What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lab Technician position at Syracuse University?
Job Description
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 University’s 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 university’s 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
Lab Operations & Administration
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About The Syracuse Area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
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 University’s 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 university’s 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
- Bachelor’s 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.
- 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.
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
- 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
- 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
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About The Syracuse Area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.