About the Academy

The Academy of Natural Sciences was founded in 1812 for "the encouragement and cultivation of the sciences".  Since then, it has sponsored global expeditions, conducted pioneering environmental and systematics research, and amassed remarkable collections containing more than 18 million specimens from around the world and a peerless library and archive. Since 2011 its academic enterprise has been further strengthened through its affiliation with nearby Drexel University – a leading private non-profit research institution that focusses on innovation and entrepreneurship and provides a unique cooperative education program for its undergraduate and graduate degree students.  

Today the Academy is one of the most important natural science institutions in the world. However, the world is changing fast and the Academy – directed by its Strategic Plan 2019-24 - is changing with it.  Over the next five years the Academy will become a “force for nature” and advance its mission: “to understand the natural world and inspire everyone to care for it”. In so doing the Academy will build on its fundamental belief that diversity and inclusion generates better ideas, inspires creativity, and is essential to building a positive workplace so that in time it can become an institution that is of, by and for all Philadelphians.

Job Summary 

The Phycology and Macroinvertebrate Departments (Patrick Center) of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (ANS) seek a detail-oriented person to assist with Paleoecology data entry and management for The Academy’s Neotoma grant, field work, and algae and macroinvertebrate sample processing. This is a two-year, full-time, benefits-eligible position with the possibility of extension pending additional grant funding. The individual will focus on lab-based work for Neotoma databasing, algae sample processing, and taxonomic classification of larval freshwater macroinvertebrates. 

Neotoma is an online Paleoecology Database and community to support global-change research by providing an open, community-curated repository for multiple kinds of paleoecological data. This work entails managing, archiving, and entering paleo datasets into the Tilia software program for upload to the Neotoma database. This staff member will help acquire, enter and maintain data for three groups of Constituent Databases: diatoms, ostracods, and testate amoebae. This staff member will be trained in the Tilia software and data capture into the Neotoma database.

The Phycological sample processing will mostly include digestion of diatoms samples, slide preparation and mounting, data entry/management, and general management of samples and daily laboratory activities following a standard operating procedure (SOP) and a chain of custody (COC). This position will also include hands-on experience in learning general bench lab skills to process the samples appropriately.  

The individual will be expected to participate in field work for the Macroinvertebrates section. Field work entails collecting macroinvertebrates, eDNA, and habitat assessments and long days in outdoor environments.

The candidate will be trained for all duties for this position. Training will include:  1) Field collection and processing benthic macroinvertebrate samples (sorting and identification of major aquatic insects and macroinvertebrates orders). 2) Algal sample management, diatom sample processing, slide preparation and taxonomy, archiving of samples, and data capture into the NADED database. 3) Data entry, gathering, and management of the Paleoecological data into the Neotoma database.

The candidate will be part of a diverse group of scientists from the Patrick Center for Environmental Research, and will have the opportunity to interact with scientists, and build up and shape the candidates' research interests. This work will be done under the supervision of the Director of Phycology Department and the Director of Macroinvertebrate Department.

Essential Functions 

• Data entry, gathering, and management of three constituent Paleoecology datasets into the Neotoma database. 
• Perform algae sample processing, slide mounting, and management of sample data into the NADED database and sample organization. 
• Taxonomic classification of larval freshwater macroinvertebrates to Family level. 
• Participating in macroinvertebrate field work.  
• Collecting and managing data for field work and/or sample processing, including QA/QC of data. 
• Follow all ANS and Drexel laboratory and safety protocols. 
• Follow Phycology and Macroinvertebrate Departments Standard Operating Procedures.
• Perform some administrative tasks, educational outreach, and other duties as needed

Required Qualifications 

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Biology or relevant field.
• Please review the  Equivalency Chart for additional information.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Attention to detail, experience in laboratory and fieldwork, ability to work within a team and individually, excellent time management, organizational and communication skills, and experience with data entry and/or management. Valid driver's license and ability to drive field vehicles is preferred, but not required.

Physical Requirements

• Typically sitting at a desk/table.
• Typically standing, walking.
• Lifting demands ≤ 25lbs.
• Typically bending, crouching, stooping.

Location 

• Center City, Philadelphia, PA  

Additional Information 

This position is classified as Non Exempt with a grade of H, [$17.14 - $ 25.71]. The offered pay is dependent upon internal equity and the successful candidate’s competencies, education, and experience. 

For more information regarding Drexel’s Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies, please visit the Compensation and Salaries website.   

Please review the Benefits Brochure for some information on our benefits offerings.  

Special Instructions to the Applicant 

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application. 

Review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.