Lab Aide

The University of New Mexico•Albuquerque, NM

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The department of biology is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated biological collections cataloger to support the curation and digitization of its natural history collection. This position plays a critical role in preserving scientific data integrity by accurately cataloging preserved biological specimens into institutional databases. The ideal candidate has a background in biology or a related field, is comfortable handling preserved specimens, and demonstrates exceptional organizational and data management skills.

Requirements

Successful completion of junior or senior year of high school
No previous experience required
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Botany, Systematics, or a closely related field
Attention to Detail: Demonstrated ability to perform precise, repetitive data entry with a very high degree of accuracy
Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (sorting, filtering, data validation, basic formulas)
Data Management: Experience creating or maintaining structured spreadsheets or relational databases
Physical Comfort: Willingness to handle preserved specimens in fluid or frozen tissue
Prior experience working in a natural history museum, herbarium, or biological field collection
Familiarity with collection management platforms such as Arctos
Background in taxonomy, systematics, or museum studies
Experience with georeferencing locality data using GeoLocate or Google Earth
Knowledge of biological nomenclature and taxonomic conventions
Coursework or training in museum curation or archival practices

Responsibilities

Catalog and accession preserved biological specimens (invertebrates or parasites) into collection management databases following established Museum of Southwestern Biology protocols.
Enter, verify, and quality-control specimen data in Microsoft Excel/Google docs and collections management software (Arctos), ensuring accuracy of locality, taxonomy, collector, and collection date fields.
Handle and process preserved specimens stored in fluid (ethanol), as dry preparations (slides), or as frozen tissue samples, following proper safety and conservation procedures.
Assign and affix catalog numbers, labels, and barcodes to specimens and associated vials, envelopes, or storage containers.
Assist curatorial staff with reorganization of collection cabinets, freezer inventories, or incoming loan/gift processing.
Follow institutional health and safety protocols, including proper use of PPE when handling fixatives or chemical preservatives.