Zebrafish Research Technician - Military Veterans

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 Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

If 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