Research Technician

The University of New Mexico • Albuquerque, NM

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This position supports an NSF-funded project using museum and field-collected fish specimens to reconstruct ecological change in New Mexico’s Middle Rio Grande. The student will work with Dr. Emma Elliott Smith in the Department of Biology and Center for Stable Isotopes.

The role includes photographing and sampling museum fish specimens, preparing samples for stable isotope analysis, organizing specimen and sample data, supporting science outreach for local students, and maintaining a clean, safe laboratory workspace. The position is student employment and is expected to require 8–10 hours per week during the academic year and summer.

Requirements

• Availability to work 8–10 hours per week during both the academic year and summer.

Nice To Haves

• Undergraduate major in biology, environmental science, or a related field.
• Interest in ecology, fishes, museum collections, or stable isotope research.
• Laboratory experience through coursework or prior research.
• Strong attention to detail, ability to follow protocols closely, and care in handling specimens.
• Interest in sharing science with K–12 students.
• Basic photography and spreadsheet (Excel) skills.

Responsibilities

• Photograph fish specimens from museum collections and keep image files organized and labeled.
• Assist with tissue sampling of museum specimens while following collections handling protocols.
• Process samples for stable isotope analysis, including cleaning, drying, homogenizing, weighing, and preparing samples for submission.
• Enter and organize specimen and sample data in spreadsheets.
• Help with outreach events for local students, including setting up and leading hands-on activities.
• Keep the lab workspace clean and organized and follow lab safety procedures.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed