Lab Technician

About the Lab

The Kelleher Lab studies the biophysics of mammalian oocytes and early embryos. We combine quantitative live-cell microscopy with concepts from soft matter and active matter physics to understand how cellular structures, particularly the meiotic spindle and the preimplantation embryo, self-organize and generate force. Our work sits at the interface of physics, cell biology, and reproductive medicine, with applications to IVF and human fertility. The lab is part of Syracuse Universitys Department of Physics and is affiliated with the Bioinspired Institute. More information: https://cokelleh.expressions.syr.edu/

Working Conditions

The role involves standard wet-lab work, including handling chemicals and biological materials under appropriate PPE, and (if the candidate takes on rodent work) participation in the universitys occupational health program for animal handlers. Research involving human gametes is conducted under approved IRB protocols.

Questions

Informal questions about the role can be directed to Colm Kelleher at cokelleh@syr.edu. Formal applications must be submitted through the Syracuse University careers portal.

This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by the union SEIU, Local 200United.

Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, biophysics, bioengineering, or a related field
• Hands-on experience with standard molecular biology techniques (cloning, bacterial culture, nucleic acid prep).
• Demonstrated organization, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Skills and Knowledge

• Prior lab management or technician experience in an academic research setting.
• Experience with in vitro transcription / mRNA synthesis.
• Experience with rodent colony management and IACUC procedures.
• Familiarity with university procurement systems.

Responsibilities

Lab Operations & Administration

• Financial management of the lab, including ordering supplies, tracking expenditures, and financial due diligence
• Inventory and maintain stocks of consumables and shared reagents
• Routine maintenance of lab equipment
• Maintaining accurate records of experiments, reagents, and lab procedures

Research & Technical Work

• Bacterial culture and plasmid amplification
• In vitro mRNA synthesis
• Routine assays and quality control
• Molecular cloning and other molecular biology tasks as needed
• Mouse colony management
• Collecting preliminary data in support of ongoing research projects

Safety & Compliance

• Managing lab safety, including training and compliance with university EHS requirements
• Regulatory compliance (e.g., MTAs with other labs, IRB paperwork for research on human gametes)
• Onboarding and training new lab members (postdocs, graduate students, undergraduates, visitors)
• General communications/website management