Research Engineering​/Scientist Associate II – Zebrafish Research & Aquatics Specialist

Hiring Department:
Molecular Biosciences

Position Open To:
All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled

Hours:

40

FLSA Status:
Exempt from FLSA

Earliest

Start Date:

Immediately

Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until Oct 05, 2027

Location:

AUSTIN, TX

The Garner Lab (www.rikkigarnerlab.org) in the Department of Molecular Biosciences at The University of Texas at Austin seeks a reliable and highly organized Zebrafish Research & Aquatics Specialist to support the operation of a research zebrafish facility. The successful candidate will take primary responsibility for routine zebrafish husbandry, colony organization, aquatics-system monitoring and maintenance, and support of zebrafish-based research.

• Maintain the day-to-day health and operation of the laboratory zebrafish facility.
• Responsibilities include feeding, monitoring fish health and behavior, tank cleaning and sanitation, routine husbandry, water-quality monitoring, maintaining appropriate stocking densities, and performing regular checks of pumps, filtration, UV sterilization, temperature, conductivity, pH, and other aquatics systems.
• Identify and respond promptly to animal-health or facility problems and perform or coordinate routine troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Some scheduled weekend and holiday animal-care responsibilities will be required.

• Maintain zebrafish lines and breeding records; set up crosses; collect embryos; assist with colony planning, genotyping, and organization of experimental animals.
• Maintain accurate records of fish lines, breeding, health, and experimental use.
• Work with the PI and other laboratory members to support zebrafish-based research and train new laboratory members in appropriate husbandry and fish-room procedures.

• Maintain an organized and well-stocked aquatics facility, monitor inventory and order fish-room supplies before they are depleted, maintain equipment and maintenance records, and assist with development and implementation of standard operating procedures.
• Ensure work is performed in accordance with laboratory safety requirements, IACUC protocols, and institutional animal-care procedures.

• Master’s degree in a related field, or bachelor’s degree plus at least two years of relevant experience.
• The successful candidate will be hired depending on education, relevant experience, and demonstrated ability to independently manage zebrafish husbandry and aquatics-facility operations.
• Demonstrated reliability, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate records and follow established procedures.
• Ability to work independently and recognize and respond to problems in a timely manner.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to perform routine aquatics-facility work, including feeding animals, cleaning tanks and equipment, handling water and aquatic-system components, and performing scheduled weekend and holiday animal care as needed.

• Experience working with vertebrate animals.
• Experience working with zebrafish is strongly preferred.
• Experience with one or more of the following is particularly desirable: zebrafish husbandry and breeding; operation or maintenance of recirculating aquatic systems; water-quality monitoring; animal health monitoring; aquaculture or aquarium systems; facility maintenance and troubleshooting; zebrafish genotyping; laboratory inventory and ordering; or working under IACUC-approved animal protocols.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort troubleshooting pumps,…