Animal Caretaker (Part-Time) - Jarvis Lab

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The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we're unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.

Lab Overview
The Jarvis Lab, led by HHMI Investigator Dr. Erich Jarvis at Rockefeller University, investigates the neurogenomics of complex traits with a specific focus on vocal learning and spoken language. The Rockefeller University Field Research Center (FRC) in Millbrook, New York is focused on neuroethology of wild animals and avian transgenics. The team strives for excellence and inclusion as a model and strategy toward achieving ambitious goals in science. For more information, visit https://www.jarvislab.net/

About the Role
We are seeking a dependable and enthusiastic Animal Caretaker to join the Jarvis Lab team on a part-time basis at the Rockefeller University Field Research Center in Millbrook, New York. This is a hands-on, active role ideal for someone who loves working with animals, takes pride in their work, and thrives in an independent, close-knit environment. The position involves daily care and colony management of the lab's songbirds — including zebra finches, parakeets, Japanese quail, and pigeons — and is a great fit for someone who is always looking to stay busy and make a meaningful contribution to ongoing research.

Schedule: 20 hours per week — Tuesday through Saturday, approximately 4 hours per day (tentative).

What We Provide

• A competitive hourly compensation package with comprehensive HHMI health and wellness benefits.
• Hands-on training and mentorship from day one with a supportive, easygoing supervisor.
• The rewarding experience of working with animals daily — including witnessing the hatching process firsthand.
• Attendance at open lab meetings for ongoing scientific learning and self-development.
• Access to the Field Research Center's outdoor walking trails and beautiful upstate New York setting.
• Opportunity to join a welcoming, open-minded team within the broader Rockefeller University research community.

What You'll Do

• Manage the bird colony day-to-day alongside other team members — including health checks, monitoring, handling, feeding, breeding, and collecting specimens for zebra finches, parakeets, Japanese quail, and other bird species.
• Clean bird cages and research accessories on a regular basis to maintain a safe and organized environment.
• Prepare feed for the bird colony and administer topical and oral medications as directed.
• Assist with general lab organization and cleanliness.
• Drive a lab vehicle around the facility as needed (valid NY state driver's license required).
• Other duties as assigned — everyone on this team wears multiple hats.

What You Bring

Required:

• High school diploma or GED.
• A valid New York State driver's license and willingness to drive in various weather conditions.
• Ability to move and lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time, walk, bend and/or crouch on hard surfaces.
• Comfort and willingness to work with live animals on a daily basis — including comfort with euthanasia procedures when required.
• A self-starter with strong initiative, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to work.
• Comfortable working independently for periods of time.
• Excellent organizational, multitasking, and time management skills.
• Ability to work well with a small, close-knit team.

Preferred:

• At least 1 year of hands-on professional or research experience working with animals in any capacity — prior bird experience is a strong plus.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

Hiring Pay Range

Pay Type:

The posted range reflects HHMI’s good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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