Research Engineering/Scientist Associate I, II, III, or IV – Zebrafish Research & Aquatics Specialist

University of Texas; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Garner Lab 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, marine science, aquaculture, animal science, engineering, or related field.
• Experience or training in zebrafish husbandry and colony management preferred.
• Ability to follow IACUC and safety protocols and maintain accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Maintain day-to-day health and operation of the zebrafish facility.
• Manage tanks, water quality, feeding, and routine aquatics-system maintenance.
• Support zebrafish-based research and train new lab members.

Skills

Reliability

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field

Master’s degree in related field (optional)

PhD in related field (optional)

Job description

Job Posting Title: Research Engineering/Scientist Associate I, II, III, or IV – 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 Sep 03, 2027

Location: AUSTIN, TX

Purpose

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.

Responsibilities

Zebrafish husbandry and aquatics facility operations

• 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.

Zebrafish colony management and research support

• 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.

Facility organization, inventory, compliance, and supplies

• 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.

Required Qualifications

The successful candidate will be hired at the RESA I, II, III, or IV level depending on education, relevant experience, and demonstrated ability to independently manage zebrafish husbandry and aquatics-facility operations. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

RESA I

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, marine science, aquaculture, animal science, engineering, or a related field.

RESA II

• Master’s degree in a related field, or bachelor’s degree plus at least two years of relevant experience.

RESA III

• PhD in a related field, or master’s degree plus at least two years of highly relevant experience, or bachelor’s degree plus at least four years of highly relevant experience.

RESA IV

• PhD in a related field plus at least two years of highly relevant experience, or master’s degree plus at least four years of highly relevant experience, or bachelor’s degree plus at least six years of highly relevant experience.

ALL LEVELS: 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.

Preferred Qualifications: 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, filtration, plumbing, sensors, or other aquatics equipment are highly desirable.

Salary Range

• RESA I: $35,000+ depending on qualifications
• RESA II: $45,000+ depending on qualifications
• RESA III: $55,000+ depending on qualifications
• RESA IV: $65,000+ depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

Personal protection equipment (furnished) May work around chemical fumes May work around standard office conditions May work around biohazards May work around chemicals

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and if this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

Comments and Inquiries

Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services. Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment. For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone]. UT Austin is a Tobacco-free Campus

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