at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Job Opening Id: 54098
Department: Ctr for Comparative Medicine
Salary/Grade: NEX/10
Job Summary:
Specializes in the care of laboratory zebrafish. Performs daily zebrafish husbandry activities including water quality assessment, recirculating system maintenance, and tank washing. All actions are completed by strictly & consistently following applicable CCM SOPs including safety procedures & guidelines. Reports any suspected or actual deviations to SOPs or non-routine situations immediately to Group Leader or their designee. Arrives, leaves & takes breaks at work as scheduled. Strictly adheres to CCM attendance policy.
Please note: Must be able to negotiate up to a 65 lb force (push/pull) on an occasional basis. Lifting is limited to 50 lbs occasionally and 25 lbs frequently. Must be able to work a shift schedule that includes working both Saturdays and Sundays, possibly a staggered work schedule, occasional overtime, and holidays as required. Must successfully maintain physical condition that will assure efficient performance of tasks, including successful completion of physical examination. This position requires the individual to be available to work on both the Chicago and Evanston campuses as coverage needs dictate.
Must be enrolled in the university’s occupational health program which entails filling out a health questionnaire. The health questionnaire is submitted to the university’s occupational health provider for review. Must be willing to undergo job related background check.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Cleans & sterilizes tanks, equipment, supplies, rooms (primary and secondary enclosures), etc.
- Prepares refuse for disposal.
- Observes tanks daily for cleanliness, appropriate water supply, stocking density, and tank assembly.
- Observes recirculating systems daily for appropriate function.
- Changes tanks, lids, and water supply hoses.
- Feeds zebrafish according to their prescribed diets.
- Observes zebrafish regularly during the day, noting, reporting, and removing any dead fish or fish with variances in or deviation from normal health or behavior, including obvious deviations in swimming behavior, skin conditions, enlarged abdomens etc.
- Notifies veterinary staff and researchers of fish with health issues.
- Observes, documents, & reports changes in environmental parameters (i.e., water & room temperature, room humidity & lighting, water conductivity, water pH etc.).
