Animal Technician II - Duck Lab

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University is seeking a detail-oriented Animal Technician to support animal care and laboratory operations at the Duck Research Laboratory located in Eastport, Long Island. In this role, you will contribute to the daily care of research animals, assist with laboratory procedures and quality control testing, and help maintain clean, organized, and compliant facilities. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on laboratory work and supporting research that advances animal health.

The job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide daily husbandry and care for ducks used in laboratory studies, including feeding, monitoring health, and maintaining clean, sanitized animal housing areas.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records to ensure compliance with USDA and other regulatory requirements.
• Clean, disinfect, and maintain laboratory, production, and storage areas, including sterilizing equipment and properly disposing of regulated medical waste.
• Support vaccine production and quality control activities by preparing sterile equipment and materials, assisting with inoculations and sample collection, and performing basic microbiology techniques.
• Monitor and maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and inventory, and regularly operate specialized equipment such as autoclaves, pH meters, spectrophotometers, and peristaltic pumps.

Employees working in the laboratory must receive the pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis vaccination series prior to or immediately after hire, which will be paid for by the department.

Required Qualifications

• High school Diploma and up to 1 year relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate, detailed records and follow established laboratory protocols and documentation standards.
• Proven ability to manage time effectively, prioritize multiple responsibilities, and work independently to meet established deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members and share information both verbally and in writing.
• Proficiency with common office software such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and the ability to quickly learn new systems and applications as needed.
• Ability to handle sensitive or confidential information with professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion.
• Ability to work with formalin.
• Must possess and maintain a valid New York State driver’s license.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position including but not limited to pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Pharmaceutical production experience.
• Previous media prep experience.
• Experience working within an organization with quality assurance.
• Experience caring for laboratory animals.
• Familiarity with common diseases impacting avian health.

Important Details about the Position

• This is an onsite position located in Eastport, NY.
• This is a full-time three-year term position with potential for extension contingent upon funding and performance.
• We are unable to provide Visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for this position.
• Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.
• While the regular business hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, the specific schedule may change to meet the needs of the business, requiring employees to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and University holidays and scheduled breaks.

The Following Documents are Required to be Submitted with your Application

• Resume
• Cover Letter

What We Offer:

Great benefits! Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

• 3 weeks of paid vacation
• 13 additional holiday days with 2 additional floating holidays to be used at your discretion
• An award-winning employer provided benefits program
  • Comprehensive health care options
  • Access to wellness programs
  • Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
  • Generous retirement contributions
  • Impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, Tuition Aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance program

Follow this link for more information: https://hr.cornell.edu/understand-your-benefits

Employees are expected to meet all of the Cornell University Staff Skills for Success, which are essential for individual and organizational success.

About Us

The Cornell University Duck Research Laboratory is a research, service and biologics production laboratory located on Long Island at Eastport, New York. It is a national and international resource for information on duck disease control, good husbandry practices, proper nutrition, and various other aspects of duck production. The lab provides comprehensive diagnostic necropsy and testing services to identify illness and produces vaccines to assist in the prevention of common diseases affecting duck health.