Research Technician I - Kronauer Lab

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About the Role:

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is seeking a Research Technician I to join the Kronauer Laboratory at Rockefeller University. The Kronauer Lab studies the behavior, ecology, evolution, and neurobiology of social insects, with a particular focus on ants. This is a role well-suited for someone seeking a long-term position and looking to grow within a stable, productive research environment.

This unique position combines laboratory operations, ant colony husbandry, and research support within a highly collaborative scientific environment. The role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on work, is excited about working with insects, and wants to contribute to the day-to-day success of a world-class research laboratory. While prior research experience is welcome, the team is primarily seeking someone who is dependable, detail-oriented, eager to learn, and enthusiastic about supporting both the operational and scientific needs of the lab.

For more information about the laboratory, please visit:

https://www.rockefeller.edu/research/2280-kronauer-laboratory/

What We Provide:

• Meaningful professional experience within a world-renowned research organization.

• Exposure to cutting-edge scientific research and laboratory operations.

• Opportunities to explore interests in biology, neuroscience, animal behavior, and scientific research.

• Participation in lab meetings and scientific discussions.

• Mentorship and networking opportunities with researchers, technicians, postdoctoral fellows, and scientific staff.

• A collaborative and supportive team environment.

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

What You'll Do:

Ant Colony Care & Husbandry

• Maintain ant colonies on a regular schedule, including watering, feeding, cleaning, and general husbandry.

• Assist with the production and maintenance of research ant colonies.

• Manage colony storage procedures, including placing designated colonies into freezer storage and returning them according to established schedules.

• Monitor colony health and ensure husbandry protocols are consistently followed.

Research Duties

• Assist and collaborate with other laboratory personnel and team members as needed on a variety of research projects that span from behavioral tracking to genome engineering

• Assist with the preparation and maintenance of research colonies.

• Attend lab meetings and scientific discussions to learn and participate about ongoing research projects.

• Collaborate with lab members on ongoing research projects spanning behavioral tracking, genome engineering, and other areas of active investigation — with the understanding that research involvement will grow over time as husbandry and operational tasks become more routine.

Laboratory Operations & Administration

• Receive, unpack, and organize laboratory deliveries.

• Notify laboratory personnel of incoming materials and deliveries.

• Perform routine laboratory maintenance, including dishwashing, bottle preparation, restocking supplies, and maintaining inventories of laboratory consumables.

• Help ensure laboratory spaces remain clean, organized, and operational.

• Assist with general operational support to keep laboratory workflows running smoothly.

What You Bring:

The ideal candidate is genuinely excited about working with insects and contributing to a collaborative research environment. Successful candidates are dependable, detail-oriented, eager to learn, and comfortable performing routine operational tasks with consistency.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Comfortable working with insects and animal husbandry tasks.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

• Enthusiasm for learning and supporting scientific research.

Preferred Qualifications

• 0-2 years of relevant experience in laboratory operations, animal care, husbandry, research support, or related environments.

• Previous experience working with insects, animals, husbandry, laboratory operations, or research environments.

• Prior laboratory or research experience is helpful but not required.

• Biology, neuroscience, ecology, entomology, or other science-related backgrounds are welcome but not required.

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. 

Compensation Range

Pay Type:

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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