Entomology Technician

Los Angeles County Museum Of Natural History Foundation•Los Angeles, CA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) are seeking an Entomology Technician for their Research & Collections department. This role will support the creation of a DNA barcode reference library for spiders in California. The technician will assist with sorting samples, identification of spiders, databasing, digitization of specimens, plating of specimens for sequencing, and DNA extraction. Occasional fieldwork across California for acquiring fresh material is also part of the role. This position is part of a team that includes volunteers, postdocs, and museum curatorial staff. The position is full-time temporary for one year.

Requirements

BS or equivalent required.
At least two years of experience working with live and preserved arthropods (insects and/or arachnids) in a lab or field setting.
Experience working with natural history collections.
Ability to work with small, fragile museum specimens that require care and fine manual dexterity.
Digital imaging experience.
Computer literacy with some experience in the use of databases.
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work outdoors, including hiking, carrying equipment, and making collections.

Nice To Haves

Some experience with, and knowledge of, spiders is highly desired, not required.
Some familiarity with molecular techniques like DNA extraction and PCR is highly desired, not required.

Responsibilities

Specimen preparation: Work mainly with a fluid collection using ethanol (EtOH). Assist with databasing, labeling, sorting, and identification of specimens collected for the project. Image specimens using microscopes and a Keyence system.
Molecular work: Assist with DNA extraction and processing of tissues by removing legs and placing them in plates.
Collecting: Assist in fieldwork collecting and processing specimens using multiple collecting techniques, including direct collecting, looking under rocks and rotten logs, or using traps like pitfall or beating sheets.