Research Associate, Zebrafish Lab

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Overview

This is a Research Associate position in the Giraldez Laboratory, a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research group within the Department of Genetics. The laboratory studies genome activation, gene regulation, and RNA biology using zebrafish as a vertebrate model system. The candidate will assist with ongoing projects on the bench and provide technical guidance to junior personnel, as well as work independently on their own project under direction of the principal investigator. This will involve independent execution and troubleshooting of molecular and developmental biology experiments, participation in experimental planning, and analysis of data. The candidate will perform zebrafish colony management, regulatory documentation, and communication with IACUC, YARC, EHS and other Yale offices to assure compliance with safety and animal requirements. The candidate will also participate in recruitment activities, training, and supervising postgraduates and students in the lab. The Research Associate will contribute to preparation of scientific reports, presentations, manuscript drafts, and research proposals.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot molecular biology experiments (e.g., cloning, PCR, RNA analysis, genome editing, microinjection).

2. Experience working with zebrafish or other aquatic model systems including colony oversight, breeding strategies, and experimental planning.

3. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing scientific reports, presentations, or manuscript contributions.

4. Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting experimental data and drawing scientifically sound conclusions.

5. Ability to work well as part of a team. Enjoys working with people.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Experience with genome editing/ transgenesis (e.g. CRISPR/Cas9-based), advanced imaging approaches, bioinformatics/basic coding skills, mouse embryology, or advanced molecular biology techniques (e.g., sequencing library prep, epigenetics techniques)

2. Familiarity with genome-wide or high-throughput techniques (e.g., RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, quantitative analysis pipelines).

3. Experience supervising or mentoring junior research staff or trainees.

4. Experience assisting in manuscript preparation or grant-related research documentation.

5. Familiarity with institutional compliance procedures (IACUC, biosafety, laboratory safety).

Principal Responsibilities

1. Recommends the design and implementation of procedures and protocols under the direction of a higher-level authority. 2. Investigates, analyzes, and reaches preliminary scientific conclusions related to research planning 3. Ensures data results are compiled, analyzed, and presented properly. 4. Analyzes, develops and interprets scientific results. Maintains clear documentation of results. Prepares scientific reports and papers for research proposals and published reports. 5. Performs independent research and laboratory techniques and participates in experimental research planning. 6. Interacts with internal contacts including the PI, research assistants, graduate students, Radiation Safety and Biological Safety officers, and Animal Care personnel to discuss and evaluate research results and to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the laboratory. 7. Interacts with external contacts such as researchers at other institutions, staff at biotechnology and reagents companies to consult on research methods and to keep abreast of product information and developments. 8. May perform other duties as assigned. Required Education and Experience Master's Degree in a scientific discipline and one year experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Posting Date

03/10/2026

Job Category

Professional

Bargaining Unit

NON

Compensation Grade

Clinical & Research

Compensation Grade Profile

Research Associate 1 MS (22)

Salary Range

$61,500.00 - $91,875.00

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff Fixed Duration (Fixed Term)

Work Model

On-site

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

Salary offers are determined by a candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role's grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual's sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.