Temporary Research Aide

Temporary Research Aide

Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory

Cornell AgriTech

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

Portland, 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.

Cornell AgriTech serves an evolving agricultural sector that remains an economic engine for New York state, valued at over $36.7 billion a year. Originally established by an act of the New York State Legislature on June 26, 1880, "for the purpose of promoting agriculture in its various branches by scientific investigation and experiment", Cornell AgriTech has grown to become the important hub for food and agriculture research and extension that it is today.

The Cornell Lake Erie Research Extension Laboratory (CLEREL) supports the grape industries of western New York and Pennsylvania through precision viticulture, vineyard mechanization, and optimized nutrient management. Researchers in this region have had a rich history of sustaining viticulture advancement of vineyard management and production systems, grape breeding, pest control and mechanical harvesting, among others

What We Need

As the Temporary Technical Research Aide, you will focus on the integration and deployment of autonomous systems within vineyard research plots. This role is responsible for the operational setup, communication, troubleshooting, and field execution of the farm-ng Amiga robotic platform. The position serves as a technical link between autonomous hardware and precision viticulture data collection.

Other duties include:

• Executing the setup and field deployment of the farm-ng Amiga robotic platform for autonomous navigation within vineyard rows.
• Assisting in the mounting and calibration of agricultural sensors onto the robotic platform for automated data collection.
• Maintaining detailed logs of robotic performance, communication interruptions, and battery/power efficiency under field conditions.
• Adhering to strict safety standards regarding the operation of autonomous machinery in shared agricultural workspaces.
• Conducting field checks to ensure autonomous sensor deployments align with traditional ground-truth measurements.

We are looking for a talented individual with an excellent work ethic, who appreciates agriculture and working outdoors. Specifically, we need someone who has the following:

• High School Diploma and 1+ year of relevant experience in precision agriculture, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven ability to work with digital technology, including experience or aptitude for robotics interfaces, GNSS systems, and wireless networking.
• Must be able to navigate uneven vineyard terrain and access difficult-to-reach field locations.
• Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions common to the region’s growing season.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 10 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.
• Must be able to meet the regional travel requirements of the position to reach various research vineyard sites.

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:

• Completion of college-level education in Engineering, Computer Science, Agricultural Technology, or a related technical discipline.
• Direct experience with field robotics and autonomous navigation systems.
• Must be independent and self-motivated, with a demonstrated ability to troubleshoot technical challenges in a field environment.

This is a three-month, temporary, full-time position at 39 hours/week that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance. This position is located in Portland, New York.

Rewards and Benefits

Compensation is $23.00/hour.

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

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

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