Centrifuge rotor

The present invention is directed to a centrifuge rotor having a rotor body and an associated lid. A skirt with a radially outwardly facing surface thereon depends from the radially outer peripheral undersurface of the lid. A contoured cut-out is formed in at least the radially outwardly facing surface of the skirt. The undersurface of the lid radially outwardly of the skirt also has a generally contoured cut-out formed therein. The contours of the cut-out portions meld together and cooperate to define a smoothly curved concave undercut region below the periphery of the lid that accepts a lifting implement, whereby lifting or lowering of the rotor may be facilitated.