Research Technician I - Kronauer Lab

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI); United States; On-site; USD 26,505 - 43,105; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Exceptional health benefits

Retirement plans

Range of recognition and wellness programs

Job summary

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is seeking a Research Technician I to support the Kronauer Laboratory at Rockefeller University, focusing on social insect research, particularly ants.

This position involves maintaining ant colonies, assisting in various research projects, and performing routine laboratory operations in a collaborative environment. Candidates should possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a passion for scientific research.

Exceptional health benefits and competitive pay are offered to successful candidates.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Comfortable working with insects and animal husbandry tasks.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain ant colonies, including watering, feeding, and cleaning.
• Assist in various research projects and attend lab meetings.
• Perform routine lab maintenance and ensure clean workspaces.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Comfortable working with insects

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Overview

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 role combines laboratory operations, ant colony husbandry, and research support within a collaborative scientific environment.

Responsibilities

• Ant Colony Care & Husbandry – Maintain ant colonies on a regular schedule, including watering, feeding, cleaning, and general husbandry. Assist with the production and maintenance of research colonies. Manage colony storage procedures, including placing designated colonies into freezer storage and returning them according to established schedules. Monitor colony health and ensure husbandry protocols are consistently followed.
• Research Duties – Assist and collaborate with other laboratory personnel on a variety of research projects that span behavioral tracking to genome engineering. Assist with the preparation and maintenance of research colonies. Attend lab meetings and scientific discussions to learn and participate in ongoing research projects. Collaborate with lab members on projects spanning behavioral tracking, genome engineering, and other areas of active investigation.
• Laboratory Operations & Administration – 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. Ensure laboratory spaces remain clean, organized, and operational. Assist with general operational support to keep laboratory workflows running smoothly.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications
  • 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.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • 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 research experience is helpful but not required.
  • Background in biology, neuroscience, ecology, entomology, or other science‑related fields welcome.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods; reaching and grasping by extending hands or arms; dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about the workspace; ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds. Work may involve exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids, and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials. Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Type: Hourly. Compensation Range: $19.24 (minimum) – $24.09 (midpoint) – $31.29 (maximum). HHMI offers competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We use E‑Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Applicants have rights under federal employment laws; for more information about your rights, please review the relevant posters.