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Supervisor, Lab Operations Zebrafish
UMass Medical School
Location : Worcester, MA, 01608
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : $70,000.00
Date Posted : 1 December 2025
Job Number: 2025-48956
Category:Research
Location: Worcester, MA
Shift:Day
Exempt/Non-Exempt:Exempt
Business Unit:UMass Chan Medical School
Department:School - Molecular Cell & Cancer Biology - W495000
Job Type:Full-Time
Union Code:Non Union Position -W60- Non Unit Professional
Num. Openings: 1
Post Date: Nov. 13, 2025
Work Location:100% Onsite
Salary Minimum:USD $70,000.00
Salary Maximum:USD $80,000.00
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Supervisor, Lab Operations Zebrafish - Lawson Lab
Job Number: 2025-48956
Category:Research
Location: Worcester, MA
Shift:Day
Exempt/Non-Exempt:Exempt
Business Unit:UMass Chan Medical School
Department:School - Molecular Cell & Cancer Biology - W495000
Job Type:Full-Time
Union Code:Non Union Position -W60- Non Unit Professional
Num. Openings: 1
Post Date: Nov. 13, 2025
Work Location:100% Onsite
Salary Minimum:USD $70,000.00
Salary Maximum:USD $80,000.00
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Supervisor, Lab Operations Zebrafish will manage and supervise the day-to-day operations in a zebrafish laboratory, including care, maintenance and husbandry of mutant and transgenic zebrafish lines. The position will be responsible for applying discretion and judgment to ensure optimal animal health is sustained in accordance with federal and institutional regulations and policies and overseeing standard operation procedures within the lab.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Responsible for managing day-to-day operations of a zebrafish laboratory.
- Responsible for the maintenance of mutant and transgenic zebrafish lines.
- Assist PI in the establishment, maintenance and backup of fish facility databases.
- Isolate and purify DNA from zebrafish embryos and adult finclips.
- Perform polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify mutant or transgenic carrier zebrafish
- Identify mutant or transgenic carriers by crossing and phenotypic scoring of resulting embryos.
- Perform microinjection of DNA constructs into zebrafish embryos to establish stable transgenic lines.
- Perform techniques for cryopreservation of mutant or transgenic zebrafish lines.
- Perform in vitro fertilization using adult zebrafish.
- Assists PI in preparation and renewal of animal protocols.
- Drafts and revises Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensures SOPs are followed.
- Reads experimental protocols and provides input based on knowledge of aquatic animal husbandry and lab operations.
- Develops new and more efficient techniques and processes based on experience and collection of data.
- Complies with all safety and infection control standards appropriate to this position.
- Conducts other related research experiments and oversee and assist in the training of others in lab protocols and research experiments.
- Attends conferences and courses, consults with other researchers, and participates in other professional activities to maintain the level of continuing education that will provide information to supplement existing procedures.
- Performs other duties as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelors or Masters degree in Biology, Fisheries Science, or Aquaculture and 5 years relevant research in the field.
- Experience with zebrafish husbandry and associated manipulations, including in vitro fertilization, microinjection, and identification of mutant lines is required.
- Knowledge of genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology.
- Proficient computer skills.
- Experience using FileMaker Pro or other database software.
- Management and training skills.
- Ability to interact with departmental and institutional offices.
Posting Disclaimer:
This job posting outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the role but is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and expectations may evolve in response to the needs of the department and the broader institution.
In alignment with our commitment to pay transparency, the base salary range for this position is listed above (exclusive of benefits and retirement). At UMass Chan Medical School, final base salary offers are determined based on a combination of factors, including your skills, education, and relevant experience. We also consider internal equity to ensure fair and consistent compensation across our teams.
Please note that the range provided reflects the full base salary range for this position. Offers are typically made within the midrange to allow for future growth and development within the role.
In addition to base pay, UMass Chan offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package, which includes paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and participation in a 401(a)-retirement plan, with the option to contribute to a voluntary 403(b) plan.
UMass Chan welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
Freqently Asked Questions
Supervising zebrafish lab operations demands specialized knowledge in aquatic husbandry, genetic line maintenance, and molecular techniques like microinjection. Unlike mammalian lab roles, it requires managing delicate aquatic environments and unique breeding protocols, emphasizing both biological expertise and precision in aquatic animal care.
Professionals in zebrafish lab supervision often progress to roles like principal investigator assistants, facility managers, or research coordinators. Gaining expertise in genetic manipulation and lab management can open pathways to academic leadership or specialized biotech positions focused on aquatic model organisms.
Proficiency with zebrafish husbandry, PCR genotyping, microinjection techniques, and database management software like FileMaker Pro is critical. Additionally, understanding local regulatory compliance and maintaining detailed animal care records tailored to Massachusetts research standards enhances job performance.
Worcester's growing biotech and academic research sectors have increased demand for specialized animal lab supervisors, particularly in zebrafish genetics. Candidates with molecular biology backgrounds and experience in zebrafish husbandry find competitive opportunities amidst expanding research initiatives in the region.
Salary ranges from $70,000 to $80,000 annually, reflecting expertise in zebrafish maintenance and molecular techniques. Candidates with advanced degrees and extensive management experience often negotiate toward the upper end, considering UMass Chan’s emphasis on internal equity and market competitiveness.
UMass Medical School empowers supervisors to optimize zebrafish line maintenance and experimental protocols, directly supporting molecular and cancer biology research. The role includes collaborative protocol development, ensuring compliance, and contributing to innovative lab techniques aligned with institutional scientific priorities.
UMass Medical School emphasizes onsite management with a blend of hands-on zebrafish husbandry and leadership in protocol development. The institution’s focus on molecular cell and cancer biology research offers unique exposure to cutting-edge genetic studies, differentiating it from more generalized aquarium or hatchery supervisory jobs.
Worcester offers manageable commute options with accessible public transit and road networks, facilitating timely arrival for day shifts typical in lab supervision. Reduced transit stress contributes positively to maintaining focus on precise zebrafish care and supervisory responsibilities within onsite lab environments.
Certifications in aquatic animal care, laboratory animal management, or molecular biology techniques enhance credibility. Massachusetts institutions often prefer candidates familiar with federal animal welfare regulations and possessing documented training in lab safety and biohazard protocols relevant to aquatic species.
This supervisor ensures adherence to federal and institutional standards by maintaining zebrafish health, updating SOPs, and collaborating on animal protocol renewals. Their oversight guarantees ethical standards in husbandry and research practices, fostering responsible lab operations within UMass Chan’s compliance framework.
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