Job Description

Commitment to On-Campus Experience
Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range $19.00 - $26.00
Pay Determination
Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level S3
FLSA Status Non-exempt
Hours
Standard University business hours

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type Full-time
Unionized Position Code Not Applicable
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 [email protected]. 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.
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