Study Support Technician – Aquatics (Temp-to-Hire)

Howard Hughes Medical Institute•Ashburn, VA

2d•$20 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

This position will provide standard services related to animal husbandry and technical procedures in the Aquatics department. Under minimal supervision, the position will be focused on ensuring the highest degree of animal care and welfare while supporting and working with Janelia researchers conducting basic science in a dynamic team-oriented environment. Please note, this is a 3-month temporary position with the potential to be extended or become permanent based on business needs. About the Vivarium: The Vivarium at Janelia is an AAALAC accredited facility that supports ground-breaking research in a variety of animal models (currently with a focus on mice, rats, and zebrafish) and is one of the highest regarded in the world. Vivarium operations are designed to enhance scientific progress and impact, while providing best-in-class welfare for, and responsible use of, laboratory animals. Our approach involves Vivarium staff working very closely with our scientists by taking responsibility and ownership of processes that involve animals, but are not data driven, to allow researchers to focus on data intensive tasks. What we provide: An opportunity to broaden research experience in a collaborative environment. A team that believes in continuous learning and cultivates an environment of collaboration. Collaboration with research labs and other shared resources, including Molecular Genomics, Viral Tools, Molecular Biology, Quantitative Genomics, Rodent Transgenics, Fly Facility, and other Vivarium teams.

Requirements

College degree in life science or any other related field preferred.
Six months of experience working with vertebrate animal species.
Ability to identify changes in an animal’s behavior or health and provide basic prescribed treatments.
Enthusiastic and self-motivated individual, with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and learn tasks quickly.
Excellent skills in Microsoft Office and/or Google Docs.
Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, rapidly changing team environment to accomplish mutual goals.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to deal effectively with research scientists, laboratory technical staff, administrative staff, management, outside contractors, and vendors.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a basic or applied science research setting preferred. This could include academic, industry, or non-profit.
Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Perform animal husbandry and animal care support services to multiple species (e.g. providing feed, water, clean cages, and daily observations of each animal).
Clean and sanitize animal holding or procedure rooms.
Provide environmental enrichment appropriate to the species housed.
Provide other minor technical support for species housed (e.g. restraining animals, collecting blood, performing injections, clinical treatments) as directed.
Set-up breeding units of rodents and zebrafish as directed.
Use databases for animal recordkeeping, including but not limited to, animal housing and study support.
Assist with receiving, stocking and maintenance of all supply inventories.
Maintain and record appropriate data for all duties completed.