American Museum of Natural History

Laboratory Research Assistant

NEW YORK, NYPosted 18 days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from American Museum of Natural History

  • Job overview

    The Laboratory Research Assistant at the American Museum of Natural History supports scientific research by maintaining invertebrate colonies and assisting with molecular biology and imaging experiments.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The assistant will maintain lab colonies, assist with embryology and molecular biology procedures, organize lab space, order supplies, maintain equipment, keep records, and contribute to data analysis and manuscript preparation.

  • Compensation and benefits

    The position pays $22/hour, is overtime-eligible, and salary is based on skills, knowledge, training, and experience.

  • Experience and skills

    Requires a high school diploma or equivalent, one year of invertebrate care experience, and one year of lab technique experience; a bachelor's degree and two years of lab experience are preferred.

  • Company information

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

  • Team overview

    The assistant will work under supervision in the Goodheart Lab within the Invertebrate Zoology department.

  • Job location and travel

    The job is located on the Museum campus with physical demands including lifting and positioning.

  • Unique job features

    The role involves working with live invertebrates and performing a variety of standard and routine molecular biology and imaging techniques.

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

  • Position your resume to highlight hands-on experience with invertebrate care, emphasizing any work with molluscs or cnidarians, as this is central to the role at the American Museum of Natural History.

  • Focus on detailing your familiarity with laboratory techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA/RNA extraction, and molecular biology procedures, aligning your skills with the job's experimental requirements.

  • Apply through the American Museum of Natural History's official careers page and supplement your application by applying on LinkedIn and other job boards where the position is listed to maximize your exposure.

  • Connect with current employees or researchers in the Invertebrate Zoology department on LinkedIn; start conversations by commenting on recent lab publications or asking about their experiences working with invertebrate colonies to build rapport.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description like 'invertebrate care,' 'PCR,' 'molecular biology,' 'lab maintenance,' and 'immunohistochemistry' to ensure your resume passes initial automated screenings.

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

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