Lab Manager/Research Professional II, Sur Lab, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Position Title: Research Professional II (Zebrafish)
Location: University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Position Type: Full-time
Open Lab Manager position for a newly established zebrafish lab
The newly established Sur lab (https://surlab-gastro.my.canva.site/) at the University of Arizona is seeking a Research Professional with aquaculture experience or zebrafish husbandry experience to play a central role in building and shaping a brand-new zebrafish research facility, starting May 1, 2026. The Sur Lab studies the function and communication networks of a newly discovered gut cell type called best4+ cells, potentially altered in inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, and absent from mouse models. This is a unique opportunity for an aquatic specialist to help define facility practices, implement systems, and establish standards while working in a collaborative and fast-growing research environment.
The successful candidate will be supported by laboratory start-up funds and will serve as the primary zebrafish-focused technical expert within the lab. This role combines hands-on aquatic facility oversight with some participation in research and general lab management. Responsibilities will include overseeing our newly renovated 350 sq ft, 3 double sided rack system and a 2 stand-alone rack quarantine system aquaculture facility, one of the first in Arizona. Responsibilities would encompass breeding and rearing of zebrafish, including genotyping and phenotyping; and assisting with experiments investigating the genetic regulation of zebrafish development, particularly the formation of the intestinal and liver cell types.
Key Responsibilities
Zebrafish Facility & Aquatic Care
Oversee zebrafish husbandry operations in a newly established zebrafish facility
Perform routine animal care and handling across life stages
Monitor fish health and report concerns in coordination with veterinary staff and facility personnel
Perform tagging, sperm cryopreservation, injections, and assist with stock management and breeding setup.
Receive, examine, transfer, identify, and properly house incoming zebrafish shipments according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Help establish and refine best practices, workflows, and organizational systems for the lab’s aquatic operations
Contribute to building a sustainable, well-organized zebrafish program as it grows.
Lab Management:
Coordinate ordering and inventory management
Organize laboratory spaces and help maintain operational efficiency
Assist with lab cleanups and maintaining shared equipment areas
Help onboard new students and trainees in basic zebrafish handling practice.
Maintaining laboratory supplies and equipment.
Ensure compliance with safety protocols as outlined by the university.
Research Support
In addition to aquatic facility oversight, the Lab Manager will contribute directly to the laboratory’s research program by assisting with experimental workflows and technical development in zebrafish biology and molecular genetics.
Research responsibilities may include:
Assisting with zebrafish experimental procedures including embryo microinjection, transgenesis workflows, dissections, and transplantation assays
Performing molecular and genetic analyses such as DNA extraction, PCR-based genotyping, and mutant screening
Assisting in the development, optimization, and documentation of experimental protocols
Supporting data organization and maintaining accurate research records
Collaborating with students and trainees to facilitate experimental workflows and ensure reproducibility of techniques
These activities provide opportunities to contribute to ongoing research projects focused on developmental biology, intestinal physiology, and emerging cell types in zebrafish.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Biology, Aquaculture, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline.
Prior experience in aquatic animal husbandry, facility management, and transgenic line creation for zebrafish, or other models.
Prior knowledge of regulatory standards and compliance requirements for aquatic animal research.
Proven leadership (preferred but not mandatory), organizational, and interpersonal skills gained in a research or technical facility.
Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams while also operating independently.
Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively engage with researchers, staff, and stakeholders.
What we provide
A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
An opportunity to broaden research experience in a collaborative environment.
A team that believes in continuous learning and cultivates an environment of collaboration.
Professional development opportunities through internal and external conferences and workshops.
Opportunities to present research and be part of publications that come out of the lab.
A wonderful Sonoran desert landscape with numerous hiking trails and scenic drives along the Catalina mountains.
Why This Role Is Unique
Opportunity to help shape a brand-new zebrafish research environment from the beginning.
Significant autonomy to develop workflows and organizational structure.
Broad technical exposure spanning aquatic husbandry, molecular biology, genomics, and emerging model systems.
Direct role in supporting the launch and growth of a new research program.
Opportunities to be part of science communication, mentoring, and a collaborative scientific environment.
This position is ideal for an aquatic specialist who enjoys both hands-on animal care and active involvement in research, and who is excited by the prospect of building something new and impactful. The job involves frequent communication with members of both zebrafish laboratories and the University of Arizona Facilities/Maintenance staff. Check out more about our goals in our lab website: https://surlab-gastro.my.canva.site/
Salary: $55,000–$62,000, commensurate with experience.
Start date: May 1, 2026.
To Apply:
Please email surabhinav@arizona.edu using the subject line: "2026 Zebrafish Lab Manager: your name".
Attach your CV (entitled "2025 Zebrafish Research Associate: your name") as a single PDF file. Please include the following information in your CV. Without this information, the review of your application will be delayed:
Name, current living address (city, state, and country), and telephone number.
Expected date of availability.
Degree(s), date(s) awarded and GPA(s).
Name, title, email, and phone number of three references (please state in what capacity these references know you and for how long).
Send a summary of experience: A paragraph (10 lines maximum) describing your interests and experience relevant to this position.