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 plant–animal interactions with eDNA: A framework for analysis and eDNA-compatible curation

Plant–pollinator 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 plant–animal 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
• 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

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 Feijó (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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The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment@fieldmuseum.org.