Study Support Technician I – Aquatics (Temp-to-Hire) (Multiple Positions)

Howard Hughes Medical Institute•Ashburn, VA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This position provides standard animal husbandry and technical support services in the Aquatics department. Under minimal supervision, the role focuses on ensuring the highest standard of animal care and welfare while supporting Janelia researchers working with larval zebrafish and Danionella. We are hiring multiple Aquatics Technicians across both areas to support this growth. Please note, this is a 3-month temporary position with the potential to be extended or become permanent based on business needs.

Requirements

College degree in life science or a related field preferred.
Six months of experience working with vertebrate animal species.
Experience in a basic or applied science research setting preferred. This could include academic, industry, or non-profit.
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.
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace.
The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Nice To Haves

Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Perform animal husbandry and animal care support services to multiple aquatic species (e.g., providing feed, clean tanks, daily observations of each animal, and water filtration system maintenance).
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., crossing, fin clips, performing injections, clinical treatments) as directed.
Set up breeding units of zebrafish and Danionella 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.