Aquaculture Technician 2: Durham, NC

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Agency

Duke University School of Medicine

Location

Durham, NC

Job Category

Full time Positions

Salary

DOE/DOQ

Last Date to Apply

07/08/2022

Website

https://sites.duke.edu/zebrafishfacility/

Description

The Duke University School of Medicine Zebrafish Core (Z-Core) is a shared resource that offers aquaculture services to nine biomedical research labs using zebrafish as a model organism. Having gone through several expansions since its inception in 2003, the Duke Z-Core now houses over 12,000 tanks. The facility utilizes seven large multi-rack recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and many small RAS units to house thousands of transgenic and mutant zebrafish strains. The facility staff provides fish husbandry and RAS maintenance in support of studies at the forefront of tissue regeneration, microbiota interaction, morphogenesis, cellular disease, and immunology research. The Z-Core’s growth and use of advanced aquaculture equipment creates a unique and growth-oriented environment for professionals looking to advance in aquaculture and aquatic science disciplines. The Z-Core has an immediate opening for a full-time facility technician to be part of a dedicated husbandry staff. Specific work responsibilities for this position include: 1.) Provide daily fish feedings and general husbandry requirements to research colonies. 2.) Record daily water parameters and review for abnormal readings. 3.) Perform daily fish health checks. 4.) Handle basic needs of the facility during weekends. 5.) Change aquaculture system filters. 6.) Cleaning, maintenance, and organization of tanks and aquaculture components. 7.) Assist facility management in resolving any problems in facility operation. 8.) Transfer embryos from incubators and provide care to nursery racks. 9.) Support facility sanitation protocols. 10.) Care for Artemia cultures. 11.) Assist facility researchers when needed. 12.) Participate in bi-weekly staff meetings. 13.) Contribute ideas on facility improvements regarding equipment, procedures, and techniques. 14.) Assist with supervising and training student workers or new technicians. 15.) Help to troubleshoot and repair critical life support equipment. 16.) Perform technical techniques such as sperm cryopreservation, invitro fertilization, and microinjections. Other duties may be required as necessary. Training will be provided as needed. Work on weekends and an occasional holiday is required. Working conditions: The facility technician will be on his/her feet a majority of the time and will periodically need to lift items up to 50lbs. Work will be performed in or around wet conditions that require extra caution. Work may result in occasional exposure to malodorous smells, chemicals, and fish and bacterial waste.

Qualifications

Candidates should have at minimum an bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline. A general understanding of aquaculture, fish husbandry, and water chemistry is expected. If interested please send cover letter and resume to Jim Burris, Facilities Director, at [email protected].

Contact Person

Jim Burris

Contact eMail

[email protected]

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