Research Assistant I Zoology

Position: Research Assistant I - Zoology

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Department: Negaunee Integrative Research

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

Revealing historical plantanimal interactions with eDNA: A framework for analysis and eDNA-compatible curation

Plantpollinator interactions are fundamental to ecosystem functioning but remain poorly documented using traditional methods. 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 plantanimal interaction networks from field and museum collections.

Duties and 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

Required Qualifications
Bachelors 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

Preferred Qualifications
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

The successful candidate will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary team of evolutionary biologists and ecologists. The position will work closely with Anderson Feij (Assistant Curator of Mammals) Amanda Grunwald (Research Scientist) and Sophie Picq (eDNA Research Scientist Manager of the Biomolecular Clean Lab) along with collection managers and other collaborators across the Field Museum.

Application Instructions
Please submit a statement of interest and curriculum vitae. Review of applications will begin on April 15 2026. The position is part-time (19 hours per week) and will begin in May 2026. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Supervision Received:

Receives general supervision by Assistant Curator of Mammals

Supervision Exercised:

The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Hours and Shift:

19 hours

Hybrid Eligibility:

Not eligible

Location:

1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago IL 60605

Union Representation: This position is represented by Field Museum Workers United AFSCME Council 31 AFL-CIO.

Pay Range: $22.50/hour

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