Laboratory Research Assistant

American Museum of Natural History • Full-time • New York, NY, US • 3d ago

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 (nudibranch and cnidarian 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 (molluscs and cnidarians).

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

Maintenance and organization of the lab nudibranch and cnidarian 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 Qualfications:

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.