The Electric Fish Laboratory at Michigan State University (
efish.zoology.msu.edu) is looking to fill an immediate opening for the
position of Research Technician. This position is an opportunity to join
an exciting and diverse team of biologists focused on understanding the
genomic underpinnings of electric organs in weakly electric fish. This
position will involve working with many species of freshwater fishes that
produce weak electric fields for communication and navigation. The
successful applicant will be involved in the application and development of
exciting genomic approaches to animal behavior, evolution and developmental
biology.

Minimum requirements: A bachelor’s degree in biology or related field.
Minimum one years’ experience with fish husbandry, including care of adult
and juvenile fish and embryos. Ability to maintain large numbers of
aquaria for freshwater fish. Experience handling fish, including
dissection, administration of drugs through injection, capture and release,
behavioral observations and husbandry related to breeding activities. In
addition, practical experience and working knowledge of basic molecular
biology laboratory techniques, including molecular cloning, DNA and RNA
isolation and PCR. Must be absolutely dependable, with excellent
organization and communication skills. Must be willing and able to perform
duties on some weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.

Desired qualifications: Long-term experience with fish husbandry. Ability
to take charge and oversee animal husbandry and lab procedures. A general
familiarity with laboratory safety and campus animal care policy and
procedures, experience training and supervising assistants in fish care and
colony maintenance. Field and laboratory experience, particularly in fish
capture and tissue sampling. Experience with use of various desktop
computer software (Microsoft Office, Dropbox, etc). Long term interest in
fish behavior, ecology, and genetics.

Job Summary: Primary responsibilities include maintaining large colony of
mormyrid electric fish including feeding and keeping aquaria and lab clean
and in good working order (40%). Provide support for ongoing experiments,
including collection and analysis of tissues and samples. Perform
experiments under supervision of laboratory head (40%). Train undergraduate
assistants and other lab members in fish husbandry and lab maintenance
tasks (10%). Occasional laboratory administration, including ordering
supplies and materials (10%).

This is a full-time appointment, and offers excellent benefits (healthcare,
dental, etc). The initial appointment will be for a 6-month probationary
period, after which yearly reappointments will be made for successful and
productive candidates.

Interested individuals can apply through the MSU Applicant page located at:

http://jobs.msu.edu

And search for position 4265. Please contact jgallant [at] msu.edu for
informal inquiries or for more information about the position.

Jason Gallant <jgallant@msu.edu>

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