Research Technician - Kronauer Lab

Primary Work Address: 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065

Current HHMI Employees,  to apply via your Workday account.

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is seeking a Research Technician I to join the Kronauer Laboratory at Rockefeller University. The Kronauer Lab studies the behavior, ecology, evolution, and neurobiology of social insects, with a particular focus on ants. This is a role well‑suited for someone seeking an along‑term position and looking to grow within a stable, productive research environment.

This unique position combines laboratory operations, ant colony husbandry, and research support within a highly collaborative scientific environment. The role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands‑on work, is excited about working with insects, and wants to contribute to the day‑to‑day success of a world‑class research laboratory. While prior research experience is welcome, the team is primarily seeking someone who is dependable, detail‑oriented, eager to learn, and enthusiastic about supporting both the operational and scientific needs of the lab.

• Meaningful professional experience within a world‑renowned research organization.
• Exposure to cutting‑edge scientific research and laboratory operations.
• Opportunities to explore interests in biology, neuroscience, animal behavior, and scientific research.
• Participation in lab meetings and scientific discussions.
• Mentorship and networking opportunities with researchers, technicians, postdoctoral fellows, and scientific staff.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment.
• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

• Maintain ant colonies on a regular schedule, including watering, feeding, cleaning, and general husbandry.
• Assist with the production and maintenance of research ant colonies.
• Manage colony storage procedures, including placing designated colonies into freezer storage and returning them to established schedules.
• Monitor colony health and ensure husbandry protocols are consistently followed.

• Assist and collaborate with other laboratory personnel and team members as needed on a variety of research projects that span from behavioral tracking to genome engineering.
• Assist with the preparation and maintenance of research colonies.
• Attend lab meetings and scientific discussions to learn and participate about ongoing research projects.
• Collaborate with lab members on ongoing research projects spanning behavioral tracking, genome engineering, and other areas of active investigation – with the understanding that research involvement will grow over time as husbandry and operational tasks become more routine.

• Receive, unpack, and organize laboratory deliveries.
• Notify laboratory personnel of incoming materials and deliveries.
• Perform routine laboratory maintenance, including dishwashing, bottle preparation, restocking supplies, and maintaining inventories of laboratory consumables.
• Help ensure laboratory spaces remain clean, organized, and operational.
• Assist with general operational support to keep laboratory workflows running smoothly.

The ideal candidate is genuinely excited about working with insects and contributing to a collaborative research environment. Successful candidates are dependable, detail‑oriented, eager to learn, and comfortable performing routine operational tasks with consistency.

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Comfortable working with insects and animal husbandry tasks.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Enthusiasm for learning and supporting scientific research.

• 0‑2 years of relevant experience in laboratory operations, animal care, husbandry, research support, or related environments.
• Previous experience working with insects, animals, husbandry, laboratory operations, or research environments.
• Prior laboratory or…