CALS- Research Support Specialist II- Manager, Shared Environmental Analysis Lab (SEAL)
About The Position
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University is seeking a Research Support Specialist II to manage the Shared Environmental Analysis Lab (SEAL). This recently initiated core analytical facility supports research and training related to environmental chemistry and environmental quality. SEAL provides analytical services, instrumentation access, and technical expertise to faculty, students, and collaborators who require analysis of the chemical composition of soil, sediment, water, air, and tissue samples. The Research Support Specialist will oversee the day-to-day operations of the facility, maintain and develop analytical capabilities, and support a diverse community of researchers using the lab. This position combines hands-on analytical chemistry, laboratory and instrument management, and user training in a collaborative research environment. The role involves maintaining and/or supervising a sophisticated maintenance program for critical equipment, providing specifications for inventory and equipment needs, recommending new materials and vendors, developing quality control measurements, and adhering to all disease control and laboratory safety protocols. Training on lab safety and proper handling of chemicals is required, as are appropriate laboratory safety and waste disposal protocols for compliance. This is a full-time, one-year term appointment with the possibility of reappointment. Every member of the community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and 3 to 5 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination in chemistry, environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, or a closely related field, with substantial hands-on experience in analytical chemistry.
- Prior experience in a laboratory setting.
- Experience analyzing environmental samples such as soil, water, or air is required.
- Prior knowledge of safety protocols in a lab setting and proper waste handling.
- Practical skills in operating advanced equipment; such as Ion and Gas Chromatographs, Segmented Flow Analyzers, ICP-MS, TOC/TN analyzers, and similar analytical systems.
- Must demonstrate the ability to learn, develop, and refine analytical techniques and to operate and troubleshoot modern analytical instrumentation.
- Must be comfortable diagnosing instrument problems and performing routine maintenance and minor repairs.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential.
- Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, or a related discipline.
- Experience managing a shared instrumentation facility or research laboratory is preferred.
- Experience training and supervising students or laboratory staff.
- Familiarity with laboratory billing or cost-recovery systems.
- Experience negotiating with vendors for equipment purchases or service contracts are also desirable.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Shared Environmental Analysis Lab (SEAL).
- Maintain and develop analytical capabilities of the facility.
- Support a diverse community of researchers using the lab.
- Maintain and/or supervise a sophisticated maintenance program involving critical equipment or other materials.
- Provide specifications for inventory and equipment needs.
- Recommend new laboratory or program materials and vendors.
- Develop quality control measurements of manufacturer materials used in successive and comparative experiments.
- Adhere to all disease control and laboratory safety protocols.
- Complete training on lab safety and proper handling of chemicals as required by CALS EHS.
- Implement appropriate laboratory safety and waste disposal protocols for compliance.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health care options
- Generous retirement contributions
- Access to wellness programs
- Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
- Health and personal leave
- Three weeks of vacation
- 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.
- Two additional floating holidays
- Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
- Tuition aid for external education
- Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
