Zebrafish Lab Technician at Iowa State University in Ames, IA

Position Title:

Zebrafish Lab Technician

Job Group:

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years of related laboratory experience including one year as a Laboratory Technician I or equivalent level experience, or Certified Laboratory Assistant (CLA) certification, or Any combination of related post high school education and experience which totals two years.

Job Description:

The Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology at Iowa State University is seeking qualified applicants for a Zebrafish Lab Technician II. 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 Zebrafish Lab 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.

This 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.

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, including zebrafish, paramecia, and brine shrimp.

The candidate will be hired as a Laboratory Technician II.

This is a term position with opportunity for renewal.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position

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:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
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

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.

Appointment Type:

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

May 31, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

08

Original Posting Date:

May 8, 2026

Posting Close Date:

May 18, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R19159

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

 

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.