Job Description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Room 18545, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Temporary

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

400911 Ctr Musculoskeletal Research

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 104 H

Compensation Range:

$18.65 - $26.11

Responsibilities:

A Research Technician I position for Summer 2026 is available in the laboratory of Dr. Gowrishankar Muthukrishnan, Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics and the Center for Musculoskeletal Research. The Muthukrishnan Lab investigates the immunobiology of musculoskeletal infections, with the goal of identifying novel biomarkers and efficacious immunotherapeutics.

The Research Technician I will provide routine technical support within the laboratory and assist with ongoing NIH-funded research projects. Responsibilities include performing experiments by following established protocols under direct supervision, including mouse tissue harvest, sample processing (e.g., homogenization or single cell isolation for flow cytometry), CFU assays, PCR and gel electrophoresis, and cell culture. Critically, since the Muthukrishnan maintains 12 different mouse strains, the technician will conduct mouse colony matinenance which includes: weaning, mating, ear punching, and inventory. The technician will also be responsible for collecting, organizing, and recording experimental data as directed by the Principal Investigator and/or senior laboratory personnel.

This is a full-time, temporary summer position. Typical working hours are between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday (flexible), with occasional weekend work as needed.

Qualifications:

• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment
• Effective time management skills
• Willingness to work with mice
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs mouse colony maintenance (weaning, mating, ear punching, inventory) according to established lab and UCAR protocols and under direct supervision of the Principal Investigator and/or senior lab personnel.
• Performs isolation of bone marrow cells from mice for co-culture experiments utilizing cell differentiation and MACS methods according to established protocols and under direct supervision of the Principal Investigator and/or senior lab personnel.
• Performs PCR and gel electrophoresis for mouse genotyping according to established protocols and under direct supervision of the Principal Investigator and/or senior lab personnel.
• Assists the Principal Investigator and senior lab personnel in training the two new undergraduate students conducting summer research in PCR, gel electrophoresis, tissue processing from harvest, and CFU assays.
• Collects, records, and enters experimental data into established laboratory databases and systems; organizes data for review by the Principal Investigator and/or senior lab personnel.
• Attends lab meetings and relevant seminars as appropriate.
• Assists with routine laboratory upkeep and monitoring of supply/reagent inventory under supervision.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Associate's degree Health Science, Biology, Chemistry or other science related field of study preferred.
• Experience in a large complex health care or academic setting preferred.
• Understanding of medical or laboratory terminology preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to effectively communicate with staff and faculty of all levels preferred.
• Knowledge of University policies and procedures preferred.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.