Animal Care and Laboratory Research Technician

Research Technician Job: University of Connecticut animal care and lab management

The University of Connecticut is searching for a full-time lab research technician, to work in Dr. Daniel Bolnick’s lab group in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. The primary responsibility of the technician will be to run the lab’s fish colony of threespine stickleback. Secondary responsibilities include assisting with laboratory experiments, and lab management tasks. This position is funded by a National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) grant to map the genetic basis of differences in immunity between natural populations of fish, and differences in immune suppression between populations of tapeworm parasites.

Tasks: Animal colony management includes feeding fish, aquarium system maintenance, monitoring fish health, record keeping, and breeding lab animals. The technician will also supervise and coordinate other lab members who contribute fish care help. Secondary responsibilities related to the fish colony will be to collaborate with lab members doing laboratory experiments (e.g., vaccination assays) and associated laboratory work. In addition the technician will help with general lab management including purchasing lab supplies for lab members, ensuring safety compliance, and helping to keep the lab organized.

Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must be have an undergraduate degree (BSc or BA) in biology or a related field. They must be organized and reliable and have the ability to carry out independent laboratory research and fish care protocols after initial training. Previous educational experience and work records should demonstrate a good work ethic, organizational ability, and interest in scientific research.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with animal care is strongly preferred. Prior experience with care of fish or other aquatic organisms is especially valuable. Some prior experience with laboratory research such as (but not limited to) molecular genetics, immunology, or cell biology, is helpful but not required.

Start date and duration: The position is available to begin as early as September 16, and we would prefer candidates who could begin before October 1. The position will begin with a one year appointment subject to renewal for up to four years. The position might be extended for additional years beyond four, if additional grants are funded.

Salary is expected to be between $38,000-$45,000 per year depending on qualifications.

For questions about this position, please email Dr. Bolnick (daniel.bolnick@uconn.edu). For information about the Bolnick Lab, visit the lab website (https://bolnicklab.wordpress.com), and Dr. Bolnick’s Google Scholar page.

The University of Connecticut is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants with questions about disability services can privately discuss their application with the University of Connecticut Disability Services Office.