CALS- Technician III - Microbiology- Laboratory Technician

The Opportunity

As an individual contributor you will model and support a culture of inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing and continually seek to understand how your role, behaviors, and actions impact the success of this culture.

About the College

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University's second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world's complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

The Department of Microbiology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University houses fourteen active research laboratories. It serves as the home department for the Graduate Field of Microbiology, with over 50+ affiliated faculty members, and provides a center of expertise for numerous aspects of microbial biology. The faculty and staff offer advanced courses for both undergraduate and graduate students.

The position is located within the department of Microbiology.

We are currently seeking a Research Technician to join the lab of Dr. Heather Feaga in the Department of Microbiology. Research in the Feaga lab focuses on identifying and characterizing translation factors in Bacillus subtilis. We use a combination of genetic, biochemical, and bioinformatic approaches to study these factors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and participate in ongoing lab projects, providing support to existing projects and developing new projects.
• Evaluate, troubleshoot, and handle simple repairs for laboratory equipment.
• Maintain lab equipment and train new lab members in its use.
• Coordinate sample shipping and data sharing with collaborating labs.
• Assist with overall lab maintenance, including coordinating with other lab members to order supplies, update inventories, and maintain cleanliness.
• Participate in lab group meetings.
• Provide instruction, training, and direction to visiting scientists, postdoctoral associates, graduate trainees, and undergraduate students as directed by the supervisor.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

This is a full-time position at 100% FTE. This is a one-year term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance. This position is located on the Ithaca, NY campus and is fully in person.

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

What We Need

• Associate's degree and up to 2 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Proficiency in basic computer programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.) and the use of online data-sharing tools (e.g., Dropbox, Google Docs).
• Proficiency in standard lab techniques such as culturing micro-organisms and maintaining sterile technique
• Experience in data collection and analysis
• Experience with bioinformatics and ability to analyze sequencing data
• Experience maintaining a detailed laboratory notebook.
• Knowledge of standard laboratory safety protocols and guidelines.
• Ability to lift 20 pounds.
• Visual concentration, attention to detail, and manual dexterity are required.
• Must be able to work irregular hours occasionally.
• Ability to keep equipment, materials, and lab organized.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact with technical personnel.
• Ability to take initiative.
• Must be personable, flexible, and take pride in their work.
• Possess excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to pay attention to detail.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, faculty, and staff.
• Ability to create an inclusive, high-quality, and respectful work environment both in a team setting and independently to achieve departmental and university goals.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities.

If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it's ok if you don't.

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field.
• Previous laboratory experience (2+ years).
• Previous hands-on experience in either biochemistry OR bioinformatics
• Experience with biochemistry such as protein purification and molecular cloning, OR
• Experience with next-generation sequencing technologies, bioinformatics, R, Python

Rewards and Benefits

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

Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: