Research Technician

SUNY Opt; New York (NY); On-site; USD 43,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

SUNY Opt, in the Ghosh Laboratory, seeks a Research Technician to gain hands-on experience in retinal biology research. The role involves supporting mouse colony management and executing molecular biology techniques under Dr. Ghosh.

This 1–2 year position is ideal for recent graduates aiming for graduate or medical training. The lab uses mouse models and molecular methods to study age-related macular degeneration and immune processes in vision science, offering publication and presentation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or related life science field.
• Some laboratory research experience from coursework, undergraduate project, internship, or employment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with maintenance of mouse colonies: breeding, genotyping, record-keeping.
• Perform routine molecular and cell biology techniques: cell culture, PCR/qPCR, western blotting, cloning, immunohistochemistry.
• Assist with tissue collection, cryo-sectioning, and microscopy experiments.
• Maintain laboratory inventories, supplies, and equipment.
• Record, organize, and analyze experimental data using standard software tools.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and contribute to research discussions.
• Assist with preparation of figures, reports, and manuscripts for scientific publications.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Genotyping

PCR/qPCR

Western blotting

Immunohistochemistry

Data analysis (GraphPad Prism)

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related life science

Tools

GraphPad Prism

Flow cytometry

Job description

The Department of Biological and Vision Science at the Research Foundation for the State University of New York, College of Optometry is seeking a Research Technician to join the laboratory of Dr. Sayan Ghosh, Assistant Professor. This position is ideal for a recent graduate with a degree in biology or a related field who is interested in gaining hands‑on research experience for 1-2 years before pursuing graduate, medical, or other professional training.

Research Areas

The Ghosh Laboratory investigates:

• The role of organelle dysfunction-mediated inflammation in early/dry age-related macular degeneration ( AMD )
• The impact of environmental risk factors on the immune system during AMD pathogenesis
• Immune cell interactions in aging and retinal degeneration

The laboratory utilizes state‑of‑the‑art molecular, cellular, and animal model systems to better understand the mechanisms underlying retinal disease and to identify potential therapeutic targets. Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss and represents a major public health challenge.

Position Responsibilities

Under the supervision of Dr. Ghosh, the Research Technician will:

• Assist with maintenance of mouse colonies, including breeding, genotyping, and record-keeping
• Perform routine molecular and cell biology techniques, including cell culture, PCR /qPCR, western blotting, cloning, and immunohistochemistry
• Assist with tissue collection, cryo‑sectioning, and microscopy experiments
• Maintain laboratory inventories, supplies, and equipment
• Record, organize, and analyze experimental data using standard software tools
• Participate in laboratory meetings and contribute to research discussions
• Assist with preparation of figures, reports, and manuscripts for scientific publications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or a related life science field
• Some prior laboratory research experience through coursework, an undergraduate research project, internship, or employment
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mammalian cell culture
• Experience working with mouse models or animal husbandry
• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques such as PCR , qPCR, cloning, western blotting, or flow cytometry
• Experience using data analysis software such as GraphPad Prism
• Interest in vision science, immunology, aging, or neurodegenerative disease research

What We Offer

This position provides an excellent opportunity to gain intensive research experience in a collaborative academic environment. The successful candidate will receive training in modern molecular, cellular, and animal research techniques and will have opportunities to contribute to publications and presentations. The position is particularly well‑suited for individuals preparing for graduate school, medical school, or a research career.

This position is funded through the Research Foundation for the State University of New York. This position is funded through the Research Foundation for the State University of New York. The Annual Salary Range is $42,500 to $45,000, and there is also a generous benefits package.

As an Equal Opportunity / Affidative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy‑related conditions, reproductive health decisions, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, prior arrest or conviction record, genetic characteristics/genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, military status or service, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under federal, state or local law.

The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

The Research Foundation for the State University of New York is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system, and do not receive state fringe benefits. The Research Foundation for the State University of New York operates under a contract with The State University of New York and receives no directly appropriated state funding.