Curator, Marine Invertebrates

About the role

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) seeks a full-time Assistant OR Associate Curator, commensurate with experience, of Marine Invertebrates. The successful candidate will conduct collection-based research in integrative invertebrate biology, specifically overseeing the growth and stewardship of the Museum's echinoderm collection. We are particularly interested in candidates who can tackle big-picture questions in marine biodiversity science and are able to apply research findings to issues of global importance. This role offers a unique opportunity to conduct integrative, specimen-based research at a globally recognized natural history museum.

About the collections

NHMLAC's marine invertebrate collections are the largest in the western United States, with strengths in benthic macroscopic specimens from the Eastern Pacific as well as globally. These collections house approximately 12 million specimens of extant phyla, with strong emphasis on crustaceans, mollusks, annelids, and echinoderms.

Responsibilities

• Conduct integrative, specimen-based research in marine invertebrate biology
• Oversee the growth and stewardship of the Museum's echinoderm collection
• Maintain and expand an active, public facing, and externally funded research program that includes field work
• Emphasize California and Southern California-based studies that address questions in biodiversity science, complementing existing strengths of NHMLAC
• Supervise staff and volunteers
• Mentor students
• Develop working relationships with local colleges and universities
• Participate actively in museum activities including exhibits, education, community science, public outreach and media interactions, and fundraising

Requirements

• Ph.D. required
• Strong track record of peer-reviewed publications
• Strong track record of competitive external funding
• Experience with the care and management of marine invertebrate wet collections (highly desirable)
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to engage with culturally diverse audiences

Application information

Application deadline: October 15, 2026

Proposed start date: July 1, 2027

Salary: $83,000 - $112,000 per year (title of Assistant/Associate Curator commensurate with experience)

Interested candidates should submit all materials as a single PDF to Ciel Ramon-Canas at cramoncanas@nhm.org, including "Marine Invertebrate Curator Search" in the subject line.

Application must include:

• Cover letter
• 2–3 page statement of proposed research and collection development (including the application of modern methods and informatics to Museum collections)
• 1–3 page statement of interest and experience in public engagement
• 1-page statement of experience with and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in the natural sciences
• Curriculum vitae
• Full contact information for at least three references

About NHMLAC

NHMLAC's values—adventurous, inclusive, authentic, and intentional—guide our work and visitor experience, committing us to foster a welcoming, safe and respectful workplace environment where innovation and collaboration thrive and every team member can contribute their unique perspectives to advance our mission. NHMLAC seeks candidates who are aligned with our values and priorities, and are passionate about connecting science with the vibrant and diverse communities we serve throughout Los Angeles. NHMLAC deeply values diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, and enthusiastically encourages applications from all people, including those who identify as a minority in science, person of color, neurodivergent, a woman, a person with a disability, a veteran, and/or part of the LGBTQAI+ community. NHMLAC is a nonprofit organization committed to fostering a workplace and public environment that uplifts Kindness, Fairness, Openness and Dignity. These values extend not only to our employees, but to our guests, local community, and organizational partners.