Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Microplastics Research AssistantThe Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) include the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park, La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park, and the William S. Hart Museum in Newhall. They operate under the collective vision to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds. The museums hold one of the world’s most extensive and valuable collections of natural and cultural history—more than 35 million objects—used for groundbreaking scientific and historical research, and community engagement. From NHM’s opening in 1913 as the very first museum in Los Angeles, the organization has entered an exciting new era of transformation with building projects and campaigns, exhibitions, community outreach and impactful audience engagement.

NHMLAC’s values—adventurous, inclusive, authentic, and intentional—guide our work and visitor experience, committing us to foster a welcoming, safe and respectful workplace environment where innovation and collaboration thrive and every team member can contribute their unique perspectives to advance our mission. NHMLAC seeks candidates who are aligned with our values and priorities, and are passionate about connecting science with the vibrant and diverse communities we serve throughout Los Angeles.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is seeking a Microplastics Research Assistant for our Research & Collections- Ichthyology department. The Microplastics Research Assistant works on a project quantifying microplastics in coastal fishes as part of a California Sea Grant-funded project. Leading and conducting lab work that isolates and identifies microplastic particles in preserved fishes across eight decades. Identifying trends in plastic types and quantities across time and space. Coordinating with collaborators to obtain robust sample sizes and write manuscripts.

Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Manage specimen sampling and microplastic laboratory work for multiple species across eight decades and along the entirety of the California coast.

• Work with collaborators to conduct RAMAN spectroscopy analyses.

• Analyze data for trends across time, space, plastic type and ecological role of each species

• Mentor undergraduate students and postbaccalaureates in laboratory and analytical methods

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Curator dependent on organizational needs.

This position has the following requirements:

• Minimum Bachelors in Biology, or other related discipline

• Minimum 6 months experience working in a laboratory

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

• Experience with, and knowledge of, microplastic identification methods is strongly desired, not required.

• Experience with, and knowledge of, ichthyology and/or museums sciences is strongly desired, not required.

• Experience working with microplastics in marine settings is strongly desired, but not required.

NHMLAC is a nonprofit organization committed to fostering a workplace and public environment that uplifts Kindness, Fairness, Openness and Dignity. These values extend not only to our employees, but to our guests, local community, and organizational partners. If you are interested in this position, we encourage you to apply!

Hourly rate for this position is $26.38 plus excellent benefits. This is a full time temporary, non-exempt position. The end date for this position is July 1, 2026.

A cover letter, current resume, and list of 3-4 references are required for all applicants. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Interested candidates please visit -our-museums and click the link of the position for which you are interested or go directly to the online application.

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Full time, Temporary work, Local area, Immediate start,

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