Temporary Laboratory/Research Technician

Temporary Laboratory/Research Technician

Nonexempt
Department of Entomology
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)
Ithaca, New York

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

The Department of Entomology is located on both the Ithaca and Geneva campuses. Their mission is threefold: To pursue studies to understand basic and applied aspects of insect biology; to provide a robust and modern curriculum as part of preeminent undergraduate and graduate programs; and to inform and educate the public about the issues related to insects and other arthropods. The Department of Entomology has 30 faculty and senior academics in Ithaca and 14 on the Geneva campus.

What We Need

As the Temporary Laboratory/Research Technician, you will perform routine research under the supervision of Dr. Mabel Taracena, Dr. Nicolas Buchon and senior lab staff. You will provide support for, and at times independently conduct, mosquito biology research, mating assessments, and mosquito laboratory experiments. You will be responsible for rearing and maintaining mosquito colonies. Additionally, you will provide support for general laboratory operations. Duties include:

• Conducting molecular assays, handling research animals, using dichotomous keys to identify mosquitoes from the field, data recording and performing complex data analysis.
• Assisting with supply inventory and labeling chemicals for disposal.
• Adhering to lab safety protocols with a solid understanding of laboratory safety techniques and procedures
• Maintaining moderately complex laboratory and field records in written and computerized formats.
• Conducting data recording and performing complex data analysis.

We are looking for a talented individual with an excellent work ethic who enjoys working in a research environment. Specifically, we need someone who has the following:

• High School Diploma and 2+ years relevant experience working in a laboratory environment or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to exercise some degree of independence
• Ability to work with chemicals requiring careful use.
• Maintain lab safety protocol and procedures at all times.
• Ability to lift 20-50 pounds.
• Must be punctual, reliable and able to occasionally work irregular hours.
• Experience in the collection of data and being comfortable with basic database and word processing programs.
• Knowledge of basic molecular biology skills, such as DNA extraction and PCR.
• Experience rearing and working with mosquitoes.
• Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.

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:

• Associate's Degree and 2+ years of college coursework in biology.
• Experience with statistical analyses in R.
• Experience with mosquito rearing, injections and dissections.
• Experience with RNA extraction.

This is a temporary six-month (39 hours/week) position. This appointment is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance. This on-site position is located in Ithaca, New York.

Rewards and Benefits

Compensation range is $23.40/hour to $23.69/hour.

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

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