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Research Assistant - Clean Seas
Seattle Aquarium
USD 22-23 / hour
Posted on Feb 28, 2026
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: $22.00-23.00 / hour.
Workplace: The primary worksite will be a lab at the University of Washington (Seattle campus), with other duties performed at the Seattle Aquarium.
Position Overview:
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.
Primary Responsibilities:
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:
Microparticle Research (80%)
- 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 sample collection at Pier 60 of the Seattle Aquarium.
Other Research (20%)
- Learn and assist with sea otter and shark data entry.
- Support fish population assessments by analyzing diver video surveys from Hawaiʻi and the Salish Sea.
- Observe and participate in fieldwork activities to gain familiarity with data collection methods and best practices, maintaining safe and responsible conduct at all times.
- Assist with other research team needs as they arise.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Some previous laboratory experience, which may include coursework-related lab work or participation in extracurricular laboratory activities.
- Strong attention to detail, especially when following laboratory protocols and procedures.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently while seeking guidance appropriately.
- Demonstrates responsibility and adherence to safety protocols when handling hazardous substances, including liquid nitrogen, to ensure safety.
- Familiarity with Microsoft 365 applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, and OneDrive.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
- Demonstrated basic writing and oral communication skills for clear documentation and presentations.
- Ability to manage and organize data efficiently.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Familiarity with FTIR analysis considered a strong asset but not required.
- Proficiency in using microscopes and related lab equipment.
- Foundational knowledge or interest in microplastics research and environmental conservation.
- Familiarity with R programming and basic coding skills for data analysis and visualization.
- Basic data analysis skills and familiarity with scientific data management software or tools.
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent, plus a minimum of two years of undergraduate (post-secondary) education.
We recognize that the required and preferred skills and abilities may be demonstrated through a variety of pathways, including cultural and community programs, jobs, internships, volunteer work, and formal education.
If you meet some of the qualifications and share a passion for our mission and the ocean, we encourage you to apply. We look forward to learning more about your unique background and potential contributions.
Working Conditions
- Requires the ability to work at a desk with a computer and at a lab bench with a stool and computer. Most lab work will take place at the UW Seattle campus. On occasion, work will be conducted at the Seattle Aquarium.
- Requires working with or exposure to standard laboratory chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide and liquid nitrogen, while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
- While fulfilling the responsibilities associated with this role, the applicant is expected to stand, walk, sit, operate hands to manipulate objects or tools, reach with hands and arms, ascend stairs, maintain balance, stoop, crouch, talk or hear, and smell. The role also necessitates specific visual capabilities, including close vision, distance vision, color discrimination, peripheral vision, and depth perception. The candidate must be able to adjust focus, particularly using a microscope, with or without assistive devices.
- Candidate must be able to lift at least 15 pounds.
- Some day travel may be possible to conduct fieldwork but not required.
- We recognize that individuals may meet these requirements in different ways, and reasonable accommodations may be provided to support candidates in performing essential job functions.
Salary and benefits: Dependent on experience. $22.00 - $23.00/hour. Please include salary expectations in your materials. Temporary staff are not eligible for benefits but accrue paid sick time and are paid an additional $0.75/hour to assist with transportation costs.
How to apply: The Seattle Aquarium is committed to expanding a diverse, equitable, and inclusive conservation movement. We are invested in building an Aquarium with a wide variety of backgrounds, identities, languages, cultural ways of knowing, and life experiences. We know research shows that society has conditioned communities of color, trans and gender non-conforming people, immigrants, people with disabilities, and other marginalized candidates to more frequently not apply to a job because they don’t feel that they meet all of the qualifications listed even if they are qualified. If you meet some of the requirements and you are passionate about our mission and our ocean, we encourage you to apply and look forward to learning more about you.
Interested candidates should upload a résumé to our online application to be considered. Application review will begin immediately.
Please let us know if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for this job by emailing us at jobs@seattleaquarium.org.
Note: If offered the position, candidates must pass a background check. Conviction record is not an automatic disqualifier; we are a second chance employer.
About the Seattle Aquarium: The Seattle Aquarium is a respected authority on Puget Sound, the Salish Sea and the world’s one ocean. Our team increases awareness and drives the change needed to preserve and protect our marine environment by providing excellent care and wellbeing for over 5,000 animals to create an inspiring visitor experience, offer engaging daytime and evening events, conservation education programs for people of all ages and backgrounds, community outreach to marginalized populations, research that advances understanding of animals in our care and their counterparts in the wild, advocacy and policy work, an award-winning volunteer program, high-impact marketing and communications, and more.
Our values, developed in conjunction with our staff, include commitments to adopting and promoting sustainable practices, creating awe-inspiring experiences, constantly learning and improving, fostering an inclusive community, maintaining scientific credibility through evidence-based practices and honoring our unique place by using our location and history as a lens for larger understanding.
Proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, we’re among the top 10 aquariums in the U.S. by attendance, and we welcome over 1 million people each year guided by our mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment. Learn more at SeattleAquarium.org.
Disclaimer
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
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.
Approximately 16 hours per week for 6-7 months.