RF Lab Technician

Job description

Location: Oswego, NY Category: Research Foundation Posted On: Wed Oct 15 2025 Job Description:
Description of Department:

The Aquatic Conservation Laboratory at SUNY Oswego is a dynamic and rapidly developing research hub located on the shores of Lake Ontario.

Our lab is at the forefront of applied molecular ecology, with a primary mission to develop cutting-edge science that directly informs conservation and management actions for critical aquatic ecosystems, including Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and their tributaries.

As a central node in a deeply integrated collaborative network, we work in constant partnership with a range of state, federal, and tribal agencies, such as the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe.

This collaborative environment provides unparalleled opportunities for our team to contribute to impactful research that has a tangible, real-world effect on regional and national policy.

The Lab Technician will be a key member of this team, contributing to projects that span from field sample collection to advanced molecular analyses.

While the position is affiliated with the vibrant academic community at SUNY Oswego, it is a full-time research role employed through the SUNY Research Foundation.

The Research Foundation (RF) at the State University of New York at Oswego invites applications for a full-time RF Lab Technician to join our team.

This is a critical role for our rapidly developing lab, offering an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful conservation efforts.

While this position is affiliated with the SUNY Oswego campus, it is a Research Foundation position, not a New York State position.

Posting Date: October 15, 2025

Review Date: Review of applications will begin two weeks after posting the job and will continue until the position is filled.

Compensation: $33,150 - $39,000, commensurate with experience, plus a complete Research Foundation benefits package.

Benefit Information: The Research Foundation for SUNY provides an excellent benefit package.

Click here (https://benefits.rfsuny.org/) for more information.

Date of Appointment: As soon as possible

Description of Responsibilities:

Join a dynamic and collaborative research team in Dr. Nick Sard's lab at SUNY Oswego, where your work will directly contribute to impactful conservation genetics.

As the Lab Technician, you will work closely with the principal investigator and other researchers on projects centered on critical Great Lakes environmental issues.

This dynamic role extends beyond the bench, offering opportunities to participate in fieldwork to collect vital tissue and environmental DNA (eDNA) samples.

In the lab, your precise execution of molecular techniques including DNA extraction, PCR, Sanger sequencing, and next-generation sequencing methods like GT-seq and RAD-seq will provide the foundation for the team's success.

In addition to these core research activities, you will be a key partner in maintaining the lab's operational readiness by assisting with supply monitoring and the organization of databases and sample repositories.

This position is a full-time Research Foundation role with full benefits, a flexible schedule, and opportunities to learn and grow within a team where collaboration is central to achieving our shared conservation goals.

SUNY Oswego works continuously to create an inclusive environment which respects, embraces, and promotes cultural safety, belonging, civil discourse, cultural humility, and other values and goals outlined in SUNY Oswego's Strategic Diversity and Inclusion Plan (https://ww1.oswego.edu/diversity/) .

As such, the incumbent is expected to contribute to these efforts and possess communication and interpersonal skills necessary to engage effectively with an increasingly diverse community of students and colleagues.

Job Requirements:
Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a closely related field is required.

The ideal candidate must possess demonstrated hands-on experience with fundamental molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis.

This role demands strong attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills.

A core requirement is the proven ability to meticulously and consistently adhere to established protocols.

Furthermore, excellent communication and teamwork skills are essential for success in our collaborative lab environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

We prefer candidates with prior experience working in a dedicated research laboratory setting.

A foundational knowledge of conservation genetics principles and their applications would be a significant asset.

Additionally, proficiency in data analysis software, such as R or Python, for interpreting genetic data is highly desirable and would allow the candidate to contribute to projects at a more advanced level.

At SUNY Oswego we value the diversity found in each member of our campus community and strive to create a community where that diversity is embraced and enhanced.

Recognizing the strength of diversity, our mission is to foster an environment which respects, embraces and promotes cultural competence, civil discourse and active engagement in developing an inclusive and vibrant community of scholars who act as transformational agents of change and responsible citizens of the world.

For more information see SUNY Oswego's Strategic Diversity and Inclusion Plan (https://ww1.oswego.edu/diversity/) .

As a candidate seeking consideration you are asked to submit a separate statement specifically addressing how your commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion has been evidenced in your career experience and professional activity, and/or community service (volunteer work, etc.), and/or professional development.

(Please see Application Instructions)

Additional Information:
Oswego is committed to enhancing its diversity.

SUNY Oswego is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and is actively engaged in recruiting, supporting, and fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff and students.

We encourage applications from qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim SUNY status, or criminal conviction.

Please click here (https://www.oswego.edu/human-resources/non-discrimination-policy) to see our full non-discrimination policy.

In accordance with USCIS regulations, successful applicants must be legally able to work in the United States per the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Requests for reasonable accommodations of a disability during the application and/or interview process should be made to Dr. Starr Wheeler, ADA/504 Compliance Officer at starr.wheeler@oswego.edu or 315-312-3872

For Campus Safety information, please click here (https://www.oswego.edu/police/annual-report) to see the Annual Security and Fire Report (Clery).

SUNY Oswego is a smoke free/tobacco/e-cigarette free campus.

Click here (https://www.oswego.edu/human-resources/sites/human-resources/files/tobacco_smoke_free_policy_final.pdf) for further policy details, including education and cessation resources.

Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation.

If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@oer.ny.gov.

Search Chair:

If you have any questions about the position, please e-mail: Nicholas Sard, Search Chair at nicholas.sard@oswego.edu

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Required Skill Profession

Other General