Title: Research Support Specialist – Comparative Immunology

Location: SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), Syracuse, NY

Duration: 364 days

Pay rate: $25 / hr, full-time

Position Description

The laboratory of Dr. Cynthia Downs (https://www.esf.edu/faculty/downs/index.php) at ESF
seeks a Technician to conduct comparative immunology research on an NSF-funded project in
collaboration with Dr. Andreas Koenig (SUNY Upstate Medical University) and Dr. Jessica
Brinkworth (University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign). The successful candidate will join an
interdisciplinary team investigating neutrophil function across mammalian species. Projects will
quantify neutrophil antibacterial functions and cellular energetics during ex vivo immune challenges to test hypotheses about how body mass shapes investment in immune defenses.

Primary Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to):
• Perform cell culturing and microbiology techniques and procedures.
• Isolate cell populations, including neutrophils, from whole blood and perform assays of
antibacterial function.
• Rearing of pathogenic bacteria.
• Extract RNA.
• Managing data
• Purchasing and tracking supplies.
• Maintaining correspondence with collaborators around sample acquisition.
• Travel to animal care facilities for laboratory work (funded trips up to ~2 weeks each; ~5
trips in year one).
• Depending on prior experience, complete up to three months of training at UIUC.

Required Qualifications
• BS (by start date) in immunology, microbiology, biotech, integrative organismal
biology, or a closely related field.
• Proficiency with biosafety protocols.
• Proficiency with aseptic technique.
• Hands-on experience with immunological and/or microbiological techniques.
• Willingness to travel for training and sample collection and to work as part of a
multidisciplinary team.
• Strong motivation, independence, and collaborative mindset.

Preferred Qualifications
• Proficiency with cell isolation from whole blood and cell culture
• Experience culturing microorganisms (including intracellular infection protocols) in
and outside eukaryotic cells.
• Experience with transcriptomics (wet lab workflows).

Application Procedure
Email a single PDF containing (1) cover letter, (2) CV, and (3) contact information for three
references to Dr. Cynthia Downs at cjdowns@esf.edu. Please use the subject line “RSS –
Comparative Immunology – [Your Last Name]” and name the file
LastName_FirstName_RSS.pdf.

Timeline

Applications will be reviewed beginning April 17, 2026, and will be accepted until the position
is filled. A preferred start date is mid May 2026 (negotiable).

Equal Employment Opportunity

ESF is an AA/EOE committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community.