Technician II - IVF Embryologist Lab Technician

About the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS):
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is Cornell University’s second-largest college and a leader in purpose-driven science. Through research, education, and outreach, CALS works across disciplines to address complex challenges related to scientific discovery, food and environmental health, and the prosperity of communities. Its work addresses issues of importance in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

About the Duan Lab:
The Duan Lab integrates genomics and computational approaches to study molecular mechanisms and regulatory factors that influence animal health, fertility, and production. The lab focuses on functional elements that regulate gene expression during development and in response to environmental stressors. Its long-term goal is to advance understanding of epigenetic regulation in animal health and disease while using functional genomics tools to improve fertility and overall animal well-being.

The Opportunity

This position supports the day-to-day operation of an IVF laboratory and weekly laboratory activities related to research on early embryonic development. Responsibilities include producing IVF embryos, conducting embryo microinjection and cryopreservation procedures, and developing and optimizing experimental protocols and laboratory SOPs. The technician will also provide hands‑on training and technical support to students, ensuring consistent procedures and efficient laboratory operations. Additionally, the role involves collecting and organizing experimental data for figures, reports, and scientific presentations across multiple embryo-related research projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide routine to moderately complex IVF technical laboratory support for a research program and/or facility.
• Manage and coordinate weekly IVF laboratory operations and activities.
• Provide hands‑on technical training and mentorship to students working in the IVF laboratory.
• Support day-to-day laboratory functions to ensure efficient workflow and continuity of research projects.
• Assist with developing databases and maintaining standard laboratory records.
• Assist with inventory management and ordering of laboratory supplies as directed.
• Establish, maintain, and update laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure consistent application of experimental procedures across multiple users and research projects.
• Prepare standard stains, media, buffers, and reagents for IVF laboratory experiments.
• Prepare and maintain standard tissue and cell cultures for experimentation.
• Perform a variety of standard cell/tissue assays, culture preparation, and analyses.
• Ensure laboratory procedures comply with established safety protocols and standards.
• Ensure other laboratory personnel adhere to laboratory safety protocols.

What We Need

• Bachelor’s degree and up to 2 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination.
• Prior experience in an IVF laboratory setting.
• Prior knowledge of IVF laboratory safety protocols and proper waste handling.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and familiarity with Outlook.
• Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS driver’s license and be cleared to drive for university business.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with faculty, staff, and students.
• Demonstrated experience in an embryology IVF laboratory and a molecular laboratory.
• Purpose‑driven, highly motivated, and dedicated to producing excellent results while collaborating across interdisciplinary projects.
• Experience providing oversight of embryology‑related training to undergraduate students.
• Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.

If you…