Laboratory Research Assistant (Part-Time)

American Museum of Natural History; New York (NY); On-site; USD 25,003 - 35,610; Part time

Job summary

The American Museum of Natural History’s Invertebrate Zoology department seeks a part-time Laboratory Research Assistant to support the Goodheart Lab. Under supervision, you will perform routine laboratory duties, maintain lab spaces, order supplies, and assist with embryology, molecular biology, and imaging sample preparation.

Responsibilities include maintaining sea slug and cnidarian cultures, data recording, and contributing to figures and manuscripts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One year experience caring for invertebrates.
• Experience with basic lab equipment and techniques such as PCR and DNA/RNA extraction.

Responsibilities

• Maintain lab spaces and organize equipment.
• Perform routine embryology, molecular biology, and imaging procedures.
• Assist with data analysis, figures, and manuscript preparation.
• Keep records and ensure lab safety protocols.

Skills

Attention to detail

Laboratory techniques

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences

Tools

PCR

Gel electrophoresis

RNA extraction

DNA extraction

Job description

Laboratory Research Assistant (Part-Time)

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition.

The Invertebrate Zoology department is seeking a part-time Laboratory Research Assistant. Under supervision, the Laboratory Research Assistant will perform standard repetitive laboratory procedures, assisting the Principal Investigator and researchers in the Goodheart Lab. The Laboratory Research Assistant is responsible for laboratory maintenance and research support duties including care of invertebrates (mollusk. cnidarian, and algae colonies), organization of lab space, ordering supplies, and maintaining lab equipment. The Research Assistant will also assist in taking inventory of supplies and maintaining lab safety protocols. They will also participate in routine and standard experimental procedures involving embryology, molecular biology (RNA and DNA extraction and sequencing, PCR), HCR in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and sample preparation for various types of imaging (e.g., histochemistry, microCT). Applicants should display a meticulous attention to detail and be willing to work with animals (mollusks and cnidarians).

Job Duties

• Perform maintenance and organization of the lab sea slug, cnidarian, and algae colonies.
• Assist with routine and standard experimental procedures involving embryology, molecular biology, and imaging, as needed.
• Make contributions (i.e., data analysis, preparation of figures, writing, and other contributions) toward manuscripts.
• Maintain organization of lab spaces, order supplies, and service equipment. Maintain online and physical records, including lab notebooks, web pages, and online communication between lab members.

The expected salary for the Laboratory Research Assistant is $22/hour. This position is overtime-eligible. Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization, and depth and scope of experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• One year experience in the care of invertebrates.
• One year experience working with basic laboratory equipment and techniques, such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, checking pH solutions, and DNA and/or RNA extraction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences.
• Two or more years of relevant laboratory experience.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods.
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to move about the Museum campus.
• Positioning/change of positioning: Must be able to frequently position oneself/body to accomplish job duties.
  • Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling.
  • Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 20 pounds of force frequently. May include any of the following:
    • Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward.
    • Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position.

Additional Information

• Category: Part-Time/Term
• Total Number of Scheduled Hours Per Pay Period: 40
• Union Status: Non-Union
• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• Expected Salary Minimum: $22/hour
• Expected Salary Maximum: $22/hour

The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender (including sexual harassment), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, caregiver, pre-employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law. Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history, in each case to the extent provided by law.

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have a High School Diploma or equivalent?
   
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Do you have one year of experience in the care of invertebrates?
   
   • Yes
   • No
3. * Do you have one year of experience working with basic laboratory equipment and techniques, such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, checking pH solutions, and DNA and/or RNA extraction?
   
   • Yes
   • No
4. * This position is expected to begin between mid-August and mid-September 2026. Will that timing work for you?
   
   • Yes
   • No