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Zebrafish Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Must have a mastery of Zebrafish models with skills such as husbandry, genetic crossing, and genotyping protocols. * Must have a have a strong publication record. * Experience working with animal ...

Must have a mastery of Zebrafish models with skills such as husbandry, genetic crossing, and genotyping protocols. * Must have a have a strong publication record. * Experience working with animal ...

Zebrafish information

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 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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Zebrafish jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Zebrafish jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Zebrafish job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Study Support Technician I - Aquatics (Temp-to-Hire) (Multiple Positions)

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)

Ashburn, VA • On-site

$20 - $22.47/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Primary Work Address: 19700 Helix Drive, Ashburn, VA, 20147
Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.
About Janelia
Janelia Research Campus is an HHMI research institute built to tackle scientific problems beyond what any single lab or company could sustain. Janelia's next decade centers on two big bets: mapping how a vertebrate brain produces complex behavior, and building "AI-in-the-Loop Discovery," where scientists and AI work together to analyze data, design experiments, and drive discovery at a new scale.
Larval zebrafish and Danionella are key to the first bet. Zebrafish are where Janelia is building the whole-brain imaging pipelines that a viable Danionella platform will depend on, and Danionella - transparent throughout its life - offers a path toward imaging the whole brain of an adult vertebrate during natural, complex behavior, something never before achieved. As this work scales, Janelia's AAALAC-accredited Vivarium is growing its Aquatics program.
About the Role
This position provides standard animal husbandry and technical support services in the Aquatics department. Under minimal supervision, the role focuses on ensuring the highest standard of animal care and welfare while supporting Janelia researchers working with larval zebrafish and Danionella. We are hiring multiple Aquatics Technicians across both areas to support this growth.
Please note, this is a 3-month temporary position with the potential to be extended or become permanent based on business needs.
Schedule Requirements: Candidates must be available to work rotating weekends as part of the regularly scheduled responsibilities for this position.
What We Provide
  • An opportunity to broaden research experience in a collaborative environment supporting Janelia's whole-brain vertebrate neuroscience program.
  • A team that believes in continuous learning and cultivates an environment of collaboration.
  • Collaboration with research labs and other shared resources, including Molecular Genomics, Viral Tools, Quantitative Genomics, Fly Facility, and other Vivarium teams.

What You'll Do
  • Perform animal husbandry and animal care support services to multiple aquatic species (e.g., providing feed, clean tanks, daily observations of each animal, and water filtration system maintenance).
  • Clean and sanitize animal holding or procedure rooms.
  • Provide environmental enrichment appropriate to the species housed.
  • Provide other minor technical support for species housed (e.g., crossing, fin clips, performing injections, clinical treatments) as directed.
  • Set up breeding units of zebrafish and Danionella as directed.
  • Use databases for animal recordkeeping, including but not limited to animal housing and study support.
  • Assist with receiving, stocking, and maintenance of all supply inventories.
  • Maintain and record appropriate data for all duties completed.

What You Bring
  • College degree in life science or a related field preferred.
  • Six months of experience working with vertebrate animal species.
  • Experience in a basic or applied science research setting preferred. This could include academic, industry, or non-profit.
  • Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered.
  • Ability to identify changes in an animal's behavior or health and provide basic prescribed treatments.
  • Enthusiastic and self-motivated individual, with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and learn tasks quickly.
  • Excellent skills in Microsoft Office and/or Google Docs.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, rapidly changing team environment to accomplish mutual goals.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to deal effectively with research scientists, laboratory technical staff, administrative staff, management, outside contractors, and vendors.

Physical Requirements:
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Please Note:
This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Hiring Pay Range
$20.00 - $22.47
Pay Type:
Hourly
The posted range reflects HHMI's good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity.
Compensation and Benefits
Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.
HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.