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 Earth & Planetary Sciences department is seeking a full-time Laboratory Assistant to assist in the department’s laboratory activities. This includes preparing experimental assemblies, preparing and analyzing samples, supervising laboratories, assisting with establishing new laboratories, purchasing consumables, sample preparation, laboratory analysis, purchasing of supplies, organizing generalized instrument maintenance and supervising standard operating procedures of shared spaces.
Ideal candidates possess excellent organizational skills and attention to detail and have the ability to perform tasks requiring high manual dexterity. Additionally, they possess the ability to diagnose and repair simple technical problems on a variety of instruments.
Job duties include:
- Preparing samples and caring for laboratory instrumentation (i.e., preparing experimental assemblies, running experiments, preparing samples for analytical measurements, analyzing samples).
- Preparing laboratories and maintaining the cleanliness of spaces. Performing planned maintenance/daily operation of instrumentation (i.e., carbon coater, sample preparation equipment (saws, polishers, crushers, etc.), Raman microscope, experimental equipment (cold seal vessel, high-pressure vessel, piston cylinder, Deltech furnace), x-ray diffractometer, inductively coupled plasma – optical emissions spectrometer, pure water system).
- Help establish new laboratories by purchasing the initial supplies needed to establish science in the laboratory. Work with newly-hired Curators to establish laboratories, including supervising the design of the space and equipment installation.
- Establish standard operating procedures, safety protocols and a laboratory community with shared values of overall safety and maintenance. Write and share with new users standards of operation for each lab space and instrument. Help write user manuals for the practical use of instruments. Work with students and visiting scientists to assist in running experiments and analytical instruments, designing new methods and troubleshooting instrumentation.
- Assist undergraduate and graduate students in sample preparation.
- Perform data quality control.
- Manage laboratory safety inspections.
The expected salary range for the Laboratory Assistant is $50,000/annual – $54,000/annual. This position is overtime-eligible and the AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community.
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.