Postdoctoral Research Associate - ZIRC

Job title: Postdoctoral Research Associate

Essential functions (job duties):

Zebrafish line generation is accelerating, and centralized capacity alone is insufficient to safeguard all novel fish lines in laboratories. Our goal is to build a practical, community-ready cryopreservation system - combining standardized methods, quality management, and user-friendly “technology packages” (including open-source hardware and consumables) - so labs can reliably, and independently back up their own lines at low cost and contribute to community resilience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate project activities across aims between ZIRC and AGGRC and the broader zebrafish community.
• Train in cryopreservation on site at ZIRC and AGGRC, and translate protocols into repeatable, user-ready workflows.
• Run alpha testing and organize community beta testing, including communication, feedback surveys, documentation, and data flow with external labs.
• Iterate and improve technology packages and QC elements based on tester outcomes and feedback.
• Co-develop web-based resources and user materials (instructions, workflows, ordering/distribution guidance) with IT staff.
• Engage the community through standards development, surveys, and training resources.
• Travel to collaborator/beta-tester laboratories as needed for hands-on implementation support and troubleshooting.
• (Optional/encouraged) Participate in ZIRC health and husbandry research as it relates to cryopreservation and reproducibility.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• PhD and/or DVM (or equivalent).
• Strong project leadership skills: organization, clear communication, and careful documentation in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with gamete cryopreservation, zebrafish/aquatics, and/or QA/QC in a lab setting.
• Interest in interdisciplinary work (biology + engineering/process design/UX); 3D printing/open hardware experience is a plus.

Appointment Details:

This position is funding-contingent, with the possibility of evolving into a longer-term staff role at ZIRC.

How to apply

Please submit: (1) CV, (2) brief cover letter, and (3) contact information for 2–3 references to zoltan@zebrafish.org.