Research Assistant II

Hanover, NH 03755
Vail Building

The Dartmouth "Dartfish" zebrafish facility is seeking applicants to join our vibrant and growing research community in the role of facility manager. This position will oversee the aquatics facility in support of research studies of several zebrafish labs in the areas of blood cell and nervous system development and cancer research. After training, the ideal candidate will independently provide and supervise care of fish in a safe and sanitary manner in accordance with established federal, state, and local regulations, guidelines, and policies on the use of laboratory animals in the conduct of biomedical research. Other roles of this position are: To perform daily feeding and maintenance tasks, troubleshoot and solve problems if they arise, and communicate effectively within a supportive research team environment. To provide support for research investigations and provide leadership and training to other technical staff and laboratory members. To assist in the maintenance of different genetic lines as needed. The ideal candidate will be able to work Saturdays or Sundays as needed.

* 2-3 years of relevant experience or equivalent.
* Ability to work independently with good judgment.

* Effectively communicate, in a timely and professional manner.

* Responsible and reliable.

* Must be capable of lifting and carrying equipment or tanks weighing up to 50 lbs. Must be able to climb a step ladder.

*Must be capable of working several hours in a tropical aquatic habitat (~83F).

* Ability to work one weekend day and holiday schedules if needed.

* Ability to follow and apply procedures for the care and handling of laboratory animals.

* Ability to instruct and mentor other users of the facility.

* Willingness to work with/be exposed to hazardous materials such as hazardous chemicals.

* Adept at troubleshooting and problem solving.
* Excellent organizational and time management skills.
* Knowledge of computers and software applications.

Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all.

Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

This position is funded by a grant. Continuation is based upon available funds.
Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use of tobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibited in all facilities, grounds, vehicles or other areas owned, operated or occupied by Dartmouth College with no exceptions. For details, please see our policy. https://policies.dartmouth.edu/policy/tobacco-free-policy

* Handles and cares for zebrafish lines on a daily basis following established operating procedures.

* Observes and maintains an awareness of the physical needs of the animals. Assesses and reports changes in condition of animals.

* Effectively communicates with the principal investigators and their laboratory staff concerning the status of their research animals.

* Collaborates with Technologist/Veterinarian in designing a treatment plan, implements plan, and evaluates its effectiveness.

* Humanely euthanizes animals in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations as needed.

* Assist in the breeding and maintenance of shared zebrafish stock lines as needed.

* Monitors the growth and survival of larvae and juvenile fish.

* Serves as a training mentor for all new employees and lab members for fish handling.

* Tracks training compliance of all facility users and reports deficiencies to appropriate principal investigators.

* Instructs all users of the aquatics facility on correct practices and provides feedback on errors or non-compliance.

* Identifies pertinent "30-minutes of service tasks" on a weekly basis and delegates them to laboratory members.

* Coordinates hiring of undergraduate staff that work in the facility in consultation with principal investigators.

* Schedules feeders for weekends and holidays.

* Interfaces with building management and outside vendors to arrange for regular maintenance and/or repairs.

* Independently oversees maintenance and repairs (contacts appropriate vendors and ensures that routine visits or repairs occur in a timely way).

*Oversight of the fish facility. Responsible for effective operations and trouble-shooting problems.

*Cleans tanks and system components, nets and mating tanks, utilizing a washer or other approved methods.

*Has complete knowledge of all aspects of the recirculating water and filtration systems, monitors water quality daily and adjusts parameters as needed to fish life support units.

*Updates daily log of system parameters (e.g., pH, temperature, conductivity, light:dark cycles) and equipment maintenance logs

*Performs light maintenance of the facilities such as replacement of particle filters, UV bulbs, emptying waste baskets and cleaning floors.

*Decontaminates areas (sinks, floors, bench tops, microscopes) as needed.

* Orders all facility supplies as needed.

* Monitors facility equipment and instrument performance; obtains maintenance and repair as necessary.

* Maintains computerized records associated with facility activities.

* Provides general technical assistance in support of the research team.

* Maintains laboratory notebook/data sheets to record tasks performed.

* Adheres to laboratory safety requirements including general and chemical/hazardous waste safety disposal methods.

* Ensures adherence to IACUC protocol and provides reports and updates for IACUC reporting.

* Has mastery of zebrafish inventory database, updates records and performs routine tank walks to confirm accuracy.

* Keeps zebrafish facility well-equipped by monitoring use of consumable supplies and non-consumable equipment. Orders food, filters, nets and other consumables as needed.

* Receives and properly stores food and supplies.