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Fruit Fly Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Specialist

Princeton, NJ · On-site

$41K - $60K/yr

... fruit fly Drosophila as a model system (see murthylab.princeton.edu). Research in the lab employs state-of-the-art neuroscience approaches, including quantitative behavior analyses, computational ...

Research Specialist

Princeton, NJ · On-site

$41K - $60K/yr

... fruit fly Drosophila as a model system (see murthylab.princeton.edu). Research in the lab employs state-of-the-art neuroscience approaches, including quantitative behavior analyses, computational ...

Research Specialist

Princeton, NJ · On-site

$41K - $60K/yr

... fruit fly Drosophila as a model system (see murthylab.princeton.edu). Research in the lab employs state-of-the-art neuroscience approaches, including quantitative behavior analyses, computational ...

Research Technician

Waltham, MA · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Brandeis University is delighted to announce a position opportunity to join the Garrity Lab as a Research Technician. You will primarily carry out molecular and genetic studies in the fruit fly ...

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Fruit Fly Lab information

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How much do fruit fly lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for fruit fly lab in the United States is $25.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fruit Fly Lab Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fruit Fly Lab Technician, you need a background in biology or a related life science, with experience in laboratory techniques such as microscopy, genetic crosses, and organism care. Familiarity with lab management systems, genetic analysis software, and standard operating procedures is typically required. Attention to detail, patience, and strong organizational and communication skills are essential soft skills in this role. These qualities ensure accurate data collection, effective collaboration, and the reliable maintenance of fruit fly cultures critical to experimental research.

What are some typical daily tasks performed in a Fruit Fly Lab, and how do team members collaborate to ensure successful experiments?

In a Fruit Fly Lab, daily tasks often include maintaining fruit fly cultures, preparing food media, setting up genetic crosses, and conducting behavioral or physiological assays. Team members collaborate closely by sharing responsibilities in fly maintenance, recording experimental data, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during experiments. Regular lab meetings and shared documentation ensure that everyone stays informed about ongoing projects, fostering a supportive and communicative work environment. This collaborative approach is essential for ensuring the accuracy and reproducibility of research results.

What is a Fruit Fly Lab?

A Fruit Fly Lab is a research facility or classroom setup where scientists or students study fruit flies, typically Drosophila melanogaster. These labs use fruit flies as model organisms to investigate genetics, biology, development, and disease processes because of their short life cycle and genetic similarities to humans. Experiments in a Fruit Fly Lab can include breeding, gene manipulation, and behavioral studies. Such labs are common in universities and research institutions worldwide.

What is the difference between Fruit Fly Lab vs Entomology Technician?

AspectFruit Fly LabEntomology Technician
Required CredentialsBiology or related degree, lab experienceBiology or entomology background, certifications vary
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutionsFieldwork, laboratories, pest control companies
Industry UsageResearch, genetics, developmental biologyPest management, environmental services

While both roles involve working with insects, a Fruit Fly Lab focuses on research involving fruit flies in laboratory settings, often for genetics or biological studies. An Entomology Technician typically works in pest control or environmental sectors, applying insect knowledge in field and lab environments. The roles share some educational requirements but differ in work focus and industry applications.

Infographic showing various Fruit Fly Lab job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,516 per year, or $25.2 per hour.
Research Technician II - Neurogenetics

Research Technician II - Neurogenetics

Baylor College of Medicine

Houston, TX • On-site

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Baylor College of Medicine rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 532 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Summary

The NIH-funded translational neurogenetics laboratory of Dr. Hsiao-Tuan Chao at the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute affiliated with Texas Children’s Hospital is recruiting a motivated candidate to join a highly collaborative team to discover the genetic causes of childhood neurological disorders (epilepsy, autism, ADHD, and cognitive impairments) and identify therapeutic interventions for rare and common neurologic disorders. The laboratory focuses on understanding neural circuit development and function, and how dysregulation of these processes contributes to brain disorders such as intellectual disability, epilepsy, and autism. The lab is looking for a motivated research technician to assist with fruit fly and mouse studies involving molecular biology, neurohistology, and behavioral studies. The Research Technician II will work independently and within a team to process samples and collect data. Research technician will be flexible with project needs able to complete assigned tasks in a timely manner, be good at multi-tasking, problem-solving, attentive to details, and have strong communication skills. Flexibility with work schedule to occasionally work evenings or weekends. This is an onsite job.

Job Duties
  • Performs fruit fly and/or mouse colony maintenance.
  • Performs routine technical laboratory and specialized procedures.
  • Conducts behavioral studies and histology (rodent and/or fruit fly assays).
  • Troubleshoots problematic results, maintains and operate equipment, maintain work area.
  • Collects, processes, ships, and maintains paperwork for biological specimens.
  • Collects, compiles, records, and analyzes data.
  • Retrieves and submits test results to appropriate parties.
  • Maintains databases, records, and regulatory documents for studies.
  • Maintains and organizes inventory of supplies and equipment.
  • Generates data reports to determine feasibility.
  • Conducts literature searches and summarizes information.
  • Attends and presents at group and individual meetings.
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a Basic Science or related field. Four years of related experience may substitute for degree requirement.
  • No experience required.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Moves and lifts items that includes but not limited to mouse cages, fruit fly racks, prepares research samples for processing, prepares samples for shipment with dry ice, restocks laboratory supplies, and maintains laboratory equipment. Has the ability to lift 25 pounds 
  • Walks up to 0.5 - 1.5 miles to on-site campus locations, that includes but not limited to Baylor College of Medicine facilities, Texas Children's Hospital complex, and other Texas Medical Center buildings for research samples, specialized equipment, research presentations, and data collection and analysis with specialized equipment.
  • Laboratory experience handling mice (breeding, weaning, and maintaining lines, tail DNA prep) and/or fruit flies (maintaining lines, basic fly genetics) is a plus.
  • One year of work experience in a basic science research laboratory.
  • Works independently and are good team players.
  • Flexible with change, organized with good communication, attentive to details, comprehensive documentation, and be good multi-tasking skills.
  • Proficient in Excel spreadsheets and basic statistical analyses.

Work Authorization Requirement:

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment. 

Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer.


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