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Zebrafish Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Direct experience imaging live embryos or other living specimens over extended time-lapse - ideally zebrafish - including sample preparation, mounting, and the husbandry that sustains long ...

Direct experience imaging live embryos or other living specimens over extended time-lapse - ideally zebrafish - including sample preparation, mounting, and the husbandry that sustains long ...

Zebrafish information

See California salary details

$41.9K

$84.8K

$115K

How much do zebrafish jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for zebrafish in California is $84,834.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,300.00 and $114,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a zebrafish?

A Zebrafish job typically involves working with zebrafish in scientific research, often in genetics, developmental biology, or drug testing. Researchers use zebrafish as model organisms because of their genetic similarity to humans and their transparent embryos, which allow for easy observation of developmental processes. Responsibilities may include breeding, maintaining fish colonies, conducting experiments, and analyzing data. This role is commonly found in academic, pharmaceutical, and biomedical research settings.

What does a zebrafish researcher do?

Zebrafish researchers are scientists who use zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model organism to study various biological processes, diseases, and genetics. Their work often involves breeding zebrafish, conducting experiments to understand development, genetics, and disease mechanisms, and analyzing the results to draw conclusions about human health and biology. Because zebrafish share many genetic similarities with humans and have transparent embryos, they are valuable for studying development, drug discovery, and toxicology.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a zebrafish researcher?

To thrive as a Zebrafish researcher, you need a solid background in molecular biology, genetics, and animal handling, typically supported by a degree in biology or related life sciences. Experience with laboratory techniques such as CRISPR, fluorescence microscopy, and zebrafish husbandry systems is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective collaboration are key soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for conducting reliable experiments, maintaining animal welfare standards, and advancing scientific discoveries using zebrafish models.

What are common challenges faced by zebrafish researchers in maintaining healthy laboratory colonies?

Zebrafish researchers often encounter challenges in maintaining healthy colonies, such as managing water quality, preventing disease outbreaks, and ensuring proper breeding conditions. Consistent monitoring of pH, temperature, and ammonia levels is essential to avoid stress and mortality among zebrafish. Additionally, researchers must implement strict quarantine and sanitation protocols to minimize the risk of pathogens, and regularly assess breeding strategies to sustain genetically diverse and robust populations.

What is the difference between Zebrafish vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectZebrafishLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBiological sciences background, sometimes specialized in aquatic modelsVaries; often requires a degree in biology, chemistry, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs focusing on aquatic models, vivariumsGeneral labs across various scientific disciplines
Industry UsagePrimarily in biomedical research, genetics, developmental biologyAcross multiple sectors including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, research

While Zebrafish are specific aquatic models used in research, Laboratory Technicians support various lab functions across industries. Zebrafish roles focus on maintaining and breeding aquatic models, whereas Laboratory Technicians handle broader laboratory tasks. Both require scientific backgrounds but differ in specialization and work environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Zebrafish jobs in California?

The most popular types of Zebrafish jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Zebrafish jobs in California?

For Zebrafish jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Zebrafish job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $84,834 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

Junior Specialist - Baraban lab

University of California, San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


University Of California San Francisco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

237th of 630 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Application Window
Open date: September 2, 2026
Next review date: Thursday, Sep 17, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Thursday, Mar 2, 2028 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
Junior Specialist - Baraban lab
The incumbent will work with senior postdoctoral fellow Josie Righes Marafiga on epilepsy research using animal models. Responsibilities include maintenance of mouse colonies, coronal brain sectioning using a vibratome, and indirect immunofluorescence staining (immunohistochemistry) to label and visualize cells in mouse brain tissue. The incumbent will also expand skills to include zebrafish techniques such as genotyping, breeding, and mounting larvae for imaging studies. No supervisory responsibilities.
Required Qualifications:
  • Baccalaureate degree in Biology or a related field by the time of hire.
  • General knowledge of neuroscience.
  • Ability to work in a team setting.
  • Applicant's materials must list (pending) qualifications upon submission.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with fluorescence or confocal microscopy.
  • Prior experience with immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques.
  • Familiarity with zebrafish or other animal model systems.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000 - $60,700.
Click here to apply .
Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g. board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).
  • Cover Letter (Optional)
  • Statement of Research (Optional)
  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

About UC San Francisco
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
UCSF is committed to welcoming and serving all people, honoring the dignity of every individual without preference or prejudice, in support of its public mission and in alignment with our PRIDE values and Principles of Community.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
Job location
San Francisco, CA

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