Research Assistant - Clean Seas

Job Posting Research Assistant - Clean Seas

Department: Conservation Programs and Partnerships

Reports to: Research Scientist

Status: Part-time, seasonal. Approximate dates are April through October 2026.

Hours of Work: Approximately 16 hours per week for 6-7 months. The primary focus of this job is lab work, which must be done in 8-hour days on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays, ideally a total of two days per week with the days selected based on employee’s preference and lab space availability. Some flexibility required during initial hiring for training and fixed schedule after training agreed upon between supervisor and employee.

Occasional other tasks outside lab work may be done on other weekdays and fewer hours per day based on agreement with supervisor.

Salary: $ per hour.

Workplace: The primary worksite will be a lab at the University of Washington (Seattle campus), with other duties performed at the Seattle Aquarium.

The Seattle Aquarium’s Conservation Research Program seeks a Clean Seas Research Assistant to support our mission-driven research, with a primary focus on microparticle monitoring and laboratory analysis. Microparticles, including microplastics and other micro‑anthropogenic debris, accumulate and harm ecosystems and species, underscoring the need for long‑term monitoring. The Seattle Aquarium offers an ideal location to study microparticle concentrations near a major urban center.

We draw seawater directly from Elliott Bay at depth, filter it for use in habitats, and release it back into Puget Sound after use. We have collected samples both before and after initial filtration since 2019, with one published study documenting long‑term microparticle contamination.

While microparticle monitoring and laboratory analysis will comprise the majority of the scope of work for this position, the Research Assistant will also have some opportunities to work with the Research Team to advance other aspects of the Seattle Aquarium’s suite of research programs and projects, such as the Sustainable Seas program (e.g., sea otter, sixgill shark, and fish population monitoring).

The Research Assistant will gain early‑career exposure to the day‑to‑day activities of various research projects, with most responsibilities focused on laboratory analyses, and occasional opportunities for fieldwork, data processing, and participation in education, outreach, and engagement events.

The natural sciences and the conservation movement have historically marginalized many communities from leadership roles. Our team actively seeks to dismantle this practice and broaden participation in marine and environmental conservation professions, making them more inclusive of the full diversity of our communities and responsive to their needs and perspectives. Candidates passionate about anti‑racism, social justice, environmental justice, and other intersections will be an asset to our work.

Candidates do not necessarily need a Western science background as we acknowledge there are other ways to gain knowledge and training.

Under the direct supervision of a Research Scientist, this position supports the Seattle Aquarium’s conservation research program, with a primary focus on long‑term microparticle monitoring and laboratory analysis. Most laboratory activities will be conducted at the University of Washington (Seattle campus), with some duties performed at the Seattle Aquarium.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Perform Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis to identify the chemical composition of anthropogenic particles (at the University of Washington laboratory) collected from Elliott Bay water that feeds our exhibits.
• Count, categorize, and measure anthropogenic debris from collected samples.
• Assist with data management, quality control, and analysis to support research objectives.
• Communicate research findings by presenting microparticle monitoring results at public outreach events and educational functions, including events and meetings focused on addressing plastic pollution.
• Occasionally participate in microparticle…