Zebrafish Facilities Technician - Durham, NC

The Duke University School of Medicine Zebrafish Core Facilities (Z-Core) is a shared resource that offers aquaculture services to a diverse group of biomedical researchers using zebrafish as a model organism.  The Duke Z-Core is one of the largest and most respected biomedical aquaculture facilities in the world.  The facility uses some of the most advanced recirculating aquaculture systems available and frequent renovations and expansions ensure Duke’s position along the leading edge of the industry.   The tremendous increase using zebrafish in research has created a unique and growth-oriented environment for professionals looking to advance in aquatic science disciplines.

The Z-Core has an immediate opening for a full-time facility technician to be part of a husbandry staff supporting four facilities that collectively house over 12,000 tanks. Candidates should have at minimum an associate’s degree related to aquatics or animal care, with a bachelor’s degree preferred.  A general understanding of aquaculture, husbandry, and water chemistry is expected.

Work responsibilities include:

1.)  Provide daily fish feedings.

2.)  Record daily water parameters and review for abnormal readings.

3.)  Check fish health daily.

4.)  Handle basic needs of the facility during weekends.

5.)  Change 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 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.

Other duties may be required as necessary.   Training will be provided as needed.  Occasional weekend and holiday work 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.

Start date – as soon as possible.

Salary:  DOE / DOQ

If interested please send cover letter and resume to Jim Burris, Facilities Manager, at jim.burris@duke.edu.