Animal Behavior Research Technician - Temporary

Princeton University; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

The Princeton Brain Project at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute seeks an Animal Behavior Research Technician to support high-throughput behavioral training of rodents across multiple research groups.

This part-time casual position offers 20–30 hours per week with an initial 4‑week training period at 40 hours per week; the assigned shift is Sunday and Monday, 10 hours each, with potential additional hours as needed.

Qualifications

• Highly organized, reliable, and punctual.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with rodents or laboratory work is helpful but training provided.

Responsibilities

• Run behavioral training sessions for rodents across research groups.
• Maintain smooth daily operations in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborate with graduate students and staff.
• Adapt to scheduling needs, including weekends and holidays.

Skills

Highly organized

Strong communication

Independent and collaborative

Attention to detail

Experience with rodents

Job description

Overview

Animal Behavior Research Technician (Part‑Time-Casual)The Princeton Brain Project at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute is seeking a motivated, detailed‑oriented Animal Behavior Research Technician to support high‑throughput behavioral training of rodents across multiple research groups. The facility supports experiments involving decision‑making, executive control, working memory, optogenetics, electrophysiology, and head‑fixed behavioral rigs.

This is a 6‑month temporary position with the possibility of extension.

Responsibilities

Technicians work closely with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and other staff to run behavioral training sessions and maintain smooth daily operations in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment.

Schedule:

• Part‑time: 20–30 hours per week
• Initial training period: 4 weeks at 40 hours/week to ensure full competency with behavioral protocols and facility workflows
• After training, technicians transition to their regular schedule
• Assigned shift: Sunday and Monday, 10‑hour shifts
• Shifts may include weekdays, weekends, and holidays depending on facility needs
• Some scheduling flexibility is available
• There may be opportunities for additional hours during periods of increased experimental activity or operational demand

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Highly organized, reliable, punctual, and attentive to detail
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced research environment
• Prior experience with rodents or laboratory work is helpful but not required; training will be provided

Be advised that you will be contacted only if there is further interest in your application. Your candidate dashboard may not display status updates for this requisition.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full‑time position; salaries for part‑time positions are pro‑rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours

0.00

Eligible for Overtime

Yes

Benefits Eligible

No

Probationary Period

N/A

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

No

Physical Capacity Exam Required

No

Valid Driver's License Required

No

Salary Range

$15.92 Minimum Hourly Rate