Research Assistant I - Zoology
About The Position
This project leverages eDNA metabarcoding to recover signals of floral visitors from herbarium and zoological specimens, enabling the reconstruction of ecological networks across time. By integrating historical collections with contemporary data, the project will expand the temporal scope of biodiversity research and develop protocols for eDNA-compatible specimen curation in natural history museums. We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Research Assistant to support an innovative project applying environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches to reconstruct historical plant�animal interaction networks from field and museum collections.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Genetics, or a related field
- Prior experience in molecular laboratory techniques (e.g., DNA extraction, PCR)
- Familiarity with eDNA or metabarcoding workflows
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with museum or natural history collections
- Experience with sample curation and data management
- Interest in ecological networks, pollination biology, or biodiversity science
- Exposure to statistical or bioinformatic analyses
Responsibilities
- Conduct laboratory work, including DNA extraction, PCR, and library preparation following eDNA protocols.
- Assist with processing and tracking of samples from museum collections
- Support development and implementation of eDNA-compatible curation protocols
- Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records
- Assist with data organization and basic analyses
Benefits
- The position is represented by Field Museum Workers’ United, AFSCME Council 31, AFL-CIO.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
