Research Technician

Research Technician (Technician III)

The Roeder Lab, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology

The Opportunity

Dr. Adrienne Roeder’s research group at Cornell University (https://roeder.wicmb.cornell.edu/) is seeking a highly motivated Research Technician to support ongoing research on sepal morphogenesis in response to external perturbations. The technician will play a key role in advancing the goals of the NSF-funded URoL:EN Emergent Morphogenesis project, working closely with postdoctoral scholars in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.

This position is essential to achieving the aims of our NSF grant, particularly those focused on environmental perturbation responses, spatial transcriptomics, and hyperspectral microscopy. The technician’s contributions will directly support data generation, analysis, and dissemination of research findings. Prior laboratory experience is expected, but expertise in the described techniques is not required. We seek candidates demonstrating a strong motivation to learn and excel, and we will provide training in all procedures and techniques. This is a full-time (40 hours/week), benefits eligible, one-year term position.

Responsibilities

The Research Technician will work together with a postdoctoral associate to contribute to three major components of the project: 1) live imaging and spatial transcriptomics; 2) perturbation and morphogenesis analysis; and 3) advanced microscopy.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Plant care and maintenance
• Genotyping and routine molecular biology tasks
• Media preparation and general laboratory support
• Assisting with figure preparation, manuscript writing, and presentations
• Participating in collaborative team meetings and URoL:EN project events

About Us

At the Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, part of Cornell Research & Innovation, researchers push the frontiers of biology by decoding how cells function at the molecular level, pioneering innovative techniques, and analyzing mechanisms of health and disease to transform our understanding of life’s fundamental processes. The Institute thrives as an interdisciplinary hub of life science research at Cornell. Behind every breakthrough is a dedicated community of scientists, support staff, and students asking bold questions, undertaking cutting-edge research, and sharing ideas and technology - to advance knowledge and improve the human condition.

What We Need

Please submit a cover letter and resume telling us about your interest, experience, and qualifications for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

When reviewing your materials and evaluating your candidacy, we will look for evidence of the following:

• Associate’s degree and 2 years of relevant work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Previous laboratory research experience (academic or industry)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-based research environment
• Willingness to work full-time on site and perform hands-on experimental work
• Demonstrated high standards of conduct, including honesty and trustworthiness
• Clear and consistent communications, orally and in writing
• Demonstrated use of sound judgment in problem solving
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members

Additionally, the following would be helpful to have, but not required:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, plant biology, molecular biology, genetics, bioengineering, or a related field
• Ability to be self-directed, take appropriate action and be efficient and resourceful in fulfilling responsibilities
• Motivated to continuously learn and improve
• Experience with plant biology, developmental biology, or morphogenesis research
• Experience with live imaging, confocal or multiphoton microscopy
• Familiarity with image analysis and quantitative morphometrics; experience with MorphoGraphX or similar software is a plus
• Experience with RNA-based assays, spatial transcriptomics, cryosectioning, or histology
• Basic computational or data analysis skills (e.g., R, Python, ImageJ/Fiji, MATLAB)
• Experience with plant care, genotyping, and routine molecular biology techniques
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to contribute to figures, manuscripts, and presentations
• Interest in interdisciplinary and collaborative research projects

Rewards and Benefits

This position is located in Ithaca, New York, on the campus of Cornell University. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability. This is a fixed-term position with an initial appointment period of one year and is renewable based on available funding and satisfactory performance.

Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.

Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell.

Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell.