Museum Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Temporary/Permanent: Temporary, Not to exceed June 30, 2026
Number of Openings: 2
Deadline to Apply: This application will remain open until the position is filled.
Rate of Pay: $22.00 per hour. This wage is set and not subject to negotiation.

Job Purpose

Under the direction of the Malacology Curator, the Research Specialists primary responsibilities are performance of tasks associated with collection-based research, involving housing, databasing, digitizing, and accessibility upgrades to the Bishop Museum Malacology collection. Additionally, a Research Specialist I will be involved in field-based activities that help grow the collection and inform management activities for state and private partners working with the Bishop Museum. The Research Specialist will work with the Malacology Curator and Collections Manager to supervise assistants, technicians, volunteers, visitors, and interns in Malacology, and work to complete the research and collections-based objectives for grants and other curatorial tasks as needed. They may also be asked to work with exhibits and public programs in sharing the outputs of work done in Malacology and the Museum broadly.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Participates and organizes collection-based research within area of specialization to improve and enhance the collections and knowledge derived from them; assists in general oversight of research activities and in some cases may help with collection management procedures (loan processing, accessions, cataloging, etc.); analyzes specimens and provides identifications within specialized scientific discipline.

• Assists in field-based activities to collect and study malacology specimens to inform curation, taxonomy, and conservation of natural resources with museum partners. As part of these duties, specialist II may be involved in designing, coordinating and carrying out field studies, surveys and expeditions related to specific research programs and activities.

• Works safely so as not to endanger fellow staff members, volunteers and visitors. Complies with safety rules and regulations and establishes safe work practices. Reads and understands all safety materials received, seeking clarification as needed. Promptly reports unsafe conditions and unsafe acts or accidents to appropriate individual. Maintains assigned work area and equipment free of accident producing conditions.

• Participates in general departmental operational planning, which includes planning and development of immediate and long-term project goals and objectives within specific field of study.

• Supervises and assists other personnel engaged in professional and technical activities, as appropriate.

• Participates and in some cases leads original research related to Museum collections within specialized scientific discipline.

• Assist with research activities in PCMB related to the objectives of Malacology collections-based research, including DNA extraction, barcoding, genomics, and databasing biobanked materials.

• Maintains affiliations in scholarly and professional organizations through service (e.g., committees, councils, editorial review boards, funding review panels) and participation (e.g. attendance, panel discussions, etc.), including presentation of papers at regional, national or international meetings, symposia, and workshops which enhances their development as a Museum scientific professional

• Serves the Museums public programs goals of collections-based education through planned participation in leading lectures, workshops, field trips, docent training, exhibit planning and through provision of technical information and assistance to Museum and clients.

• Performs other duties as requested to accomplish the Museums broader mission.

Qualifications

• MA/MS degree (in biology, museum studies or related field preferred) OR BA/BS AND up to 3 years of experience in field, lab, or related science/museum work.

• Must have at least one year of experience in a museum collection setting working with a variety of equipment, including microscopes and digital cameras.

• Working knowledge of basic molecular based approaches to taxonomy and biodiversity studies including PCR, electrophoresis, Sanger Sequencing, and genomics.

• This position requires broad malacological knowledge, (i.e. terrestrial mollusc ecology and molluscan anatomy) and overall knowledge of Hawaiian land snail families including invasive species.

• At least one year of experience with Hawaiian land snail taxonomy, ecology, and/or captive rearing.

• Must be willing and able to complete Helicopter and field safety training.

• Must be familiar with MS Word, Excel, Access.

Other Requirements

• Flexibility in working hours, as some evening and weekend work is required.

• Willingness to carry out field work in often difficult terrain.

• Must have own car with proof of insurance.

Direct Reports

• Research Assistant

• Interns

• Volunteers

Working Conditions

Work is performed in both laboratory and field environments. Laboratory duties may involve exposure to fumes, noxious odors, and gases from preservation media, as well as dust and mold from specimens. Genetic research activities require the use of ultra-cold freezers and stored materials, which present a risk of freezer burns if handled improperly.

Field duties may include working at high altitudes and in wet conditions, with extensive hiking in difficult terrain while carrying camping and field supplies. Work is often conducted in inclement weather and may involve overnight camping in remote locations, as well as occasional helicopter transport.

Equipment and tools regularly used include stereo dissecting and compound/phase-contrast microscopes, plastic heat sealers, hand tools (e.g., hammer, pliers, forceps, scalpels, pipettes), electrical tools, as well as office equipment such as computers, scanners, photocopiers, and typewriters.

Physical Requirements

This position involves primarily light work with periods of sitting, walking, reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. A high degree of handeye coordination is required when using microscopes, hand tools, and light power tools to mount and prepare specimens ranging from small and delicate to very large and heavy. Duties require long periods of specimen handling, storage container management, data entry, and keyboard use. Visual requirements include corrected 20/20 vision, depth perception, a wide field of vision, and the ability to distinguish colors.

Employees must be able to lift a minimum of 25 pounds and up to 40 pounds as needed. Molecular laboratory work may involve multiple hours of standing and repetitive use of small hand tools. Fieldwork can be physically demanding and may include hiking in difficult terrain, exposure to high altitudes and wet conditions, carrying packs weighing up to 40 pounds, and occasional overnight camping in remote locations. Helicopter flights and extended hikes require continuous focus on safety and awareness.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties and skills required. The incumbent may be expected to perform other duties as assigned.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us at hr@bishopmuseum.org or 808-848-4107 if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.