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Laboratory Assistant

American Museum of Natural History
United States, New York, New York
200 Central Park W (Show on map)
Jul 01, 2025
Laboratory Assistant

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Posting Details
Position Information


Position Title Laboratory Assistant
Department Earth & Planetary Scienc - 017
Position Summary
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education and exhibition.

The Earth and Planetary Sciences department is seeking a full-time Laboratory Assistant to assist in the department's laboratory activities, including preparing experimental assemblies, preparing and analyzing samples, supervising laboratories, establishing new laboratories, purchasing consumables and supplies, performing laboratory analysis, organizing generalized instrument maintenance and ensuring standard operating procedures of shared spaces.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Prepare samples for analytical measurements. Analyze samples.
  • Prepare experimental assemblies.
  • Care for laboratory equipment including performing planned maintenance, facilitating daily operation and keeping lab spaces clean. This may include caring for the following equipment: carbon coater, sample preparation equipment (saws, polishers, crushers, etc.), Raman microscope, X-ray diffractometer, microprobe and others.
  • Identify samples and specimens to be analyzed.
  • Establish standard operating procedures for analysis of mineral samples.
  • Prepare and send spectra to outside constituents.
  • Perform data quality control.


The expected salary for the Laboratory Assistant is $50,000/annual. This position is overtime-eligible and the AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community.

Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization and depth and scope of experience.
Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a physical laboratory- or engineering-based science OR five years experience working in a chemistry, physics or earth science laboratory setting.
  • Experience in mineralogy.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications

  • College degree in geological science or mineralogy.
  • Ability to diagnose and repair simple technical problems in a variety of relevant instruments.

Physical Demands

  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods.
  • Must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
  • Must be able to move about the Museum campus.
  • Positioning/change of positioning: Must be able to frequently position oneself/body to accomplish job duties.

    • Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling.
    • Climbing: Ascending or descending physical structures.
    • Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 20 pounds of force frequently. May include any of the following:

      • Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward or outward.
      • Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
      • Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position.






Category Full-Time/Term
Total Number of Scheduled Hours Per Pay Period
Union Status Non-Union
FLSA Non-Exempt
Expected Salary Minimum $50,000/annual
Expected Salary Maximum $50,000/annual
EEO Statement
The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender (including sexual harassment), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, caregiver, pre-employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law. Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history, in each case to the extent provided by law.
Quick Link https://careers.amnh.org/postings/4462
Posting Detail Information


Posting Number GS891P
Open Date 07/01/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).



  1. *
    Do you have EITHER (1) a bachelor's degree or higher in a physical laboratory- or engineering-based science OR (2) five years of experience working in a chemistry, physics or earth science laboratory setting?

    • Yes
    • No


  2. *
    Do you have experience in mineralogy?

    • Yes
    • No


  3. *
    Are you proficient in using the Microsoft Office Suite?

    • Yes
    • No




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Required Documents


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