Job Information
Iowa State University Zebrafish Research Technician in Ames, Iowa
Position Title:Zebrafish Research Technician
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:High school diploma or equivalent and 3 years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications:Degree in Genetics, Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Animal Science or closely related field.
Research laboratory experience in molecular biology methods and microscopy.
Experience working with aquatic animals.
Job Description:
The Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology at Iowa State University is seeking qualified applicants for a Research Technician II position. This role involves overseeing the daily feeding schedule for zebrafish, organizing and supervising hourly undergraduate students responsible for feeding the fish, and ensuring proper tank cleaning and the overall cleanliness and organization of the facility. The Research Technician will assist Dr. Essner with aquaculture system maintenance and will be responsible for mating zebrafish, raising fry to propagate established lines, screening embryos under a microscope, and performing molecular PCR genotyping to confirm line identity. Additional duties include injecting and analyzing gene editing in zebrafish, conducting PCR, next-generation sequencing, Southern blots, and molecular cloning of DNA for injection experiments, as well as general laboratory maintenance.
This position supports research laboratories at Iowa State that utilize zebrafish as models for human development and disease, and for the development of gene editing technology. The manager's research focuses on using zebrafish to model critical events in cancer progression and to identify genes involved in these processes.
The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, strong written and oral communication abilities, and the capability to work independently and as part of a team.
The Research Technician II position offers an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge gene editing projects using CRISPR technology to mutate genes related to DNA repair in zebrafish. This work has direct real-world applications, particularly in the field of human gene editing, with potential implications for understanding DNA dynamics and advancing treatments for genetic disorders. The role provides a unique chance to be at the forefront of research into how DNA repair functions, contributing to breakthroughs that could one day influence human health. While many other labs compete in this field, being part of a team exploring these groundbreaking technologies adds an element of excitement and innovation to the work, making each discovery a rewarding experience.
This is a term position with opportunity for renewal. Multiple positions are available.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.
Level Guidelines• Career-level position demonstrating proficiency and knowledge of related competencies• Works under direct to general supervision and may receive guidance on more complex assignments• Follows established procedures for work assignments, and completes assignments which are semi-routine and may be atypical in nature• Applies thorough knowledge to respond to inquiries and requests• Able to resolve most problems and issues and respond to requests without escalation• Provides guidance to students• May provide supervision to one to two other staff or lead a small work team
Appointment Type:Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS805
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)• Life insurance and long-term disability• Flexible Spending Accounts• Various voluntary benefits and discounts• Employee Assistance Program• Wellbeing program
Original Posting Date: October 1, 2024
Posting Close Date:December 2, 2024
Job Requisition Number:R15594
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming, global, and culturally diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.