Starfish Neuroscience is an early-stage startup advancing the science and engineering of brain interfaces. Basic and clinical neuroscience has shown how targeted modulation of brain activity patterns can create precise changes in physiology, affect, or cognition. We see that this ability can be harnessed to treat a wide range of conditions, from movement disorders to mood disorders and from poor sleep to chronic pain. Our mission is to build the foundational technology for safe, flexible, and reliable neuromodulation and to deploy that technology as precision therapies, easily available to the people who need them. 

To achieve our mission, we need a diverse team of science, engineering, clinical, and operations experts. We are looking for candidates who are effective when working independently or collaboratively, who have both deep expertise in their domain and broad curiosity beyond, and who have demonstrated technical or professional excellence.

Job Summary

We seek a highly skilled Veterinary or Lab Animal Technician to join a team of exceptional scientists and engineers in our Seattle area pre-clinical research and development program. The candidate would help grow a team that is responsible for husbandry and veterinary care and that collaborates closely with our scientists on surgical and behavioral studies. A successful candidate will be self-directed, eager to learn new things, and able to identify how their knowledge and skills can best advance our mission. This position also requires excellent communication and record keeping skills.

Scope of Responsibilities

The fundamental role of the successful candidate will be to work with the Attending Veterinarian to ensure a high level of husbandry and veterinary care, promoting the well-being of research animals while also enabling efficient technical progress. The precise duties will depend on the candidate’s qualifications and interests.

Broad duties will include:

• Performing a range of procedures in husbandry, surgery, and general animal care
• Assisting in the routine maintenance of the animal and research facilities, equipment, and supplies
• Ensuring regulatory compliance
• Communicating with others about the health of animals.
• Working closely with the scientific team to develop new experimental protocols and infrastructure
• Training personnel on animal-related procedures and regulatory compliance
• Assisting in the hiring and recruiting process

Duties may also include:

• Performing surgical procedures and developing surgical protocols
• Behavioral training and developing training protocols
• Participation in the IACUC and helping to write regulatory protocols

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree or professional certification in a related field 
• 1+ years experience in animal handling, animal husbandry, or veterinary medicine
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills
• Basic understanding of animal anatomy and physiology
• Ability to wear personal protection equipment including scrubs, disposable coveralls, gloves, shoe covers, gowns, ear-plugs/muffs, face mask and eye protection and N95 respirators
• Ability to lift 40 lbs and work upright for extended periods
• Provide documented proof of completed of COVID-19 vaccination
• Successful completion of background check prior to starting work 

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) certification, and/or Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) certification
• Experience with neuroscience research, including stereotaxic surgery or behavioral training
• Surgical and post-operative experience in rodents
• Maintenance of a valid driver’s license 

Starfish Neuroscience encourages and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. Consideration will be given to candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, pregnancy, family medical history or genetic information, age, veteran status, family status, or disability status. Starfish is committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment and does not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.

Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities will be provided unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship or present a direct threat. Please contact us to request accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process.