Zebrafish Facility Technician

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

The Department of Developmental Biology at WashU Medicine invites applications for a Zebrafish Facility Technician. WashU in St. Louis is home to one of the largest and most modern zebrafish facilities in the world with robotic feeding and cleaning systems. This facility allows for large-scale, collaborative projects that would not be possible for individual investigators, helping scientists understand human development and disease, from birth defects and cancer to muscle and nerve disorders.

We are seeking an outstanding applicant to join at the level of Zebrafish Facility Technician to assist and support other team members in maintaining superior micro and macro environments for the researchers and laboratory animals alike.

Responsible for maintaining zebrafish facility operations by following standard protocols to ensure optimal fish health and equipment functionality. Includes monitoring environmental conditions, recording water quality parameters, feeding fish, maintaining nursery systems, sanitizing tanks, and operating cleaning equipment. Additionally, the role involves inventory management, disease surveillance, and ongoing training to uphold facility standards.

Job Description

• Records daily light, temperature and humidity controls.
• Records water quality which includes pH, conductivity, ammonia levels, and nitrate levels.
• Performs daily, weekly, monthly and yearly operations to maintain the operating quality of the Fish Facility equipment as well as the health of the fish.
• Performs mechanical maintenance/troubleshooting for Central Life Support Systems of the large-scale aquatics environment.
• Performs feedings of the adult and baby fish.
• Maintains and harvests saltwater rotifers and stocks young zebrafish larvae on nursery system.
• Labels and sanitizes fish tanks.
• Washes and cleans/sterilizes tanks and other equipment. Operates cleaning equipment including washer and autoclave.
• Receives and stores materials and supplies.
• Maintains close surveillance of fish health, reporting signs of illness/problems to facility supervisor.
• Participates in training, continuing education.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/Working Conditions

• Requires extensive safety training.
• Alternative work schedules.
• On-Call.
• Requires protective devices.
• Exposure to animals.

Physical Effort

• Frequent lifting 25 lbs. or more.
• Typically sitting at desk or table.
• Typically standing or walking.
• Typically bending, crouching and stooping.
• Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement.

Equipment

• Office equipment.
• Lab/research equipment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

No specific work experience is required for this position.

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

• Recirculating Aquaculture Systems.
• Experience with caring for fish.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Skills:

Animal Care, Animal Handling, Aquaculture, Communication, Detail-Oriented, Interpersonal Communication, Laboratory Techniques, Skill Development, Water Quality

Grade

R08-H

Salary Range

$18.77 - $31.94 / HourlyThe salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please emailCandidateQuestions@wustl.eduor call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.