Lab Technician

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Lab Operations & Administration
  • Financial management of the lab, including ordering supplies, tracking expenditures, and financial due diligence
  • 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

Qualifications

• 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

• 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