Aquaculture Assistant, Animal Husbandry (WDA)

Merck

Singapore

On-site

SGD 24,000 - 30,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Job summary

Merck in Singapore is seeking an Aquaculture Assistant to support daily operations of its aquatic facilities and wet laboratories. The role is hands-on, focusing on fish husbandry, water quality monitoring, and routine maintenance to ensure welfare and smooth research activities.

You will follow established protocols, assist with sample collection and basic molecular prep, and help maintain inventory and safety practices in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

Higher Nitec graduate or above.
Able to perform manual, repetitive tasks in wet lab settings.
Comfortable handling live fish and performing routine husbandry.
Ability to lift loads and work in humid, wet environments.
Strong attention to record-keeping and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

Perform daily fish husbandry and animal care activities.
Conduct feeding according to schedules.
Carry out routine tank cleaning, water changes, and facility maintenance.
Monitor fish health and report abnormalities.
Prepare live fish for research and sample collection.
Assist with DNA/RNA extraction, PCR preparation, and related lab procedures.
Maintain accurate records of fish stocks, husbandry, and facility operations.
Assist with inventory monitoring and stock control of feed, chemicals, reagents, and supplies.
Support cleanliness and biosafety compliance in the facilities.
Work independently during shifts.

Skills

Animal Care

Animal Handling

Animal Health Care

Animal Husbandry

Animal Management

Biosafety

Data Recording

Inventory Management

Lab Safety

Record Keeping

Education

Higher Nitec graduate or above

Job description

The Aquaculture Assistant supports the daily operation of aquaculture and wet laboratory facilities by performing routine fish husbandry, facility maintenance, water quality monitoring, and research support activities. This role is primarily operational and involves regular hands-on work in a wet lab environment to ensure the welfare of aquatic animals and the smooth functioning of research facilities.

The position is suitable for individuals who are reliable, disciplined, and comfortable performing routine and physically demanding tasks while supporting research and laboratory operations.

Key Responsibilities

Aquaculture Operations & Fish Husbandry

Perform daily fish husbandry and animal care activities in accordance with established protocols.
Conduct feeding activities according to designated schedules.
Carry out routine tank cleaning, water changes, and general facility maintenance.
Handling of fish is required.
Monitor fish health, behavior, and welfare and report abnormalities to supervisors.
Support the routine operation and upkeep of aquaculture systems and equipment.

Water Quality Monitoring

Conduct routine water quality testing and maintain accurate records.
Assist in maintaining suitable environmental conditions for fish stocks.
Report water quality concerns and equipment issues promptly.

Research Support Activities

Prepare live fish for research and experimental activities.
Support biological sample collection, including fish weighing and morphometric measurements.
Assist with routine laboratory procedures, including fish dissection, DNA extraction, RNA extraction, PCR and qPCR preparation, bacterial plating.

Inventory Management & Documentation

Maintain accurate records of fish stocks, husbandry activities, and facility operations.
Perform routine data entry and record keeping.
Assist with inventory monitoring and stock control of fish feed.
Assist with inventory monitoring and stock control of chemicals and reagents.
Assist with inventory monitoring and stock control of laboratory consumables.
Assist with inventory monitoring and stock control of equipment and supplies.
Support restocking, housekeeping, and general operational activities.

Facility Support & Compliance

Maintain cleanliness and organization of aquaculture and wet laboratory facilities.
Follow all laboratory safety, biosafety, animal welfare, and biosecurity procedures.
Work independently during assigned shifts and operational coverage periods.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

Physically fit and able to perform manual and repetitive tasks daily.
Able to lift and carry loads.
Comfortable working in wet, humid, and occasionally outdoor environments.
Able to stand, walk, and perform physical activities for extended periods.
Comfortable handling live fish and performing routine husbandry activities.
Comfortable working at height when required for facility operations.
Must be able to work One weekly weekend (Sat or Sun) duty.

Core Competencies

Reliable and responsible with a strong work ethic.
Able to follow established procedures and work instructions accurately.
Comfortable performing routine and operational tasks consistently.
Strong attention to detail and record-keeping practices.
Good teamwork and communication skills.
Ability to work independently when required.
Willingness to learn and support research activities.
Commitment to safety, animal welfare, and biosecurity standards.

Position Expectations

This role is operational in nature and involves a significant amount of routine, hands-on, and physically demanding work. Candidates seeking primarily research-focused, office-based, or analytical positions may find this role less suitable. The primary focus of the position is to support aquaculture operations, animal care, facility maintenance, and research support activities to ensure the effective running of the wet laboratory environment.

Reporting Line

Reports to: Associate Specialist, Research (as assigned)

Education

Higher Nitec graduate and above

Required Skills