Zebrafish Research Technician II

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

352d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3 years of related experience.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily feeding schedule for zebrafish.
• Organize and supervise hourly undergraduate students responsible for feeding the fish.
• Ensure proper tank cleaning and overall cleanliness and organization of the facility.
• Assist with aquaculture system maintenance.
• Mating zebrafish and raising fry to propagate established lines.
• Screen embryos under a microscope.
• Perform molecular PCR genotyping to confirm line identity.
• Inject and analyze gene editing in zebrafish.
• Conduct PCR, next-generation sequencing, Southern blots, and molecular cloning of DNA for injection experiments.
• General laboratory maintenance.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: High school or GED