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Curatorial Assistant

American Museum of Natural History
United States, New York, New York
200 Central Park W (Show on map)
Dec 11, 2024
Curatorial Assistant

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Please ensure you've listed three references on your application in the "Professional References" section towards the end of your application.
Posting Details
Position Information


Position Title Curatorial Assistant
Department Inst For Comp Genomics - 009
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 Museum's Institute for Comparative Genomics ( ICG) is seeking a full-time Curatorial Assistant to work with samples under cryogenic conditions to physically prepare incoming donations/deposits of the biological specimens for cryogenic preservation and tissue subsamples for research loans. They work with cryogenic storage equipment and relational databases and ensure accurate records are kept. Ideal candidates work with a meticulous attention to detail and possess strong writing, organization and communication skills.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Prepare biological specimens for cryogenic preservation.
  • Prepare tissue subsamples for research loans under liquid nitrogen conditions.
  • Conduct specimen inventory, handling, labeling and transferring.
  • Adhere to safety guidelines, policies and protocols established at the Ambrose Monell Cryo Collection (AMCC), including relevant Museum/ICG standards/protocols.
  • Work with cryogenic storage equipment such as dry shippers, dewars, pressurized vessels and liquid nitrogen freezers.
  • Work with relational databases as they pertain to the samples in the collection, including data entry, data import/export, querying, printing labels and generating reports.
  • Perform recordkeeping in electronic and paper formats.
  • Organize and maintain the laboratory and equipment.
  • Assist AMCC staff with AMCC tours.


The expected salary range for the Curatorial Assistant is $52,000/annual - $57,000/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 biological science, environmental science or another relevant science field of study.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (i.e., Excel and Access).
  • Willing to obtain FDNY G-79 and C-14 Certificates of Fitness within six months of the employment start date.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Six months work experience in a biological laboratory, museum collections or other relevant experience.
  • Experience with collections database relational programs (i.e., EMu).

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 30 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 30 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
Total Number of Scheduled Hours Per Pay Period 70
Union Status Union
FLSA Non-Exempt
Expected Salary Minimum $52,000/annual
Expected Salary Maximum $57,000/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/4324
Posting Detail Information


Posting Number GS829P
Open Date 12/11/2024
Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please ensure you've listed three references on your application in the "Professional References" section towards the end of your application.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).



  1. *
    Do you have a bachelor's degree or graduate-level degree in biological science, environmental science or another relevant science field of study?

    • Yes
    • No


  2. *
    Are you proficient in Microsoft Office programs (i.e., Excel and Access)?

    • Yes
    • No


  3. *
    Do you have work experience in a biological laboratory, museum collections or other relevant experience?

    • Yes
    • No


  4. *
    Do you have experience with collections database relational programs (i.e., EMu)?

    • Yes
    • No




Documents Needed To Apply
Required Documents

  1. Cover Letter
  2. Curriculum Vitae


Optional Documents

Applied = 0

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