"Temporary Laboratory and Research Technician - Three Month Appointment (Section of Plant Breeding and Genetics); Ithaca, New York"

Temporary Laboratory and Research Technician

Nonexempt
Section of Plant Breeding and Genetics
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)
Ithaca, New York

Who We Are

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: natural and human systems; food, energy, and environmental resources; and social, physical, and economic well-being.

Plant breeding is a critical tool in the fight for food security and responsible environmental stewardship in the 21st century. For more than one hundred years, Plant Breeding and Genetics at Cornell University has been widely recognized for developing novel breeding methodologies and discovering economically important genes and varieties.

Dr. Greg Vogel’s breeding program concentrates on tomato and eggplant improvement for New York and the Northeastern U.S. Program objectives include the development of new varieties, the discovery of genes controlling important traits, and the implementation of new technologies in applied breeding programs.

What You Will Do

As the Temporary Laboratory and Research Technician, you will work as a member of the vegetable breeding team. You will assist in research projects in the greenhouse and field investigating subjects such as disease resistance and fruit quality.

Duties include:

• Support field trials including by sowing, transplanting, trellising, harvesting, and processing seed.
• Collect data and perform standard calculations.
• Input, retrieve, and record experimental data using straightforward computer techniques and software.
• Transport supplies, harvested produce between campus and farm locations.
• Adhere to all laboratory and field safety protocols and complete training on lab safety and proper handling of chemicals as required.

What We Need

We are looking for an individual who enjoys working in an outdoor research environment. We need someone who has interest in agriculture, working outdoors, and working as part of a team. Additionally, we need someone who has:

• High school diploma and 1+ year of relevant experience in agriculture, either in a commercial or research setting or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior knowledge of safety protocols in a lab and agricultural field setting.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite - including Word, PowerPoint and Excel and familiarity with Outlook.
• Ability to communicate verbally and written with faculty, staff and students.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license and be cleared to drive for university business.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you!  There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, including:

• Experience with the production of fruits or vegetables.
• Experience growing tomatoes in the field and greenhouse.
• Experience working in a research setting in either the lab or field.

This is a temporary three-month (40 hours/week) position located in Ithaca, New York.

This appointment is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance. The term of the appointment is August 1, 2026 - October 31, 2026.

We hope you appreciate great benefits. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, and sustainability initiatives.

• Compensation is $22.70/hour.

No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

How to Apply

You must submit both a resume/CV and a cover letter. 

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