American Museum of Natural History

Laboratory Assistant

NEW YORK, NYPosted 30+ days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from American Museum of Natural History

  • Job overview

    The Laboratory Assistant role at the American Museum of Natural History supports the Earth and Planetary Sciences department by managing laboratory activities and ensuring smooth operation of scientific experiments and equipment.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The Laboratory Assistant prepares and analyzes samples, manages laboratory equipment maintenance, establishes standard operating procedures, supervises labs, and handles purchasing of supplies to support research activities.

  • Compensation and benefits

    The position offers an expected annual salary of $50,000, is overtime-eligible, and includes an extensive benefits package tailored to the diverse community at AMNH.

  • Experience and skills

    Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in a physical or engineering science or five years of relevant lab experience, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and experience in mineralogy; a degree in geological science or mineralogy and technical repair skills are preferred.

  • Work environment and culture

    The museum values a dedicated and diverse community, emphasizing scientific research, education, and cultural dissemination within a collaborative environment.

  • Company information

    The American Museum of Natural History is a leading scientific and cultural institution focused on research, education, and exhibitions related to human cultures, the natural world, and the universe.

  • Team overview

    The role is within the Earth and Planetary Sciences department, supporting laboratory functions and scientific research.

  • Job location and travel

    The job is located on the Museum campus, requiring physical mobility around the site and the ability to handle physical demands such as lifting and positioning.

  • Unique job features

    This position involves working with specialized scientific instruments like Raman microscopes and X-ray diffractometers, and includes responsibilities for establishing lab procedures and quality control.

Company overview

The American Museum of Natural History, located in New York City, is one of the world's preeminent scientific and cultural institutions. It is renowned for its extensive collections and exhibitions related to natural history, including anthropology, paleontology, and biodiversity. The museum generates revenue through ticket sales, memberships, donations, and grants, supporting its mission of scientific research and education. Established in 1869, it has a rich history of groundbreaking discoveries and public engagement, making it a significant contributor to global scientific knowledge and education.

How to land this job

  • Tailor your resume to emphasize your hands-on experience in laboratory settings, particularly in mineralogy and sample preparation, highlighting proficiency with instruments like Raman microscopes and X-ray diffractometers as mentioned in the job description.

  • Showcase your ability to maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment, establish standard operating procedures, and perform data quality control to align with the core responsibilities of the Laboratory Assistant role.

  • Apply through multiple channels including the American Museum of Natural History’s official career page and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility and reach.

  • Connect with current employees in the Earth and Planetary Sciences department on LinkedIn; use ice breakers such as commenting on recent research published by the department or asking for advice on succeeding in this specialized lab environment.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job posting like 'mineralogy,' 'sample preparation,' 'laboratory maintenance,' 'data quality control,' and specific instrument names to ensure it passes automated screenings.

  • Leverage Jennie Johnson’s Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications, identify multiple application portals, and find relevant LinkedIn contacts for networking, allowing you to focus more on preparing for interviews and skill enhancement.

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