistant or Associate Curator of Marine Invertebrates. The successful candidate will lead collection-based research on echinoderms and oversee growth and stewardship of the echinoderm collection, with emphasis on California and Southern California biodiversity studies.

The role requires a Ph.D., a strong publication record, and the ability to secure external funding.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with a strong track record of peer-reviewed publications and external funding.
• Experience with outreach and mentoring diverse audiences.
• Ability to supervise staff and volunteers and develop collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an active, externally funded research program in marine invertebrate biology.
• Oversee growth and stewardship of the echinoderm collection.
• Engage in exhibits, education, community science, and fundraising activities.

Skills

Communication skills

Public outreach

Mentoring

Leadership

Fundraising

Education

Ph.D.

Job description

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 research 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 deeply 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.

The application deadline is October 15, 2026.

NHMLAC's values-adventurous, inclusive, authentic, and intentional-guides our work and visitor experience, committing us to foster 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.