Aquaculture Assistant, Animal Husbandry (WDA)

Job Description

The Aquaculture Assistant supports the daily operation of aquaculture and wet laboratory facilities by performing routine fish husbandry, facility maintenance, water quality monitoring, and research support activities. This role is primarily operational and involves regular hands-on work in a wet lab environment to ensure the welfare of aquatic animals and the smooth functioning of research facilities.

The position is suitable for individuals who are reliable, disciplined, and comfortable performing routine and physically demanding tasks while supporting research and laboratory operations.

Key Responsibilities

Aquaculture Operations & Fish Husbandry

• Perform daily fish husbandry and animal care activities in accordance with established protocols.
• Conduct feeding activities according to designated schedules.
• Carry out routine tank cleaning, water changes, and general facility maintenance.
• Handling of fish is required.
• Monitor fish health, behavior, and welfare and report abnormalities to supervisors.
• Support the routine operation and upkeep of aquaculture systems and equipment.

Water Quality Monitoring

• Conduct routine water quality testing and maintain accurate records.
• Assist in maintaining suitable environmental conditions for fish stocks.
• Report water quality concerns and equipment issues promptly.

Research Support Activities

• Prepare live fish for research and experimental activities.
• Support biological sample collection, including fish weighing and morphometric measurements.
• Assist with routine laboratory procedures, including:
  • Fish dissection
  • DNA extraction
  • RNA extraction
  • PCR and qPCR preparation
  • Bacterial plating

Inventory Management & Documentation

• Maintain accurate records of fish stocks, husbandry activities, and facility operations.
• Perform routine data entry and record keeping.
• Assist with inventory monitoring and stock control of:
  • Fish feed
  • Chemicals and reagents
  • Laboratory consumables
  • Equipment and supplies
• Support restocking, housekeeping, and general operational activities.

Facility Support & Compliance

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of aquaculture and wet laboratory facilities.
• Follow all laboratory safety, biosafety, animal welfare, and biosecurity procedures.
• Work independently during assigned shifts and operational coverage periods.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Physically fit and able to perform manual and repetitive tasks daily.
• Able to lift and carry loads.
• Comfortable working in wet, humid, and occasionally outdoor environments.
• Able to stand, walk, and perform physical activities for extended periods.
• Comfortable handling live fish and performing routine husbandry activities.
• Comfortable working at height when required for facility operations.
• Must be able to work One weekly weekend (Sat or Sun) duty.

Core Competencies

• Reliable and responsible with a strong work ethic.
• Able to follow established procedures and work instructions accurately.
• Comfortable performing routine and operational tasks consistently.
• Strong attention to detail and record-keeping practices.
• Good teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently when required.
• Willingness to learn and support research activities.
• Commitment to safety, animal welfare, and biosecurity standards.

Position Expectations

This role is operational in nature and involves a significant amount of routine, hands-on, and physically demanding work. Candidates seeking primarily research-focused, office-based, or analytical positions may find this role less suitable. The primary focus of the position is to support aquaculture operations, animal care, facility maintenance, and research support activities to ensure the effective running of the wet laboratory environment.

Reporting Line

Reports to: Associate Specialist, Research (as assigned)

Education

• Higher Nitec graduate and above

 

Required Skills:

Animal Care, Animal Care, Animal Handling, Animal Health Care, Animal Husbandry, Animal Management, Biosafety, Cleaning Equipment, Data Recording, Equipment Ordering, Equipment Set Up, Experimentation, Facility Cleaning, Facility Maintenance, Independent Thinking, Inventory Maintenance, Inventory Management, Inventory Monitoring, Invertebrate Biology, Laboratory Analysis, Laboratory Animal Sciences, Laboratory Compliance, Laboratory Instrumentation, Laboratory Protocols, Laboratory Safety {+ 10 more}

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term)

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

Chemicals

Job Posting End Date:

10/31/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.