Lab Aide

Lab Aide

Requisition ID
req37698

Working Title
Lab Aide

Position Grade
05

Position Summary
The department of biology is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated biological collections cataloger to support the curation and digitization of its natural history collection. This position plays a critical role in preserving scientific data integrity by accurately cataloging preserved biological specimens into institutional databases. The ideal candidate has a background in biology or a related field, is comfortable handling preserved specimens, and demonstrates exceptional organizational and data management skills.

Key Responsibilities
These are the core duties expected on a regular basis:

Catalog and accession preserved biological specimens (invertebrates or parasites) into collection management databases following established Museum of Southwestern Biology protocols.
Enter, verify, and quality-control specimen data in Microsoft Excel/Google docs and collections management software (Arctos), ensuring accuracy of locality, taxonomy, collector, and collection date fields.
Handle and process preserved specimens stored in fluid (ethanol), as dry preparations (slides), or as frozen tissue samples, following proper safety and conservation procedures.
Assign and affix catalog numbers, labels, and barcodes to specimens and associated vials, envelopes, or storage containers.
Assist curatorial staff with reorganization of collection cabinets, freezer inventories, or incoming loan/gift processing.
Follow institutional health and safety protocols, including proper use of PPE when handling fixatives or chemical preservatives.
See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Must be at least 18 years of age at date of hire.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Minimum Qualifications

Successful completion of junior or senior year of high school; no previous experience required.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Botany, Systematics, or a closely related field
• Attention to Detail Demonstrated ability to perform precise, repetitive data entry with a very high degree of accuracy
• Computer Skills Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (sorting, filtering, data validation, basic formulas)
• Data Management Experience creating or maintaining structured spreadsheets or relational databases
• Physical Comfort Willingness to handle preserved specimens in fluid or frozen tissue
• Prior experience working in a natural history museum, herbarium, or biological field collection
• Familiarity with collection management platforms such as Arctos
• Background in taxonomy, systematics, or museum studies
• Experience with georeferencing locality data using GeoLocate or Google Earth
• Knowledge of biological nomenclature and taxonomic conventions
• Coursework or training in museum curation or archival practices

Additional Requirements

Campus
Main - Albuquerque, NM

Department
AS Biology General Administrative (048F)

Employment Type
Staff

Staff Type
On-Call

Term End Date

Status
Non-Exempt

Pay
Hourly: $15.00 - $17.15

Benefits Eligible
No benefits for On-Call hires

ERB Statement
As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.

Background Check Required
No

For Best Consideration Date
8/31/2026

Eligible for Hiring Incentive

Eligible for Remote Work

Eligible for Remote Work Statement

Application Instructions


Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
Submit a resume with UNMJobs application.


Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit Refer to for a definition of Regular Staff.