Microplastics Research Assistant

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County was the first museum in L.A. to open its doors 109 years ago and is poised for an exciting new era as it plans for the future. Having recently completed a new strategic framework, the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County—including NHMLA at Exposition Park, La Brea Tar Pits and museum in mid-Wilshire, and the William S. Hart Museum in Newhall—is looking forward to new building projects and campaigns, exhibitions, community outreach, and innovative audience engagement. 

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County values and endeavors to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and access within its organization and communities. Candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC), neurodiverse, gender, a person with disability, a veteran, and/or a part of the LGBTQAI+ community are welcome and encouraged to apply. 

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is seeking a Microplastics Research Assistant for our Research & Collections- Ichthyology department.  The Microplastics Research Assistant  works closely with the Assistant Curator, Ichthyology  working on a project quantifying microplastics in coastal fishes as part of a California Sea Grant funded project at the Natural History Museum. It is an exciting time as we embark on new journeys of becoming a museum of, for, and with L.A.

Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to: 

• Manage specimen sampling and microplastic laboratory work for multiple species across eight decades and along the entirety of the California coast.
• Work with collaborators to conduct RAMAN spectroscopy analyses.
•  Analyze data for trends across time, space, plastic type and ecological role of each species
• Mentor undergraduate students and postbaccalaureates in laboratory and analytical methods
•   Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Curator dependent on organizational needs.

This position has the following requirements:    

• Minimum Bachelors in Biology, or other related discipline

• Minimum 6 months experience working in a laboratory

•   Strong organizational and interpersonal  skills.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is especially interested in candidates whose background and experience have prepared them to contribute to our commitment to engagement and inclusion at culturally diverse audiences in museums and in sciences.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is seeking applicants who have demonstrated experience and commitment working with a diverse community. Hourly rate for this position is $25.38 plus excellent benefits. This is a full time temporary, non-exempt position. The anticipated length of this temporary assignment is 2 years.

A cover letter, current resume, and list of 3-4 references are required for all applicants. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Interested candidates please visit www.nhmlac.org/careers-our-museums  and click the link of the position for which you are interested or go directly to the online application.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.