Job Description
Overview
OPEN DATE: August 28, 2025
CLOSING DATE: September 11, 2025 (announcement may close earlier if first 100 applications are received)
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Temporary NTE 1 year, may be extended based on performance and funds
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: IS-09
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Open to all qualified applicants
What are Trust Fund Positions? Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid from various sources including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. Salary ranges are generally the same as federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees may have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, and other programs.
Conditions of Employment
Pass pre-employment background check and subsequent background investigation for the position.
Complete a probationary period.
Maintain a bank account for direct deposit/electronic transfer.
The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States; proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. is not required to apply.
Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
Overview (continued)
The Museum of Natural History (NMNH) seeks an experienced Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Molecular Genetics) in the Laboratories of Analytical Biology (LAB), the biotechnology core of NMNH research facilities. This position supports NMNH’s partnership with the USDA APHIS Identification Services. The Identification Services coordinates identifications of plant pests for regulatory programs to support quarantine actions and protect agricultural and natural resources. All work follows NMNH collections management policies and procedures. The incumbent will provide technical support for molecular genetics research and collections, collaborating with NMNH and USDA investigators on projects involving genetic material from diverse organisms, and will work with researchers following laboratory and informatics protocols with substantial independence.
Duties and Responsibilities
Conduct laboratory-based sample processing, including routine molecular tasks and next-generation sequencing library preparation and enrichment.
Coordinate scientific, programmatic, and sample data management within NMNH.
Collect and manage genetic data using standard protocols, bioinformatic techniques, and resources.
Assist in training of other technicians, interns, and volunteers, and manage daily field and laboratory activities at NMNH.
Qualifications
Education and Experience: To qualify, applicants must have 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a master’s degree related to the position, from an accredited college or university, and/or at least 3 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Broad and detailed technical knowledge of molecular genetics and laboratory techniques for characterizing organisms and biological communities from biological and environmental samples.
Experience with modern laboratory, data management, and data analysis techniques to evaluate, optimize, and troubleshoot procedures and generate high-quality, reproducible data.
Experience operating genetic laboratory equipment during standardized procedures and assisting with more sophisticated equipment when needed.
Knowledge of data analysis and management techniques relevant to molecular genetics research.
Proficiency with spreadsheets, databases, sequencing, and genetic laboratory research and related software.
How to Apply
Applicants should include a description of paid and non-paid work experience related to this job, with starting and ending dates (month and year) and average hours per week. Unofficial transcripts must be submitted with the application if applying based on education; official transcripts may be required if selected. If education completed outside the United States, an evaluation of equivalency may be needed. False statements may result in rejection or termination after employment begins.
What to Expect Next
After the vacancy closes, resumes will be reviewed against qualification requirements. Qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager. Relocation expenses are not paid.
Accommodation and Equal Opportunity
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Requests should be directed to NMNH Staffing. The Smithsonian is an Equal Opportunity Employer. See Smithsonian EEO information for more details.
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Job Tags
Full time, Temporary work, Work experience placement, Relocation,