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

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 ---- Job Details: 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 Required Materials Resume/CV 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor Letter of interest Important   for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:  You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded.  Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes. Important for Current university employees and contingent workers:  As a current university employee or