Conservation Research Assistant

About the Role

With over 84,000 plants representing about 27,000 taxa, The Huntington is home to one of largest and most diverse collections of living plants in the world. Our biodiverse living collections provide an opportunity to interpret the wide variety of plant life for educational, conservation, research, and display purposes.

The Huntington is seeking a full-time Conservation Research Assistant for the molecular systematic lab, which is one of two research focal areas for the Botanical Division. The Research Assistant performs a variety of standard procedures in the molecular systematics lab, in the Gardens, and in the Herbarium in support of ongoing and future projects. Current projects in the Systematics lab focus on phylogenetics, conservation genetics and pollination biology of Cycads; population genetic and seed banking of Fraxinus species; and maintaining tissue and DNA banks of Garden collections.

This position actively supports a working laboratory, performs standard laboratory procedures, inventories and tracks associated dried tissue repositories, while assisting with ongoing research that uses molecular systematic tools. Common procedures may include DNA extractions, sequencing library preparations, tissue collection, sample vouchering, curatorial tasks, and assisting in the design and execution of experiments and projects.

Essential Duties

Assists the Systematics and Conservation Botanist in a variety of capacities to further current and future research projects. This may include duties in the lab, garden/field, and herbarium.

Contribute to discussion and development of experiments and projects.

Work independently and efficiently at assigned projects.

Optimize protocols for experiments.

Maintain records, and evaluate the quality, of experimental procedures and results.

Research and implement new lab or field techniques/protocols as needed.

Collect and organize data and maintain various data bases.

Operate, calibrate, and maintain equipment and instruments used in the lab and the field.

Maintain an inventory of lab supplies including chemicals, stock solutions, and consumables.

Maintain a safe and clean laboratory.

Other Related Work:

Assists with events related to plant conservation and research, including outreach.

Assists with the supervision and mentoring of interns and students, as appropriate.

Other duties as assigned.

Candidate Qualifications:

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Strong interest in plant biology, evolution, conservation, and/or population genetics.

Degree in Botany, Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Bioinformatics, or related field. MS strongly preferred; BS and 1+ years of related work experience required.

Critical thinking skills.

Good written and oral communication skills.

Ability to work independently (after training) and problem solve.

Attention to detail, strong observation skills, and commitment to quality work.

Knowledge of standard laboratory and/or field techniques and safety measures.

Proficiency with Microsoft and/or Google applications.

Knowledge of programming languages such as R, python, etc. preferred.

Experience:

Experience with typical molecular biology lab equipment and techniques.

Experience optimizing DNA extractions across taxa preferred.

Experience with RADseq, RNAseq, Bait Capture, and related techniques a plus.

Experience preparing DNA libraries for Illumina sequencing a plus.

Experience collecting and mounting herbarium specimens a plus.

Working Conditions:

Position involves indoor work in a laboratory setting and outdoor work in a variety of settings.

Laboratory work may involve standing for long periods doing repetitive tasks requiring dexterity.

Must be able to stand for long periods, stoop, bend, lift up to 25 lbs.

Compensation & Benefits

We provide competitive compensation, generous benefits and perks for all eligible employees including:

Pay Range: $25- $27/hr.

Medical, Dental, Vision

403(b) basic retirement plan and optional matching retirement plan with an outstanding employer match

Hybrid remote work schedule available for applicable positions

Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and holidays

Discounts for staff in The Huntington Store and restaurants

Access to the Museums Council pass, which grants free admission to various museums and cultural institutions

Free passes each month to welcome family and friends to visit the grounds

The Application Process

Please submit a cover letter and CV/resume as a single PDF attachment.

You will have the opportunity to submit additional documents on the “My Experience” section of the application